EAC Network’s Chance to Advance announced that two of its mentors will be honored during MENTOR New York’s virtual 2021 Mentor of the Year Awards presented by JPMorgan Chase on September 23, 2021. A total of five award recipients were selected by a volunteer committee comprised of JPMorgan Chase employees who recognized the unique and powerful mentoring relationships each winning mentor shared with their mentee.
“At MENTOR New York, we know that mentoring can happen anywhere young people live, learn, work, and play, which is why we take the time each year to celebrate mentors from across New York State,” said Brenda Jimenez, CEO of MENTOR New York. “This year’s Mentor of the Year award recipients have impressed us with their dedication to developing an authentic mentoring relationship that allowed them to see their mentee’s brilliance while helping to unlock their potential by creating spaces of joy during these unprecedented times.”
Of the five winners is Jennifer Martinez, a mentor for EAC Network’s Chance to Advance program, who was matched with her 12-year-old mentee Rose starting the fall of 2019. Together they enjoy going on hiking trips, jumping trampolines, and taking gymnastic classes taught by Jennifer. Over their time together they have developed even more than a friendship. “Without my mentee, a part of my family would be missing,” said Jennifer Martinez. Rose inspires Jennifer with her resilience. During their time together, Jennifer proudly watched as Rose gained more confidence to express herself and stay positive.
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