At Kortright Kares, our mission is to empower young student-athletes from underserved and economically disadvantaged backgrounds to reach their full potential. We believe that athletics can serve as a powerful tool for personal growth and development, and we are dedicated to providing the support and resources necessary to help our students succeed both on and off the field. Our programs are designed to foster the values of character, leadership, and service, instilling in our students a sense of confidence and purpose that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Our Inspiration…
Jose Luis Kortright
Jose Luis Kortright was fondly known as “Wicho” to those he touched in the community. When he passed away on September 21, 2014, the support from family, friends, former players, and well-wishers from the community was overwhelming. Witnessing such heartfelt appreciation encouraged his wife Lydia-Esther Kortright, also known as “Mama Queen,” and his seven children to start the Foundation in his honor.
Mr. Kortright was one of those great coaches who was blessed with the ability to unlock what is bound up in others and used that opportunity to teach the youth in his community valuable life skills, determination, commitment, and integrity. He used athletics as a tool to engage young athletes because, just like in life, athletes experience the highs and lows of the game. Mentoring through sports to help young people develop character was his passion. Mr. Kortright was unwavering in his commitment to his family and community. He felt together, they shape who we are, instill us with values, define, and teach us about what is possible.
The Kortright Kares Foundation hopes to inspire and enable young athletes from all backgrounds, including those with economic limitations. Kids experience the joys and camaraderie of their athletic experiences, pushing each one to discover how capable they are with Mr. Kortright as their inspiration. His story is all about “Being your best self!”
Meet Our Team
Ken Kortright
Founder
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
Monica Kortright
Co-Founder
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Monica is the co-founder of Kortright Kares and has a passion for today’s youth. She feels children will have better opportunities to succeed when exposed to diverse, inclusive communities built on trust, mutual respect, and kindness. Monica believes that we should support our youth and encourage them to pursue their passions, discover new interests, find their voices, and build deep and meaningful relationships.
Monica is an administrator for a Pediatric cardiologist and, besides being Ken’s wife, is the mother of two (Jonathan and Matthew). When Monica is not at work and spending time with her family, she enjoys staying fit, is an avid reader, and enjoys writing.
Sean Montalvo
Community Relations Coordinator
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Sean has worked for Ken Kortright agency since 2009; besides being in sales, he oversees social media and community events. Shawn has been involved in coaching and instructing the youth of Long Island for over 25 years. He is currently the Head Varsity Coach for the Smithtown Gosman’s diving team and the Boys Varsity Diving coach for Huntington/Harbor fields/Walt Whitman.
Sean’s experience as a coach and a former very talented multi-sport athlete brings a great dimension to the Kortright Kares Team of how athletics can be a beneficial platform for today’s youth to assist them in reaching their potential and finding their passion not only in sports but in life.