Alpha Balde | Community Prosperity Director
A first-generation US citizen with roots in South America and West Africa, Alpha was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He obtained his BA from Cornell University and his MA from UCLA. Alpha has devoted his life to building and expanding community-based programs focused on financial wellness, aging in place, food security, and integrative home care. Alpha was one of four National Service Award recipients recognized for his capacity-building work under AmeriCorps*VISTA. He also co-led the National Disability Institute’s Real Economic Impact Tour in Austin, Texas which assembled leaders in workforce development, transportation, supportive housing and advocacy. He recently led a statewide disaster recovery effort that bridged people with disabilities, their families, and loved ones with supported employment services post-Hurricane Irma.