Ray Gaddis
Why did you join the executive board and what role you will play as a board member?
I joined the executive board champion and empower former, present, and future black players on pressing matters effecting the black community. I play a role in planning initiatives and forging strategic partnerships.
What does BPC means to you?
The BPC is a catalyst to elevate and amplify the Black voices and Black communities. The BPC also promotes community and self enrichment by way of community through players sharing experiences and realties to evoke change for a better tomorrow in the world of soccer but also in the world we live in.
What has your experience in the league been and what you hope to see change?
I hope to change the systemic racial problems that exist in Major League Soccer. I also hope to aid in developing “cultural competency” among the player pool and the MLS organization. I hope to leave a lasting foot print that gives black players opportunities to be able to facilitate meaningful relationships and networking opportunities with-in the soccer realm or post soccer careers in other spaces they choose to explore in life.
Saying/Quote you live by
Romans 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
What do you plan to do after soccer?
I plan on doing the will of God while serving in the missions field ministering the Gospel. I also hope of becoming a community faith organizer, to equip people to put their voice and values into action in their communities and the larger society. I also have aspirations of being a Director of brand engagement and or a chief strategy officer. I also plan on developing a curriculum to integrate soccer in more urban communities.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Pastoring a church and doing the will of God. I also see myself evangelizing serving the Lord around the world, integrating the worlds game of soccer to uniting people while sharing and professing the Gospel. I see myself running my own consultant management organization.
More about Ray:
• Licensed Minister • NAACP Image Award for Male Athlete of the Year • Harvard Crossover into Business alum, 2019 • West Virginia Master’s Integrated Marketing and Communications, 2019 • Ambassador for Street Soccer for the Homeless • Helped establish “Faith and Family Night” with-in the Philadelphia Union Organization • The Philadelphia Union All Time Leader in Starts, Appearances, & Minutes
