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Connect | Focus | Grow – Region 2 (virtual)
The Connect | Focus | Grow training was developed as part of the National Mentoring Project, a pilot project managed by MENTOR in partnership with the America’s Promise Alliance / Center for Promise and with support from the Schultz Family Foundation. The National Mentoring Project aims to expand the web of quality relationship supports and social capital that younger employees/mentees/interns need to develop the skills necessary to successfully navigate the workplace including securing and sustaining employment.
Underlying this training is MENTOR’s guiding vision, which is that all younger employees, mentees, and interns have access to a web of support from caring adults and can form empowering relationships that:
- Promote the pursuit of the younger employees/mentees/intern’s passions, skills and interests
- Enable younger employees/mentees/interns access to and exploration of spaces where these can be pursued
- Help younger employees/mentees/interns overcome personal and/or institutional obstacles
This vision is underpinned by the approach MENTOR uses to help adults and younger employees form relationships, which is grounded in positive development and youth-centrism. This approach:
- Recognizes that young people are assets and experts about themselves and their communities
- Supports young people in identifying and building strengths
- Brings young people and adults together to work as equal partners as appropriate
- Builds young people’s connections to their own identity, culture and community helping them to see their own social capital and supporting the extension of social capital through mentoring
- Engages young people as leaders on issues that matter to them
Date: Wednesday, November 13th
Time: 11:30am-1:00pm
Meet Your Facilitator:
Chekesha White is the Executive Director and Founder of G.I.R.L.S. Club (G.C.), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering elementary, middle, and high school girls to reach their fullest potential in life, while being guided by a positive and nurturing mentor. In turn, allowing each girl to maximize her potential, capable of making informed and responsible decisions about life. G.C. covers the BASES (behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and spiritual needs). With a career spanning almost three decades in education and leadership, Chekesha brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, driving the organization’s mission to nurture the potential of young minds. As Executive Director, Chekesha champions all levels of the organization to develop innovative services and implement programs that have lasting impacts on youth. She especially enjoys collaborating with other youth professionals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to create long-range solutions that provide support and possibilities for young people.
Under Chekesha’s leadership, G.C. has expanded its reach, developing partnerships with local schools, businesses, and community organizations. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach have led to the creation of numerous programs that provide students with the guidance, skills, and resources they need to succeed both academically and personally. Chekesha began her career as middle school science teacher and instructional coach in inner-city schools for 16 years. In this role, she was instrumental in implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports for the various schools in which she served. She dedicated herself to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. With her years of experience, her dedication to student achievement and well-being helped elevate the school’s academic performance in key areas and community engagement.
Recognized for her leadership potential, Chekesha transitioned into administration, taking on the role as assistant principal. In this capacity, she was instrumental in implementing programs to support students’ academic and personal growth, including after-school mentoring, family engagement initiatives, and 21st Century Programming. She was committed to providing equitable opportunities and building relationships with faculty, staff, students and their families. She quickly earned a reputation for her commitment to personal development and her ability to motivate not only young people, but also their teachers and families. Chekesha currently serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Professional Studies and Graduate Studies at Trinity Washington University, where she brings her instructional expertise and passion for science. Known for her engaging teaching style and dedication to student success, she often mentors her students supporting their academic and professional success. She also serves as a technical assistant and trainer for MentorVA.
Chekesha holds an Educational Specialist Degree from Old Dominion University in Administration and Supervision. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching from Christopher Newport University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Hampton University. She is an active member of her local church, C3 Hampton, and serves on its leadership team as a minister.
Outside of her professional life, Chekesha has served on the Board of Commissions for the City of Hampton, VA. She is a grant writer and an educational consultant. She and her husband, Vander White III, reside in Hampton, Virginia. They have two children, 25-year-old, Iyana and 17- year-old Isaiah.