OUR MISSION

A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund is committed to unlocking the potential within diverse and underserved youth by introducing them to the transformative sport of rowing. We aim to equip these young people with the tools to become champions in their communities, on the water, and in life.


Our Vision

The Vision for the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund (AMBTIF) is for all boathouses in this country to reflect the diversity within each city at each level of competition, from recreational rowing to the Olympics.

Our History

The A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, a new non-profit fund, has been formed in the wake of the award winning book and highly acclaimed film, A MOST BEAUTIFUL THING (featuring the story of Arshay Cooper and the Manley Crew, which is narrated by Common, executive produced by NBA Stars Grant Hill and Dwyane Wade along with Grammy winning producer 9th Wonder, and directed and produced by Olympian Mary Mazzio.) Arshay Cooper, himself an award-winning author, is leading the work of the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund ("AMBTIF ") which aims to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable sport in rowing. The AMBTIF is housed as its own fund, under the umbrella of the Concrete Foundation.

 
 

Arshay Cooper


CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Arshay Cooper is a Rower, Benjamin Franklin award-winning author, the protagonist of the critically acclaimed film “A Most Beautiful Thing,” a Golden Oar recipient for his contributions to the sport of rowing, motivational speaker, and activist, particularly around and issues of accessibility for low-income families. Arshay works with the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund to bring rowing to under-resourced communities.

Jen Ceolinski


EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO ARSHAY COOPER / PROGRAM MANAGER

Jennifer Ceolinski is an Administrative Specialist, Community Builder, and Youth Advocate. She has spent most of her career working in high school, collegiate, and community spaces focusing on issues of access, equity, and opportunity for young people. Jennifer is thrilled to be a part of the AMBTIF team- supporting Arshay, our partner programs, and young people across the country. 

Jo Victorio-Sharma


DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Jo Victorio-Sharma is a passionate leader in event management, fundraising, and community engagement with a deep-rooted love for rowing. With over a decade of experience in development, special events, and team leadership, she has a knack for bringing people together and creating meaningful opportunities. Focused on making rowing more inclusive and accessible, she uses her expertise in program development and partnership building to drive impact. Whether organizing events, mentoring athletes, or launching fundraising campaigns, she’s dedicated to building connections and making a difference.

Advisory Committee

An advisory committee works with Arshay to build a strategy and business model for the AMBTIF. The AMBTIF is housed as its fund, under the umbrella of the Concrete Foundation.

The Advisory Committee is chaired by Alex Osborne, and consists of rowing Olympians Anita DeFrantz, David Banks, Aquil Abdullah, Patricia Spratlen Etem, Mary Mazzio, and Dan Walsh; Bill Hudson and David Covin passionate supporters of youth rowing.

  • Aquil Abdullah

    • Olympian

  • David Banks

    • Olympian

  • Dave Covin

  • Anita DeFrantz

    • Olympian

  • Patricia Etem

    • Olympian

  • William Hudson

  • Mary Mazzio

    • Olympian

  • Alex Osborne

    • Board Chair
    • Olympian

  • Dan Walsh

    • Olympian

Generation Now Committee

The Generation Now Committee is a powerful collaboration of past and present collegiate rowers who bring new ideas and experience to creating a competitive, diverse, inclusive, equitable, and welcome rowing culture.

Coming Soon!