From the halls of South Garland High School to the pages of the Dallas Business Journal’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list, Class of 2006 graduate Nick Marino Jr. is living proof that the lessons learned in Garland ISD can spark a lifetime of impact.

Recently named one of North Texas’s top young professionals, his recognition reflects his long-standing passion for service. As the Director of the Center for Business Impact at the Communities Foundation of Texas, he helps companies turn giving into lasting change by activating employees and launching strategic campaigns. His team’s work supports initiatives like North Texas Giving Day, which last year alone raised over $70 million for more than 3,200 nonprofits, mobilized thousands of corporate volunteer hours, and generated millions in community donations.

Outside of his professional role, Nick serves as the volunteer executive director of Tango Charities, a nonprofit he founded that has provided over 7 million meals through volunteer-led events called Feed the City. Held monthly in Garland and beyond, these gatherings unite volunteers to assemble meals for those in need. The program is on track to serve 1 million meals this year, just in time for its 10th anniversary.

He credits GISD with laying the foundation for his success. Nick attended Club Hill Elementary, Brandenburg Middle School, and South Garland High School, where he says the district’s culture of choice and diversity helped shape who he is today.

“Growing up in Garland gave me a tight-knit community, lifelong friendships, and an appreciation for different backgrounds that prepared me for life,” he shares. “South Garland was one of the most diverse schools I’ve ever experienced, and learning to listen to and understand people from all walks of life made me more well-rounded.”

Nick’s commitment to service began during college, when a mission trip to the Dominican Republic inspired him to leave behind his baseball scholarship and dedicate himself to making a difference. That decision led him to begin working with TangoTab, a free mobile app where every restaurant check-in triggered a meal donation in the same local community. Funded by participating restaurants, the app helped feed 3.5 million people through partnerships with nonprofits nationwide.

After the app was discontinued during the pandemic, Nick shifted his energy to Tango Charities, expanding Feed the City events to more than 40 cities across the U.S.

When asked what advice he would offer to students or young professionals eager to make an impact, Nick encourages them to start by understanding their passions and skills. “Don’t fear failure, and don’t limit yourself,” he says. “Stay focused, be flexible, and remain consistent. That’s how you build something that lasts.”

Looking ahead, Nick plans to continue creating ways for communities to give back and hopes to pass on his parents’ lessons of kindness and service to his own children. “My mission is to keep bringing people together to help others,” he shares. “As long as I’m here, I’ll keep doing the work.”