↳ The Disseminator
National Team
Rick Funaro
Social Media Associate
Rick comes to 50CAN with close to a decade of experience in the communications field, including the past 5.5 years working in state government.
After working as a press aide for roughly a dozen legislators in the Connecticut General Assembly, Rick most recently served as the Deputy Communications Director/Digital Director for the Office of the Connecticut Attorney General. In his role with the AG’s office, he helped drastically improve the quality of content and reach of the Office’s social media platforms, as well as serving as the Office’s resident photographer and videographer. Rick holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Quinnipiac University and a master’s degree in management from Southern Connecticut State University.
A Connecticut native, Rick still calls the Nutmeg State home, residing with his wife, baby boy, and their 6-year-old yellow lab. In his down time, you will most likely find Rick either watching a baseball game, reading, or out in the world with his Leica taking photos.
More about Rick Funaro
I aspire to be like Robin Williams. Here's why:
I aspire to be like Robin Williams. Aside from being devastatingly funny, he had three specific qualities that I deeply admired. First, he was a kind soul who thrived on putting smiles on people's faces, and the stories of his quiet generosity to friends and strangers alike show what a warm, empathetic man he was.
Second, he was an information sponge. From science and technology to history and religion, his interests were wide and varied and it made him an even better comic.
And thirdly, he had a great respect and admiration for teachers and for learning. He often talked about the importance of teachers and mentors who helped him throughout his life, and his portrayal of Mr. Keating in Dead Poets Society showed how just one special teacher can impact so many lives. Each of these three qualities are ones I have tried and am trying everyday to remember.
Why I love my job:
I love my job because I enjoy feeling like I'm making a difference when I wake up every morning. Every child deserves the best education they can get because every child deserves a shot at living up to their full potential. Helping to spread the word about all the ideas and policies that will actually help kids get that education and make a positive difference in their lives makes this the most fulfilling job I've ever had.
My connection to public schools:
I actually attended small Catholic elementary and high schools growing up. I didn't fully understand it then, but now I realize that my school experiences were likely very different than friends of mine, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. I was fortunate to have parents who had the means and willingness to send me to quality schools. But through no fault of their own, not everyone has that opportunity. All schools can and should be centers of high quality learning.
What I’m bad at:
Falling asleep at a decent hour, drawing, and cooking.
The image that represents why I work at 50CAN:
This is Mrs. June Nathan's, and she was our eighth grade teacher. She was one of those people who truly enjoyed teaching and molding young people, caring not only about what we learned, but about our development as people and future members of society. I can still hear her many sayings in my head, such as "Excellence, not apathy."
To me, she was the epitome of what a teacher is and I was extremely fortunate to have a teacher like her. Her passion rubbed off on all of her students and left a lasting imprint on all of us, and I hope that my work will live up to the example she set.
