Ridgefield Teen Donates $1,200 To SPHERE, Grows Empathy Apparel Brand Nationwide

RIDGEFIELD, CT — At 17, Max Nadoraski is juggling college visits, social media marketing and international shipping — all while trying to make the world a little kinder.

The RHS junior is the founder of Lead the Change, an "empathy-driven" apparel brand he launched in July 2025. This week, he marked a milestone: donating $1,200 to SPHERE, the Ridgefield-based nonprofit where he volunteers and says he found the inspiration for his business.

“My Sphere buddies changed my perspective on our world,” Nadoraski said. “The friendships I’ve made there showed me how powerful kindness and empathy can be. Lead the Change was created to spread that message — and it feels incredible to give back to the place that inspired it.”

From Volunteer To Founder

Nadoraski, who attended Immaculate High School for his freshman and sophomore years and is now visiting colleges including Bentley and Providence, said he started the company with a simple goal.

“I started Lead the Change because I want a kinder world,” he said. “There’s a lot of negativity in our world today, and I wanted to create a little light.”

He has volunteered with SPHERE for the past three years. The organization supports adults with disabilities through educational, recreational and social programming in Ridgefield. Participants take part in classes, arts programs and community events designed to foster independence and inclusion.

“They give more to me than I really give to them,” Nadoraski said. “They’re so positive. They’re really the nicest people I know. They’re just awesome to be around. And it’s really changed my life ever since.”

That experience became the foundation for Lead the Change, whose shirts feature phrases such as “Walk a Mile, Then Speak” and “Empathy: The silent rebellion against selfishness.” A portion of proceeds goes directly to SPHERE.

From Ridgefield To 33 States

Since launching last summer, Nadoraski said the brand has reached customers in 33 states and four countries. He credits social media outreach on Facebook and Instagram, paid ads and local exposure for the growth.

He pitched the business at Ridgefield’s “Tiger Shark Tank” event, where he secured a small investor. Playwright and actor Harvey Fierstein also wore one of Nadoraski’s Empathy shirts and recognized him at the Spirit of Dr. King Community Service Award event at the Ridgefield Playhouse.

“In the newspaper he said he dedicated it to me,” Nadoraski said of Fierstein’s appearance.

The teen entrepreneur currently runs the operation himself, with help from his mother, whom he described as “like my assistant.”

While most sales are mail order, his apparel is also available locally at Flipping Creative and Nature’s Temptations, both on Prospect Street in Ridgefield.

Giving Back — And Looking Ahead

The $1,200 donation reflects both business growth and Nadoraski’s commitment to the nonprofit that inspired him. He noted that startup costs have been significant and hopes to increase future donations as expenses stabilize.

Lori Berisford, SPHERE president and chairman of the board, said the message resonates.

“I think it’s great. Now more than ever in this world we need some empathy, kindness and love — and if a t-shirt gets you there, I’m all for it,” Berisford said. “I’ve often said if I’m in a bad mood, I come to a SPHERE program because it puts it in perspective because there’s no judgement in this room — all love, family and it’s a great place to be.”

As for advice to other Ridgefield entrepreneurs, Nadoraski said purpose matters.

“It starts with your heart,” he said. “What do you truly want to do? Who do you want to help or impact with this?”

With 33 states down and more to go, he’s already thinking bigger.

“Let’s keep going and hit all 50 states!” he said.