Education as the Great Equalizer: How EY's Michael Brings His Grandfather's Legacy to Teach for America

In the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions, Michael has built a career on seeing the strategic picture. As a Senior Manager in EY's Transaction Advisory Services practice, he guides clients through complex deals that transform companies and reshape industries. But beyond the boardroom, Michael is applying his strategic mindset to a different kind of transformation – one that happens in classrooms across America.

Michael's journey to Teach for America's associate board wasn't a direct path. Despite his previous involvement with prominent organizations like the Robin Hood Foundation and The Public Theater, finding the right board opportunity proved challenging.

"It has been hard to identify organizations that openly articulate their associate boards and their mandates," Michael explains. This experience reflects a common obstacle for young professionals seeking meaningful leadership roles in the nonprofit sector – knowing where the opportunities exist and how to access them.

A Legacy of Educational Equity

When asked why he chose Teach for America specifically, Michael's answer reveals the deeply personal motivation behind his commitment to educational equity. His story begins not in New York's financial district, but in the Philippines, where his grandfather instilled in him a powerful belief.

"Growing up in the Philippines, my grandfather had always emphasized the importance of good education as an equalizing lever in society," Michael shares, his voice carrying both pride and purpose. "He would know this as he had put himself through college while working part time."

His grandfather's determination yielded remarkable results: "In the end, it all paid off. He lived a very comfortable life and was able to send all his four children to medical school."

This family legacy forms the foundation of Michael's core belief: "My grandfather's experience is the reason I strongly believe in educational equity — that access to good education is a basic right."

The story illustrates how board service often connects professionals to their most fundamental values and family histories. For Michael, supporting Teach for America isn't simply community service – it's continuing a family tradition of recognizing education's transformative power.

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Finding Renewal Through Collective Passion

Board service demands time and energy from professionals who already have demanding careers. What makes it worthwhile? For Michael, it's the collective enthusiasm that reinvigorates his own commitment.

"The energy and passion that my co-board members bring to the table is something that have become my source of renewal to fuel my own beliefs and actions," he says.

This highlights one of the less-discussed benefits of board service – the community of like-minded professionals who share your values and commitment. While many join boards to make an impact or develop skills, they often discover that the peer community becomes an unexpected source of inspiration and motivation.

Consulting Wisdom Worth Sharing

With six years at McKinsey & Company before joining EY, Michael brings valuable insights for anyone starting in management consulting. His advice cuts through the industry's complexity with refreshing clarity:

"Simplify — Often times, management consultants think they have to use big words and complex frameworks to show that they add value. In my experience, clients value a consultant's ability take the most complex situations and articulate them in a simplified manner."

He emphasizes the importance of forward thinking: "Anticipate — Taking time to look forward and think of what your clients may need next is a powerful skill that can quickly help you earn your client's trust."

Perhaps most valuably, he stresses conviction: "Always come in with a point-of-view — You must have your own point-of-view — whether it is right or wrong. Clients come to you for independent, sound advice. The only thing worse than a wrong point-of-view is having none at all."

These principles – simplifying complexity, anticipating needs, and bringing conviction – aren't just consulting skills. They're equally valuable in nonprofit board leadership, where clear communication, strategic foresight, and decisive perspectives drive impact.

Building a Better World, One Small Change at a Time

For Michael, professional purpose extends beyond transactions and deal-making. He's found meaning in EY's mission that resonates with his board service.

"For those of you who know, EY's slogan is 'Building a better working world,'" he notes. "I didn't fully comprehend this when I first joined, but over the years, I now understand what it truly stands for — it's believing in the power you have to make positive incremental changes, no matter how small."

This philosophy bridges Michael's professional work and his associate board service – both centered on making incremental improvements that compound over time. Whether it's helping clients navigate successful transactions or supporting educational equity through Teach for America, he's focused on creating positive change through strategic action.

Michael's journey demonstrates how board service can align personal values, family legacy, and professional skills toward meaningful impact. It's a reminder that for many professionals, the most fulfilling achievements happen when career excellence and social purpose converge.