Remembrance and a look to the future
A speech by Carlos Solis delivered to a crowd of 225 people at Enterprise for Youth’s annual dinner celebration, Heroes at Work on April 16th, 2025. As CEO, Carlos honors Glady Thatchers legacy and makes his remarks for the night.
Carlos Solis, Enterprise CEO Heroes at Work – April 16th, 2025
“Our youth are full of ambition. They’re go-getters, visionaries, builders of our future. They’re ready to take on the world. Sometimes, all they need is for someone to open a door, make an introduction, or simply feel that someone has their back. That’s what we do.”
I’m so honored to be standing here with you again for my 4th Heroes at Work. First, I want to say thank you to a few important people. My parents are here tonight. Folks from my alma mater, Leadership High School, are in the room. And so many of you who have played a critical role in ensuring that Enterprise for Youth not only survives—but thrives.
As many of you know, I was born and raised right here in this beautiful city. The San Francisco that shaped me into someone who values empathy, curiosity, wisdom, and a general openness to new everything—is the same city our young people live in today. San Francisco has always been a place that takes young people seriously. A city powered by fresh ideas, new leadership, and bold dreams.
Enterprise for Youth is where those dreams begin. We are an incubator. Whether it’s the two physicians you saw in the video earlier, or the President of the Board of Supervisors, Rafael Mandelman—Enterprise has been the safe, challenging, and empowering space where young people can grow and thrive.
Our youth are full of ambition. They’re go-getters, visionaries, builders of our future. They’re ready to take on the world. Sometimes, all they need is for someone to open a door, make an introduction, or simply feel that someone has their back. That’s what we do. And that’s what you do when you invest in this work. These aren't just gestures—they are investments in the future we want to see.
Carlos Solis speaking on stage at Heroes at Work 2025 at Terra Gallery in San Francisco, CA
“We can be the role models, the mentors, the champions for our future leaders—just like the adults who once lifted us up when we were trying to make sense of a world that felt overwhelming.”
You know how people ask , “How are you doing?” honestly, my answer is always: Great. Because I get to see the future in real time. I get to work hand in hand with young people and a dedicated team as they evolve, develop, and lead. That gives me hope.
As a father of a 5 year old daughter that will start Kinder in August, I know these times feel dark. I get caught up in it just like everyone else, there’s so much that feels out of our control. But I also know we still have power. We can be the role models, the mentors, the champions for our future leaders—just like the adults who once lifted us up when we were trying to make sense of a world that felt overwhelming.
You know what? We’re here. We made it. Young people will lead the way forward. Forever.
As I said earlier, this is our annual Investors meeting. But we aren’t dealing in numbers and charts, this meeting is about people. It’s about long-lasting connections and the young leaders who will emerge from our programs to guide our future—with hope, courage, and brilliance.
We are going to thrive—and we do have a say in what comes next.
I want to close with a quote from our founder, Gladys Thatcher—a powerhouse of a woman who started Enterprise for Youth back in 1969 as her investment in the future. She was a beloved San Francisco philanthropist, a social worker, and someone deeply committed to equity and opportunity.
Though we mourn her recent passing, we find strength in knowing that we are carrying her legacy forward. Gladys lived a full, impactful life—and achieved something so many of us hope for: to leave a mark that outlives us.
I had the great privilege of meeting Glady on several occasions. Every time she saw me, she asked, “Which internship are you in?” Gladys was 90 years old—so maybe I still looked like an intern to her—but you could never miss the excitement in her eyes when she met someone connected to Enterprise. She lit up. I’m so grateful that Ninive made sure Glady was honored and connected to the young folks in our program. Some of them are in this room today.
One of my favorite things Gladys said was this:
“Listen to the youth. Just listen. Our program is fertile ground and will shape itself as long as we always stay faithful to our original mission.”
That core of that mission, over 55 years later, is still as simple and as powerful as ever: How can adults be of service to the next generation?
So I ask you: help us continue Gladys’s vision. Invest in our young people. Invest in our city. Invest in Enterprise for Youth.
