We recently connected with Raphael Mostyn and have shared our conversation below.

Raphael , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

In 2012, I started an organization with a partner called RISE. As an executive director for RISE, a burgeoning organization dedicated to empowering youth through education and personal development, I had the privilege of working with a diverse range of students from various backgrounds. We gave these students an opportunity to be exposed to so many career opportunities and resources that may not always be within reach for inner city youth. In 2015, I had a chance to encounter a remarkable student with a disability that would spark a transformation within me and reshape my purpose.

Working one on one with this student gave me a completely different outlook and perspective on how I could help reshape their present and help them have a smooth transition into adulthood. Making the shift in the population we served would seemingly be a difficult task, Once I met this young student and had the chance to work alongside him, I realized that his determination and unwavering spirit left an indelible mark on my heart. This wonderful and heartfelt encounter would become a turning point in my life, as it allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs experienced by individuals with disabilities. The profound impact this student had on me ignited a fire within, urging me to focus my efforts solely on serving this extraordinary population and the wider community that supported them. After working with him one on one for a year, I felt the way in which we worked with him, could work for others as well, fueling me to embark on a new journey where I could contribute to the disability population at large.

Driven by a newfound purpose, I made the conscious decision to redirect my energy and resources toward creating a company that would revolutionize the way individuals with disabilities were empowered and included. Armed with a vision fueled by compassion and an unwavering commitment to making a difference, I took the leap and founded a company (Mostyn Community Development), that would provide comprehensive support, opportunities, and resources tailored specifically to this exceptional group.

With each step I took, I was guided by my belief that every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves equal access to education, employment, and personal fulfillment. Drawing upon the lessons learned during my time at RISE, I assembled a team of passionate individuals who shared my vision, and together, we embarked on a mission to break down barriers and create a world where everyone’s unique abilities are celebrated and embraced.

Through our company’s innovative initiatives, we worked tirelessly to develop inclusive educational programs, forge meaningful partnerships with community organizations, and champion the rights of individuals with disabilities. We strove to provide a platform that empowered them to unleash their full potential, fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance that permeated every aspect of our work. We felt that there were not many resources geared toward urban youth with disabilities and our determination to be that leading organization was a driving force to making this a true reality for me.

The journey was not without its challenges, but with each obstacle we encountered, our resolve grew stronger. We witnessed firsthand the incredible impact our efforts had on the lives of those we served, as individuals with disabilities achieved milestones once thought impossible and embarked on pathways to success that were previously inaccessible to them.

Looking back on the remarkable path that led me to this point, I am humbled and grateful for the incredible individuals who inspired me to pursue this noble cause. Their resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit continue to fuel my determination to push boundaries and create a more inclusive society.

As my company continues to grow and evolve, our commitment remains steady. We continue to develop and create diverse and unique programming that we like to call “manipulative learning”. This is where we make learning and growing fun, and students are blindsided with many helpful lifelong skills and lessons. We strive to build a world where every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute their unique talents to the tapestry of humanity. Together, we will rewrite the narrative, empower lives, and illuminate a brighter future for individuals with disabilities and the communities that embrace them.

Raphael , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Raphael Mostyn a native of Detroit, Michigan who thrives on building community engagement and awareness. As a graduate of Warren Fitzgerald High School, I furthered his education as an undergraduate at Bowling Green State University. After three years of enrollment, I began making the transition from college and relocating back to my hometown. I began my work in education journey working as a Math Intervention Specialist in charter schools while also continuing education part-time and working odd jobs to make ends meet.

With my strong history of perseverance, I continued to be an inspiration within my community and began working with The RISE Program, an academic enrichment program for public and charter schools in Detroit. I became inspired within htis role and decided to become a Director for the RISE program in 2012. Within his new role, he helped expand the program throughout the state of Michigan until his departure in 2016.

In 2015 Mostyn began working with an autistic student in Detroit and eventually he developed
a strong relationship with the student, allowing tremendous improvement with his academic and social skills. As a result of this experience, Mostyn then decided to do more for the special need’s community.

In 2016, Mostyn launched Mostyn Community Development (MCD). Mostyn Community Development’s focus is to build and nurture relationships with young people encouraging them to promote social awareness, interpersonal skills, leadership, critical thinking and reassert a sense of pride in their community. Challenging students to develop a strong work ethic is a characteristic, once established, it will follow them into their adult lives. MCD specializes in providing service and assistance for academic enrichment to students deemed at-risk/underprivileged and special needs. MCD has grown and has serviced hundreds of students with special needs across the state of Michigan.

In the fall of 2020, MCD launched a new program called, “Spare Time Program” a program for students with disabilities. The Spare Time Program will give participants the skills they can carry on throughout life as they transition out of high school while utilizing the game of bowling.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Mostyn community development and myself demonstrated resilience during the onset of COVID-19 by swiftly adapting our programs to an online and virtual format. Recognizing the need to continue supporting our students, I along with my team implemented online learning platforms and virtual programs, ensuring that education and engagement were not compromised despite the challenging circumstances. Additionally, when the class of 2020 faced disappointment due to the closure of their physical prom and graduation events, Mostyn’s community development stepped in to organize a memorable virtual prom and graduation with keynote speakers such as Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Hip Hop Preacher Eric “ET” Thomas. By embracing technology and finding creative solutions, I was able to showcase my commitment to supporting the students and maintaining a sense of celebration and accomplishment during a time of uncertainty. Despite the world being shut down, we still found a way to celebrate our youth.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

“Transitioning from in person learning was a huge curve we had to roll with, but transitioning from virtual learning to in-person classes was a significant shift for our organization. After several months of adapting to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic, the reopening of schools brought both excitement and challenges. Students and teachers were eager to reconnect face-to-face, fostering a sense of community that virtual learning couldn’t fully replicate.

MCD had to carefully plan and implement safety measures to ensure the well-being of students, teachers, and staff. This involved restructuring classrooms to maintain physical distancing, implementing hygiene protocols, and regularly sanitizing the premises. Additionally, there was a focus on promoting mental health support and addressing any anxieties associated with returning to in-person learning. We were unsure how long virtual learning would last, but once it officially ended, (which seemed like a lifetime) we quickly had to pivot back and readapt to the way in which things used to .

While in-person learning provided the advantages of direct interaction and immediate feedback, the transition required adjustments for everyone involved. Teachers had to recalibrate their teaching methods to engage students who had become accustomed to virtual platforms. Students, on the other hand, needed time to readjust to the routines and dynamics of physical classrooms.

Despite the challenges, we found that the transition to in-person learning brought renewed energy and a sense of normalcy. The physical presence of teachers and peers fostered collaboration, socialization, and a more comprehensive learning experience. Our organization continued to prioritize the well-being and academic progress of its students, ensuring that the transition was as smooth and beneficial as possible. As you can imagine, all of these tasks, seem almost impossible to see through once you consider the fact that MCD only works with students with disabilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mcdimpact.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostyndevelopment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mostynimpact
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphael-mostyn-26a3917a/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcdimpact