Patrick Freeman
Career and Engagement Manager, DC Programs
Driven by a passion for educational equity and economic mobility, Patrick has spent much of his career helping unlock potential in youth in communities across the globe, with a focus on aligning strategy, funding, and local leadership for systems-level impact. His work is grounded in the belief that those closest to the challenges are best equipped to design the solutions.
He has over 16 years of experience as a strategist and partnership builder dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers for young people. Patrick has worked across the U.S., Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He brings a global perspective to local impact, championing solutions in youth development, education equity, and workforce readiness. He is an avid soccer fan who supports Liverpool Football Club (YNWA).
Quote:
"Action without thought is empty. Thought without action is blind." — Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
Why I chose this quote:
This quote captures the core philosophy behind my career: that true impact requires both rigorous strategy and community-led execution. Over the course of my career in youth development, I have seen that strategy—the 'thought'—is ineffective without implementation, while action without a clear plan lacks sustainability. This maxim guides my commitment to operationalizing equity, ensuring that our boldest ideas aren't just discussed, but are translated into practical, tangible solutions in partnership with the youth and families we serve.