Carlos R. Moreno’s parents, Anna and Victoriano, did not graduate from high school or college. But it was the value they placed on schooling that set their son on the path that has led him to become The Met Center’s director of principal support and development at the age of 34.
They “instilled the importance of a quality education and always giving back to those who can use a helping hand,” Moreno wrote in his Forty Under 40 application. “These beliefs are the foundation which has shaped who I am and why I view giving back to my community as a privilege, not a burden.”
Moreno grew up in the Bronx, and came to Rhode Island to attend Johnson & Wales University, where he studied marketing and business administration. Moreno excelled in and out of the classroom, becoming the most valuable player on the men’s basketball team; a leader in his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, for which he is now vice president of the city alumni organization; and co-founder of The Brotherhood, a minority male mentoring program.
Moreno started working for the Warwick-based nonprofit Plan USA shortly after graduating, spending five years as a donor-relations executive. That role allowed him to use his fluency in Spanish as he corresponded with sponsors, donors and project leaders in Central and South America.
Moreno joined The Met in 2002. He spent four years teaching a group of 16 students, and remains proud that all 16 graduated and were accepted to least two colleges.
In 2006, at the age of 30, Moreno was promoted to principal of The Met – Unity school, and guided the school to a 95 percent graduation rate. His leadership there led The Met to promote Moreno to the newly created position of director of principal support and development. In that role, he coaches, supports and evaluates the leaders of The Met’s schools. •
