Welcome to On Your Own Two Feet

Matthew F. Herman - Executive Director Co - Founder -  Matt Herman, a practicing lawyer by trade, has been wearing shoes for more than 50 years.  Outside of work, Matt likes to play golf – including with other OYOTF officers.  In 2021, Matt achieved his greatest personal victory – that of getting (slightly) back into shape.  Matt saw Live-Aid, the 1977 World Series Game 6 and Bruce Springsteen, and is often told he needs to get into the 21st Century.

Robert A. Dye III - Executive Director - Co - Founder - Robert A. Dye III, by day a manager in business services (legal field), but his passion is co-owner of entertainment management company RPT Entertainment Corporation, MelRo (an online shopping store) and the non-profit community outreach RizeUp StriveUp. He loves shoes but can see where shoes could be of greater use to those that are really in need of them, such as for job interviews and school etc.  He lives by the motto "brothers helpers to another".  Which is one of the driving points for him to be a part of the OYOTF team

Melanie A. Dye - Chief of Staff - Officer - Melanie A. Dye is Australian born, and spent the majority of her adult life (up until few years ago) in Japan. She is fluent in Japanese and co runs RPT Entertainment, MelRo (an online shopping store) and the non-profit community outreach RizeUp StriveUp with her husband.  She loves shoes, and is looking forward to getting shoes to where they are most needed through OYOTF.

Ryan Herman - Chief of Operations - Co - Founder - Officer - Ryan is a high school sophomore, who came up with the idea for OYOTF when trying to find something in the family shoe closet.  He enjoys sports and computers and is excited to make a meaningful contribution to the community through his work with OYOTF.

 On Your Own Two Feet -  is a not for profit formed by some law firm professionals, entertainment industry professionals and high school students designed to help underprivileged men and women of color build dignity and self-esteem through the simplest of things – having business shoes to wear.  Even if a post-COVID world means the departure of the suit and tie, proper shoes – fit for purpose (and the foot!) – will always be needed, whether for the job search, the first day or the day of the first promotion.    We are seeking (I) financial donations [link to go fund me page]; (II) shoes; (III) volunteers who will help out once a month to collect, clean up and catalog the shoes; and (IV) other help – eg database management and the like.  No contribution too small, all sizes (of shoes and contributions) welcome!