Notable Pairs 2019-2020 School Year
2020 Mentor & Mentee of the Year
Nayla (Careers in Sports High School) and Kathryn (AEA Investors)
Kathryn and Nayla
AEA Investors / Careers in Sports High School
For the past three years, Kathryn and Nayla have been spending time together doing activities that they both enjoy. During this time, Kathryn has been able to help Nayla transform from being quiet and shy to being more outgoing, self-assured, and mature. Nayla has also learned from her mentor Kathryn how to go outside of her comfort zone by exposing her to new experiences, including trying different foods and having meaningful one-on-one conversations.
“My mentor taught me about the most fundamental part of life: communication. Although she never directly told me how to communicate, I learned from the way she communicated with me.”
Based on Kathryn’s motto “I’m all about trying new things,” the pair did a variety of activities together that explored professional work, academia, and culture. One standout activity was a visit to the Museum of Modern Art where as they explored, Kathryn encouraged Nayla to embrace her love for art. This visit helped Nayla build her confidence in her own artistic abilities. The winning pair also participated in group events with the NYCMP, including a NY Mets baseball game.
“Nayla has impacted every aspect of my life. Her eternal optimism and positive outlook on life has taught me to follow suit.”
We are pleased to announce Kathryn and Nayla as the 2020 Mentor & Mentee of the Year!
Honorable Mention for the 2020 Mentor & Mentee of the Year
Dean (Federal Reserve Bank of New York) and Ayven (Curtis High School)
Dean and Ayven
Federal Reserve Bank of New York / Curtis High School
Dean and Ayven have been paired for the past three years, during which they have built an extraordinary bond. Through bi-weekly meetings and talks, they realized that they not only had many things in common, but that they could learn a great deal from each other. Ayven transformed from feeling shy and struggling academically to being a student in the International Baccalaureate Career Path program.
Dean was certainly a catalyst in Ayven’s success. He helped him develop time management and organizational skills, which Ayven used to navigate his pivotal junior year - balancing schoolwork, test prep and community service with ease. When Ayven became more serious about college, the pair had extensive discussions about different career paths resulting in Ayven identifying mechanical engineering as a potential career. With Dean’s dedication and Ayven’s hard work, Ayven persevered to complete his college applications and financial aid forms. He feels he is well on his way to a bright future. Both Dean and Ayven have expressed that they will miss their regular meetings, but it is evident that this special pair has built a bond that will last beyond high school graduation.
We are pleased to announce Dean and Ayven as an Honorable Mention Pair for the 2020 Mentor & Mentee of the Year!
Honorable Mention for the 2020 Mentor & Mentee of the Year
Donna (FWA) and Faija (High School of Economics and Finance)
Donna and Faija
Financial Women's Association / High School of Economics and Finance
“Faija has shown me a fire and desire to learn and grow.”
Donna and Faija had an instant bond. For the past two years, the pair has been meeting 2-3 times per month and communicating daily through text as an inspiration for the day’s activities. This pair has formed an extremely close and trusting relationship, and Donna expressed gaining much more from this experience than she expected.
Donna and Faija engaged in many activities - both professional and fun - with Donna exposing Faija to new experiences and indulging her inquisitive curiosity. Donna’s dedication and consistent support paired with Faija’s drive and focus have contributed to the success of this mentoring pair.
With Donna’s support, Faija won the competitive Posse Scholarship and will be attending Babson College in the fall of 2020!
“Donna has become my greatest source of encouragement and has never passed judgment regardless of what questions I may have.”
We are pleased to announce Donna and Faija as an Honorable Mention Pair for the 2020 Mentor & Mentee of the Year!