Retired Colonel Maxwell S. Colón, the only child of a single mother, grew up in the ghetto of the South Bronx and survived the hardships of a tough neighborhood and a disadvantaged upbringing. He persevered and realized his dreams through hard work, determination, and the support of others.

Among his many achievements and titles, Colonel Colón has two degrees (criminology and penology) as well as five war college degrees. He was a New York City Corrections Captain working at demanding places like The Tombs and maximum security prison Rikers Island.

His message is clear: work hard and believe in yourself. He said that it’s important to set a goal and once reaching that goal, set it again, one step higher, because anything is possible. He told the kids, “...work hard while they are young.”

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