Do you ever just wonder how powerful volunteer and youth work can impact you as an individual? Do you believe family and faith holds more value than titles or positions? Have you ever been in a film before? If any of these sounds like you, meet Mr. Joseph Corazzini, the Vice President of Government and Community Affairs for Clark University! During this spotlight interview, you will not only get to see a glimpse of his personal life, but discover how all of his experiences and hard work has shaped who he is today. So, pay close attention to what Mr. Joseph Corazzini has to share with us today, and how he would define “success”.

Meet Mr. Joseph Corazzini!

Q: Tell me about your background.

• Race: Black, Ethnicity: Black and Italian.
• Birthday: May 30th, I’m a Gemini.
• Languages: I speak English and Spanish and I am learning Português.
• Family: I have a very large family: If you are a Corazzini, a Wilson or a Hughes by way of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, or a Prosser, then we are likely related. I love my family. Very diverse. I have 1st cousins who are Puerto Rican, Filipino, Irish, Polish, Japanese, my children are Ecuadorian, my partner is Brazilian.

“They taught me the beauty of diversity and they serve as the foundation of support for me.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: Do you own a pet? If so, what is their name and how has your pet impacted your life? Share a bit about them.

“I had a boxer named Addy Mae. I raised and cared for her for nearly 13 years. She was my best friend and unapologetically my favorite child. My daughters were well aware, lol. She fought a hard battle with cancer but for 13 years she was my best friend. My girlfriend and I have a Shih Tzu.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: What’s a fun or unique fact about you? What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies, passions, unknown talents, or special interests? If so, what are they?

“Fun Fact: I was in a Life Time film called March Sisters Christmas. In my free time I love to sing karaoke. I play guitar and I have recently fallen in love with running. I have completed a number of 5ks and I am working towards a half marathon.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: Did you join any extracurriculars when you were younger? Any after school clubs, organizations, programs, or sports in the past? If so, explain.

“I did. I was the President of the MLK Committee when I attended North. I served on student council. I played on the varsity basketball, baseball and football teams.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: Do you have any notable achievements or awards that you’ve received in the past?

• Education, Professional Development & Certifications AASA/Howard University, Urban Superintendents Academy 2017
• Leadership MetroWest 2014
• Worcester State University, Masters in Nonprofit Management 2011
• Worcester State University, Bachelor of Arts in History 2006
• Initiative for Diversity in Civic Leadership – Suffolk University 2008
• Worcester Business Journal “Power 100” 2024
• Pulse Magazine’s “People to Watch 2024” 2024
• Presented with the Key to the City of Cambridge – Diversity and Inclusion 2016
• GoLocal’s 14 to Watch in Central Massachusetts 2014
• Recipient of the Dr. George Smith Youth Service Award 2012
• Presented with the Key to the City of Worcester – Youth Development 2012
• Telegram & Gazette Educational Thought Leader 2023
• Pulse Magazine’s “People to Watch” 2009

– Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: What were some challenges you had to overcome during High School? Any advice to Highlander’s?

“I had twin daughters my Junior year of high school. As a result, I had to work 3 shifts my senior year and then complete a regular school day. It was tough probably a lot harder reflecting back now but I made it through and graduated on time. I spent a lot of years angry feeling shortchanged and counted out. Early on I was motivated by the haters but then I realized that doing so only fed in to the toxicity. I wanted to rise above it and not allow them to control my emotions, my success or my future. So I started to focus on proving myself right and expressing thanks for the people and the educators who did help me. People like Miguel Almestica and David Elworthy. These two men were so critical in creating space for me to continue to exist in a school whose structures did not align with my reality or my experience. I could name the teachers who I felt devalued by but I choose to focus on the ones that lifted me up because ultimately they are the ones who meant the most.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: What are your hot takes right now?

“Stay woke because a lot is happening in our world that threatens your future. Stay educated and listen more than you speak. Ask questions and find alternative perspectives to learn from. Practice empathy and humility and be proactive in finding joy. Happiness comes and goes but joy is a state of living. Find it and maintain it.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: Do you have any tips on self care, and how do you approach it? What’s your daily routine like? Why do you believe it’s important?

“Eat well. Avoid fast food. Drink water and stretch! Drink more tea than coffee and avoid soda. You will thank me in 20 years.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: What’s something you feel nostalgic about? Is there anything you feel very grateful towards? What are some of the most memorable school moments or events that have still stuck with you?

“Music! 1998 for me, is the greatest year for hip-hop and when I hear songs from that year it brings me back to feeling 16, young and free. All you can eat pizza nights with the team at Papa Ginos. Bus rides into small towns to play under the lights. Grabbing breakfast at the diner before school and showing up late, lol. All good times.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: Do you have any music recommendations?

“The Roots, Chris Stapleton, Noah Kahn, Djavan, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Tribe Called Quest, Kirk Franklin, Maverick City, Tech, Tracy Chapman, Tego Calderon, Wisin y Yandel, Las, Romeo Santos, Moneybagg Yo, Kendrick Lamar, anything on vinyl. Think about how much music has been created. Buy a record player and collect records. Not just ones you know but explore the ones you do not know. You won’t regret the journey ahead.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: Do you want to share a few words about a loved one? What role do relationships—whether with family, friends, or colleagues—play in your life? Do they inspire, motivate, or offer valuable lessons to you?

“My greatest gift is my kids. They are my greatest accomplishment and I could not be any prouder as a father. I moved back to Worcester mainly for them. They are 24 years old and they bought a house together at 23 years of age. And still they are at my house every day. My home is a central part to my family and friends. I bought it to bring people together. Success means nothing if you cannot share it with the people you love. I try to center myself around family and community. It’s just who I am. I want better for my kids and the children of my neighbors and friends. I feel a collective responsibility in making the world better. You should too! Diversity is the celebration and acknowledgment of our differences, equity is making sure we all have the basic tools to get a faith shot at being successful and inclusion is intentionally creating space for all of us to have a voice. Don’t let anyone persuade you otherwise. We rise and fall together. Love and inclusion is not a sign of weakness instead it shows strength.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

What Does Mr. Joseph Corazzini Do for a Living?

Q: Do you have any community work, volunteer work, or internship experiences you want to share with us?

• Additional Leadership Experience Framingham State University: Advisory Board for the Mary Miles Bibb Anti-Racist STEM Education Graduate Program 2025-Present
• Hiatt Education Center – Advisory Board 2025-Present
• The Children’s Trust – Board of Directors 2025- Present
• Jeremiah’s Inn – Board of Directors 2025-Present
• United Way of Tri-County – Board of Directors 2022-Present
• Worcester Research Bureau – Board of Directors 2022-Present
• Worcester Chamber of Commerce – Diverse Professionals Roundtable, President 2022-Present
• Latino Education Institute – Board of Directors 2021-Present
• IES SLDS Research: – External Advisory Board 2021-Present
• Mass Bay Community College Biotech – Advisory Board 2017- Present
• Black Advisory Council, Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Appointed Member 2021-2024
• MetroWest Medical Center – Board of Directors 2019-2022
• MetroWest Nonprofit Network – Board of Directors 2017-2021
• Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham 2013-2021
• Worcester Youth Worker Alliance 2012-2016
• Executive Committee on Youth Violence Prevention 2015-2016
• New Visions Foundation 2013-2015 Mayor’s Exam School Committee – Worcester 2012-2013
• Job 1 Committee – Workforce Investment Board 2011-2012
• Youth Empowerment & Activism (YEA) 2010-2013
• Regional Environmental Council – Treasurer 2008-2013
• Governor’s Youth Council – Adult Sponsor 2008-2010
• Oak Hill Community Development Center – Vice Chair 2007-2012
• Worcester Police Department Youth Summit Committee 2007-2009

– Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: How did you get started in your current profession? What attracted you to your current line of work, and has your passion for it changed over time?

“I was actually recruited but my experience came through my volunteer work and activism. I started to show up and ask questions. And the more I showed up the more I learned. I developed an understanding of how things work and so began my story.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you at your job? How has your role evolved since you first started? What skills do you think are the most essential for success in your profession? What do you find most fulfilling about your current position?

“My day is always full of meetings. I serve as the liaison in between the university and the community and the government. I’m often meeting with leaders in the community, traveling to meetings in Boston and at least once a month I fly out to DC to meet with members of our delegation to update them on university activities. While out there I am also gathering information on opportunities, challenges, impending threats and resources. My work requires a lot of reading! It helps me to stay up on what’s taking place. Most importantly I have to be creative, resourceful, a strong communicator and strategic. Within my work I inevitably encounter people with different perspectives from different sides of the political aisle. It’s really important to focus not on our differences but on agreeable interests. I believe wholeheartedly in treating people with the same dignity, respect and empathy that I would want for myself. In a world that is increasingly politicized it can be challenging and everyday I work at being better.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: Do you have any role models or people you look up to? Who would you consider a mentor or someone who has guided you in your career?

“Yes! My grandmothers, Lola Mae Hughes Wilson and Beverly Corazzini. Lola was the embodiment of strength, bringing her family from Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Worcester. She sacrificed her life, often working multiple jobs to raise her children. Beverly, was widowed at 39 years of age with 10 children. I can’t imagine how she was able to preserve. Both of these women taught me the meaning of hard work, raised me to put faith first and taught me how to love people. Most important they taught me that life is not fair but we make do with what God provides us. Lola passed away 2 weeks after I finished college. Beverly passed away a few weeks ago from cancer. Lola was Black, and Beverly was Irish. And both loved me unconditionally. There have been many moments where individuals in my life have provided some level of support or mentorship. None greater than their mentorship. Life, in general works 2 ways, you either find a trail you like and trek it towards your desired destination following the path of those who came before you, or you cut your own path. My advice is to look for mentoring moments rather than mentors. Mentors are hard to come by but you are far more likely to find individuals who give you words of advice or show you through their actions how to proceed. They may only be a part of your life for a short period of time but the lesson will stay with you forever.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: What has been one of the most difficult decision you’ve had to make in life, and how did you overcome it? How about an experience that made you change the way you see the world? What has helped you grow the most?

“That’s a tough one. In general, making a decision to change is always the hardest. Sometimes we get used to the struggle and we get used to pain and suffering. A lot of us become comfortable in the chaos living disgruntled. The hardest decision is always saying, “there is a better life ahead and I’m not living like this anymore.” It takes courage because it comes with risk but that risk is necessary to push you to work smarter and harder for the life you want. How many of us are living in a space where you feel like you are meant for more? How many of us are used to seeing and hearing people around us complain but make no effort to change their outcomes. In fact me might even see some around us ridicule us for attempting to try something different. Misery loves company and often people are too scared to take risk. They can become agitated with the idea that someone else is taking courageous steps because it makes them feel insecure about the things they are too scared too do. Understand that this is not hate, it’s insecurity. Protect your dreams from everyone and focus on your goals and the life you want to live. You will get there!” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: How would you define success, and do you believe you can reach success despite bad grades? Would you say it’ll be a more difficult experience than others with a good education? What role does having an education play on an individual’s future?

“Success to me is an endless state of joy. I believe I am very close to it. I believe education is the key to success. If you think that you are going to stop learning at 18 years of age and be successful then you are sadly mistaken. That is not to say that you will need a college degree but businesses like organisms have to learn, adapt, develop or they die. Cars are transitioning from gas to electric. What does that mean for mechanics? Photographers used to only use cameras and now they are expected to incorporate drones into their business model. Barbers have to go to school to learn how to cut hair. Then they have to learn how to start and run a business. The basics are marketing, finance, and accounting. All of that requires knowledge. Even our phones require some level of knowledge that we must acquire every time we upgrade to understand how to use them. Don’t look at education as school. Look at it as a means for survival.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: What keeps you grounded? How do you keep a balance between your job and your personal life? If you could change one thing about your life path, would you, and what would it be?

“My faith and my family. I surround myself with my family. They knew me when I had nothing but love to give them and they treat me exactly the same today. I used to work crazy hours and never take vacations because I was super focused on work and success. Now I am learning it’s okay and necessary to take pick my head up and enjoy the sun. The work will always be there even after we are gone. But we only get a certain amount of time on this earth. Make the most of enjoying every part of it. I travel now and run and hike. I wish I had done more of this earlier in my life. It might have helped with my stress level.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: What has been the biggest lesson or learning experience in your career/profession so far? How do you stay motivated in your work, especially when working with a team, or when experiencing tough times?

“Most people work hard, not everyone works smart. Think of your professional work as a product. Know that if you are not marketing your product then no one knows it exists. Set your goals and make sure you have short terms and long term goals. The short term goals will help you feel successful and motivate you to keep going.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: What advice would you give someone considering entering your field of work? What are some common misconceptions people have about your profession? What personal qualities do you believe have helped you succeed in your profession?”

“Join a campaign. Learn about government. Start with where you are passionate and go from there. People think of my work and often associate lobbying with a bad people looking to exploit the government. There are definitely people that do that but there are also people who are working to help people and organizations communicate their needs to the government in an effort to make things better for them and the country.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: What changes do you see in your industry, and how are you preparing for them? Do you have any goals for the future? Where do you see yourself in your career in the next 5-10 years?

“Higher education is under attack currently as the government has a laser focus on reform. The challenge is the decisions being made are not about reform but instead punishment. I believe some of this has more to do with institutions being perceived by some as being on the opposite side of the spectrum in terms of political discourse. I’m not sure where all of this ends but I believe in 10 years I will be at a place where I remain actively involved in fighting to make our country a better place.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: What are you most passionate about?

“In my early professional years I worked as a youth worker for Dynamy, Citizen Schools and the YMCA among others. I like to believe I had a small positive impact on the lives of my youth by using the moments I had with them to help them focus on their goals and stay out of trouble. I enjoy keeping in contact with them. They are older now, some married, some home owners and business owners. Many have finished college or are completing college now. It makes me feel proud.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

“Yes, life is not about where you start or end. It’s about the journey.” – Mr. Joseph Corazzini.

After hearing about Mr. Joseph Corazzini’s experiences and what he had to share, what can you take away from this spotlight interview? Do you feel inspired to pursue youth work or leadership positions in the future? Have you gained any new music or artists from his recommendations? This spotlight interview not only highlighted Mr. Joseph Corazzini’s life, but also shined a light on the importance of having a higher education. Thank you for following along, and do not forget to click the comment button on the right-hand side to share your opinions and critiques on this matter! To read more articles, scroll down and click the ‘Spotlight Interview’ tag in red! Tune in for more articles.

Get in Touch with Mr. Joseph Corazzini!

• • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-corazzini-he-him-47aa187
  • Email: [email protected]