Organization: Root NS Inc., Salem, MA
Title: Program Manager
Nominated by: Faith Emerson, Senior Director of Advancement
Mihail joined Root in September 2023 as a part-time Alumni Services Coordinator and was quickly promoted to a full-time role. This fall, he has been promoted to program manager, taking a lead role as we expand our culinary training program to offer both a morning and an afternoon session.
What sets Mihail apart is his unwavering dedication to meeting each trainee and alumni exactly where they are, offering both a supportive ear and/or specific strategies to help them take the next step. He genuinely wants every young person who comes through Root to achieve their personal and professional goals, and he consistently goes above and beyond to help them do so. Whether showing up at the RMV to cheer someone on for their driver’s test, calling a landlord to help ensure housing stability, sitting beside a trainee to navigate paperwork for benefits, or visiting them at a new job to celebrate their success, Mihail is a mentor and champion for all of our young adults
As one of our graduates, Chris, shared in his remarks at our annual fundraiser, “I would also like to give a big thank you to Mihail, who has been my number one supporter and mentor. Root has always had me in mind and checks in regularly, which helps me stay constantly motivated.” We could not have said it better – Mihail always has the lives of the young people he supports front of mind —offering guidance, encouragement, and advocacy at every step of their journey.
In 2024, Mihail held over 100 one-on-one meetings with Root alumni—by Zoom, phone, or in person—providing guidance, support, and career coaching. He also played a key role in restructuring the Alumni Employment Program with consultants from FareStart and facilitates the alumni clinics this year.
Mihail is also always looking for ways to foster team connection through activities like kickball or cooking together in the kitchen. He is also a strong advocate for Root in the community, building relationships with new referral and employment partners, expanding opportunities for trainees and graduates, and strengthening the organization’s overall impact.
A typical day for Mihail reflects the many ways he makes a difference in the lives of the young adults Root serves. Each morning begins with alumni advising sessions, where he helps graduates navigate next steps such as securing housing, earning a driver’s license, pursuing additional industry certifications, and accessing mental health support. He also collaborates with program partners on recruitment, externship placements, and employment opportunities. In the afternoons, Mihail plays an active role in our Culinary Training Program—leading workshops, supporting instruction in the kitchen as needed, and meeting individually with trainees for personal and professional goal-setting. New this fall, he also supervises our Program Assistant, a Root graduate, helping to model leadership and career growth.
Mihail attended the Catalyst Kitchens Summit this summer—an experience he described as both powerful and inspiring. The opportunity to connect with peers from across the country allowed him to share best practices, discuss common challenges, and exchange lessons learned in workforce development and social enterprise. Since the Summit, Mihail has stayed in touch with many of the organizations he met there and is working to coordinate site visits to continue learning from their models. He and the Root program team also regularly draw on the resources available through the Catalyst Kitchens website, which provides valuable tools and ideas that strengthen program delivery and deepen Root’s impact in the community.
SPECIAL ALERT!
Thanks to a generous donation from a founding Catalyst Kitchens board member and friend of David Carleton, the Catalyst Kitchen’s Founder’s Fund has an opportunity to raise matching funds up to $5,000 during this year’s Catalyst for Change Award Season!
This is a time-limited opportunity to get your gift matched! Donate now by clicking the button below, before the window closes, to double your generosity and impact!
Here are the 2025 Catalyst for Change. As you read their stories, consider supporting the work of Catalyst Kitchens and our members, enabling the amazing impact of frontline staff like our nominees.
