Alumni Spotlight

Dilon Townsend

Townsend attended the seminar in 2014 as a representative from Washington Academy in East Machias. He is currently studying Restaurant/Food Service Management at the University of Central Florida in Orlando with an anticipated graduation in the Spring of 2022.

Townsend works as a Food and Beverage Supervisor at Loews Hotels & Co. as well as a Server and Team Lead at Universal Orlando Resort.

He took the time to answer some questions about his Maine Youth Leadership experience and how it has impacted his life. Keep reading to learn more about this outstanding alum.

How do you show the MYL pillar of volunteerism in your daily life? 

Volunteering is an essential part of my daily life. Most recently, I have been volunteering a lot with Give Kids the World, providing assistance in any way so that Wish families will have an unforgettable time. I am also on the Executive Board for the Peer Outreach Mentoring Program (POMP) at Rosen College of Hospitality Management which focuses on ensuring students in need are provided with the appropriate tools and resources to succeed in college.

How do you show the MYL pillar of character in your daily life? 

I strive to live a life in a no judgment world where everyone can be who they really are. No matter how uncomfortable things may get, always stay true to your morals and beliefs. When life, work, friends, etc. start to infringe on your morals and beliefs, pack up and go. There are better things awaiting.

How do you show the MYL pillar of leadership in your daily life? 

As a supervisor at one job and a team leader at another, I have used what I learned at MYL to ensure that all my team members, both young and old, feel that they have everything they need to successfully do their job and make our guests happy. Outside of work, I continuously make myself available to anyone who needs it as that is the leader that I have merged myself to be.

How would you say MYL impacted your trajectory in life? (the decisions you made, the

things you did, etc.) 

MYL definitely broke me out of my shell and encouraged me to talk to new people and make friends. Growing up in such a small town in Maine, it was hard to talk to people from outside because you are so used to the same people around you every day. The major difference for me was coming in my ambassador year and keeping to myself for most of the seminar and then coming back in 2016 as a JC and interacting with everyone.

Did any MYL relationship help you along your way? (JC, SF, AC, fellow alum, etc.) and if so, how? 

Each and every year, I am inspired by someone new. The people you meet during this seminar will change your life in one way or another.

What is the legacy you want to leave behind? 

I want to leave a legacy of kindness and want to ensure that all people in my life know that I have done my best to help them bring out the best in themselves.

What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience? 

My 2 JC years and my AC year were definitely some of the best. During that time, I think being able to create relationships with my fellow peers was really rewarding. (Side note: The year Nate Steele and I DJ’ed for the dance is pretty high up on my list!)

What might someone be surprised to learn about you? 

Working in the food and beverage industry has made me an avid restaurant-goer. I rarely ever cook because I want to visit different restaurants and see how different menus and service styles can be.

What gives you hope? 

People helping people without reward. The true reward is having the character to help someone without question. Kindness is within people, you just have to find it!

What gets you particularly fired up? 

Meeting new people and creating new friendships! Living in Orlando and working in hotels and theme parks, I have met so many cool people from around the world.

How does your MYL experience impact your everyday work and/or life? 

My MYL experience was and always will be an important time in my life and I tell people about it quite often. The leader I want to be is usually a different approach than a lot of people take. A lot of leaders in their work/personal life put themselves first and help others after, but I have always been one to put others first and help them become a leader also. I think that’s one of the most important things when you are a leader to someone. Help them too. Leave a legacy that you want to be passed down for generations. I thank MYL for helping me be the person I am today.

Any fun hobbies? 

My all-time favorite hobby is going to theme parks! Most recently, however, I have found a new love in escape rooms. I have completed over 50 rooms so far and I just began doing them last May!

If you are a Maine Youth Leadership alum and you’d like to share your story, please email Maria NeCastro at mariatnecastro@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading!

[Published online: 7/12/2021]