Manny Almonte

Manny Almonte, Founder & CEO | Speaker | Producer, Award-Winning Film | 2023 NRF's Crawford Prize Recipient.

Manny Almonte is the founder of Mastermind Connect and the Camping to Connect nonprofit organization, creating transformative experiences that empower men of color to connect with their passions and inner selves.

Manny is a dedicated community builder with a focus on youth empowerment and men's wellness initiatives, striving to create a positive impact through his passion for social and environmental justice, as well as mental health advocacy.

His work, including the award-winning short film Wood Hood, has been featured in regional and national conferences, news articles, podcasts, and national news channels. Manny has been recognized by the New York City Department of Education and the Brooklyn Borough President for his dedication to empowering Black and Brown men, and received the 2023 Robert W. Crawford Achievement Prize from the National Recreation Foundation for his creativity and steadfastness in increasing outdoor access and inclusion for youth from underserved communities.