Meet Larry Estrada

It’s time for another Faces of Why Not You—Board member edition! This week we are highlighting one of our fantastic founding board members, Larry Estrada.

Larry is currently the Vice President of Private Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs. He joined the Why Not You Foundation board in 2016 and quickly recognized the possibilities of the positive impact that Russell’s platform and ambition could have on the community. We asked what his experience has been like over the years. He responded with, “The best way to describe it to people is if you take Russell’s competitive mentality and Ciara’s insatiable desire to help others and wrap it in a belief that we can change the world, then that comes close to the feeling you get every time we have our board meetings.”

“Larry is a huge asset to the Why Not You Foundation. His passion for making a positive impact in the community has helped push our mission to impact the youth. Larry has also been a strong advocate for crafting access and equity for all, but especially youth. We are so grateful to have Larry as a part of our team and family!” - Russell Wilson & Ciara.

Recently, Larry has been appointed as a board member for the Why Not You Academy, to represent the Why Not You Foundation alongside Ryan Tarpley, Chief Strategy Officer at Why Not You Foundation. 

“As the son of two teachers, I have always appreciated the power that education wields in transforming lives. I am proud that the WNYF is making access to quality education for students of color one of our top priorities. Russ always had a desire to start a school, so when I connected with Scott Canfield and Garth Reeves, educators who share the values of the WNYF and were as passionate as me, Russell, and Ciara about founding a school, I immediately saw this as an opportunity for the WNYF to create a legacy and make a lasting impact. I hope that this will be the first of many Why Not You Academies in some of the most deserving communities in our state and across the country.”

Thank you, Larry, for everything you have done and continue to do for the Why Not You Foundation. Your dedication and leadership are assets that will help take the foundation and academy to new levels!

Fun fact: One of the most fun experiences of Larry’s was when the Why Not You Foundation teamed up with the Seattle Symphony, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, to host a concert that raised $1.4 million in one night for youth, equity, and access to the arts. “Being part of the whole journey to make it a reality was amazing. The ultimate highlight was getting a shout out from Ciara while she was performing on stage!”