When thinking of ways to put my words into action and get more involved in “giving back” I found myself asking the question, “How can I be sure that the decision I’m making are affecting those around me in a positive way?” The more I learned about Literacy Rochester the more I was convinced that my efforts as a member of their Board of Directors were going to have a long-lasting positive effect on the people that the organization aims to serve.
While my career path did not take me in the exact direction of my studies at St. John Fisher College the ability to communicate my thoughts and ideas both verbally and in writing are amongst the most valuable and utilized skills that I have. Being a part of providing individuals with the resources to develop these skills (and others) for themselves and put them into action is what I am excited to become a part of as a new board member with Literacy Rochester.
Committing my time and effort to this organization is also a way to exemplify many of the life lessons my wife and I try to teach our young children, Gianna (7), Joey and Ryan (3) and provide them with important perspective as it pertains to being a part of and giving back to the community and helping others. I look at this opportunity as one of growth and education for both myself and my family.
Justin Chantra is an Employee Benefits Consultant with Bond Benefits Consulting in Pittsford, NY. He lives in Penfield with his wife Michele (a Pharmacist with Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.) and 3 children (Gianna, Joey, and Ryan). He is a graduate of St. John Fisher College and holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature with a minor in Economics. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, seeing live music, and tending to his vegetable garden.
