Testimonials

Ana Duarte Spencer

Mentee and Graduate, Board Member at Rhode Island Postsecondary Council

""Bobby has been an incredible mentor to me since we first met at Year Up Providence. From a place of uncertainty about the value of education to now confidently pursuing a degree, my transformation has been extraordinary. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the support and guidance from Bobby. His dedication to helping students identify their potential and navigate obstacles has had a profound impact on my educational and career journey. His coaching style is nurturing and uplifting, guiding individuals to realize their full potential by providing access to the resources needed for success. The lessons I learned from Bobby have been instrumental in shaping my future education and work experiences, equipping me with the tools and mindset to overcome challenges and achieve my goals.""

Jim Mergiotti

President & CEO at Peirce College, ret. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

"“Bobby brought his workforce expertise and collaborated across my senior team, navigating all the services that support college students. He helped grow new employment pathways for Peirce students while building corporate and philanthropic relationships. Bobby is a gifted facilitator and a strong partner developer, and he builds effective teams with diverse internal and external stakeholder buy in. The first thing I think of when I think about Bobby is his unwavering commitment to student success; every single action he took kept students in his mind, and his ability to effect change in organizations is boundless.”"

Kenny Garcia

Mentee and Graduate, IT Coordinator at Swarovski

"“Dr. Gondola's dedication and insightful guidance as a coach has profoundly propelled my educational journey, transforming my goals as a young adult into tangible achievements. Dr. Gondola and I met 10+ years ago when he was appointed to be my advisor in conjunction with his role leading development and operations at Year Up (RI). His exceptional role as coach and mentor has profoundly influenced my educational journey. His dedication and passion for his mentees’ educational and professional success is unparalleled. With an approach to coaching that goes beyond instruction, providing a supportive and encouraging environment, it is the perfect recipe for personal growth. To anyone seeking a leader who is a mentor who provides high expectation and high support, Bobby can connect with individuals on a personal level, and he is deeply passionate and can execute effectively. I highly recommend Dr. Gondola.”"

Dr. Amy Nunn

CEO at Rhode Island Public Health Institute

""Dr. Gondola is a transformational leader whose expertise in organizational strategy, philanthropy, and team development has been invaluable to RIPHI. He brings an entrepreneurial approach for an organization building and growing its infrastructure, and that translates to quickly realized results. Bobby’s ability to build culture, engage board or staff leadership, and craft compelling messaging has strengthened our fundraising efforts and positioned us for long- term success. His strategic vision and hands-on approach equipped our team to develop actionable plans, refine our donor engagement strategies, build our profile among potential corporate and individual donors, and elevate our external communications. Bobby’s impact is both immediate and lasting, making him a gifted consultative partner for any organization looking to grow, innovate, and thrive.""

Dr. Larome Myrick

Executive Director at Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families; Board President, Nowell Leadership Academy

""Dr. Gondola is a strategic and student-centered leader whose expertise in institutional planning, stakeholder engagement, and impact measurement has been invaluable to Nowell Leadership Academy. His ability to challenge assumptions, convene partners, and reimagine student success metrics has strengthened our ability to celebrate the achievements of our hardworking students while advancing long-term institutional sustainability. Bobby’s deep experience in strategic planning and data-driven decision-making has elevated how we communicate our impact, ensuring that student voices remain central in shaping both their educational experience and our school’s future. Any institution seeking to elevate student success and strategic growth would benefit from his team’s guidance.""