Matthew Feinstein, co-director of the Worcester Roots Project, is the recipient of the 2011 Telegram & Gazette Visions Young Leader Award, honoring his community leadership.

Feinstein, who grew up in Western Massachusetts, came to Clark University and graduated with a master’s degree in International Development in 2003. He has been in Worcester for 12 years.

“When people ask me where I’m from, I don’t say Western Massachusetts. I say Worcester,” he told the Telegram & Gazette.  To read a feature article about Feinstein and the award, click here.

“Matt has remained incredibly true and committed to a vision of equity and justice that he had as a student at Clark.  He is advancing social and environmental justice through Worcester Roots and the Toxic Soil Busters program,” said Laurie Ross, assistant professor of Community Development and Planning. “The young people in Worcester Roots are not just participants, but rather are key decision-makers and leaders in the organization.”

The Visions Awards will be presented from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street.

– By Robert Dimen ’15