Anthony Payne

Anthony Payne, born and raised in Springfield, MA, is a shining example of how resilience and dedication can transform lives. Graduating from Springfield Central High in 2011, Anthony, as the oldest of three brothers, embraced leadership early on. At just 18, he launched a successful business on Cape Cod, displaying his natural aptitude for strategy and development. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Leadership from UMass Dartmouth and over a decade of experience in sales and strategic development, Anthony now brings his wealth of knowledge to Follow My Steps, where he serves as Director of Strategy & Development.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Anthony finds joy in spending quality time with his two daughters, staying active through running, lifting weights, and playing basketball, or unwinding at the beach. His commitment to helping kids who come from backgrounds like his own is evident in his work with Follow My Steps. He believes that "the path to success is open to anyone who wants it—you just need a map."

At Follow My Steps Foundation, our mission is to weave stories of transformation and empowerment. From events like the "Shooting for Success" at the Basketball Hall of Fame to the career workshops in our "Thrive Over Survive" Program, every program is designed to help our youth unlock their full potential. Our Youth Mentoring initiative fosters academic success and personal development, empowering our Explorers to push beyond their limits.

Collaborations with Springfield Public Schools expand our reach, integrating real-world experiences into our programs. Our annual Mentoring Matters 5K has evolved from a race to a community-wide celebration that provides school supplies and supports educational growth.

Contributions from our donors fuel these initiatives, allowing us to offer comprehensive programs that help under-resourced youth succeed. Your recurring donations create a lasting impact, lighting the path for young individuals to realize their dreams.

Join us in this journey of continuous empowerment. Your support doesn’t just fund programs—it transforms lives. Together, we can build a future where every child, regardless of where they begin, reaches their potential. "Greatness is not a destination, but a continuous journey that never ends." — Brian Tracy