Tom Monaco: An Enduring Legacy
WordPlay suffered an unimaginable loss in early spring 2017 when our Board Chair and friend, Tom Monaco, passed away unexpectedly. Our organization, along with all whose lives he touched through his work with WordPlay, numerous other nonprofits, schools and individuals across the city, are immeasurably better for the gifts he so selflessly shared. Tom was a keen observer of human behavior and spent the majority of his mentorship with me teaching me not how to be a more productive leader in my work role, but how to prioritize my personal well-being. Take care of yourself, and the rewards of work will fall into place. An elusive lesson, but one I now emphasize in coaching our WordPlay team and students. I believe this is his most enduring legacy, helping others to define what it means to be their very best selves, starting with “self.” Thank you, Tom.
—Libby Hunter, Executive Director