MENTOR Virginia

Connect | Focus | Grow - UVA Equity (virtual)
2024-11-22 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
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: Friday, November 22nd
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm
Register to attend!
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.

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 5 (virtual)
2024-11-21 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
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: Thursday, November 21st
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Register to attend!
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.

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 2 (virtual)
2024-11-20 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
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 20th
Time: 9:00am-10:30am
Register to attend!
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.

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 5 (virtual)
2024-11-18 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
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: Monday, November 18th
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm
Register to attend!
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.

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 5 (virtual)
2024-11-14 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
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: Thursday, November 14th
Time: 9:00am-10:30am
Register to attend!
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.

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 2 (virtual)
2024-11-13 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
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
Register to attend!
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.

November Community Coffee Hour
2024-11-13 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Detroit)
Grab your coffee or tea, and join your mentoring program peers and MENTOR Virginia on Wednesday, Nov. 13th from 9:00 – 10:00 am for Community Coffee Hour. We’ll be joined by John Harris of MENTOR Virginia and Manolya Tanyu from the American Institutes for Research (AIR) to explore measurement strategies that are tailored to your program’s specific needs.
MENTOR Virginia will virtually host Community Coffee Hour every 2nd Wednesday of the month with mentoring program staff to create space for peer-to-peer learning and resource sharing, and to address issues you and your organization might be facing during the pandemic and beyond. We hope to see you at an upcoming Community Coffee Hour!
Register to attend!
Meet Our Guest Speakers:
John Harris specializes in program evaluation and survey development with a particular focus on assessing match characteristics. He has worked as an independent consultant supporting mentoring programs since 2000. He joined the MENTOR Virginia team as a Technical Assistance Consultant in 2016. The National Mentoring Resource Center’s work dovetails perfectly with John’s mission to make high-quality evaluation and consultation useful and affordable to all mentoring programs.
John is the lead author of the Match Characteristics Questionnaire (MCQ) and the Youth Mentoring Survey (YMS), which are recommended by the National Mentoring Resource Center (NMRC) and used around the world. His publications have focused on mentoring relationship quality and include peer-reviewed journal articles, toolkit contributions, and the chapters, “Assessing Mentoring Relationships,” in both editions of the Handbook of Youth Mentoring (DuBois & Karcher, Ed.s). In 2015, John partnered with the School Volunteer Program (now EdConnect) in Australia to develop an evaluation toolkit that won a National Social Impact award.
John earned his Masters at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education many, many years ago. He currently works and lives in Fairfax, VA, with his wife and two wonderful kids.
Manolya Tanyu, PhD, a senior researcher at AIR, brings 15 years of expertise in evaluations of community and school-based initiatives, programs, and services to promote youth development. Dr. Tanyu is an advocate for supportive youth-adult relationships as a way to promote well-being and resilience and reduce delinquent behavior and system involvement. She has worked on several federally funded research studies of mentoring programs examining implementation and outcomes. She joined our November 2022 community coffee hour last year to share on the national study of the YMCA’s Reach & Rise® Mentoring program and therapeutic mentoring. Dr. Tanyu is committed to sharing research to contribute to practice and working with practitioners to build data and evaluation capacities. She is also passionate about bringing youth voice into programs and initiatives that serve youth. She is a Research Board member at the National Mentoring Resource Center where she provides evaluation technical assistance, conducts resource reviews, and writes for practitioners. She lives in Fairfax, VA and is a volunteer mentor for Fairfax County Public Schools’ MentorWorks program.

November Public New Mentor Training
2024-11-12 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit)
Register HERE
Are you considering becoming a mentor or getting ready to be a mentor? Take the first step and attend one of MENTOR Virginia’s virtual New Mentor Trainings. Let our trainers prepare you to be the most effective mentor possible. By attending our virtual training, you will learn what to expect from a mentor-mentee relationship and proven strategies for success. At this session, you will be introduced to:

The value of mentoring
Boundaries of a mentoring relationship
The importance of a positive youth development approach
Stages of a mentoring relationship, communication techniques, and problem-solving strategies
Mentor/Mentee Activities

Register to attend!

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 4 (virtual)
2024-11-11 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
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: Monday, November 11th
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Register to attend!
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.

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 5 (virtual)
2024-11-07 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
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: Thursday, November 7th
Time: 9:00am-10:30am
Register to attend!
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.

October CMWS: Wellness and Resilience Part 3
2024-10-17 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Detroit)
Join us for a 3-part webinar series that will dive deeper into themes explored at the 2024 National Mentoring Summit. Join thought leaders, practitioners, and mentors alike as we delve into self-care strategies, emotional resilience, and holistic approaches that elevate mentoring practitioners, mentors, and mentees.
Register to attend!

October Public New Mentor Training
2024-10-08 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit)
Register HERE
Are you considering becoming a mentor or getting ready to be a mentor? Take the first step and attend one of MENTOR Virginia’s virtual New Mentor Trainings. Let our trainers prepare you to be the most effective mentor possible. By attending our virtual training, you will learn what to expect from a mentor-mentee relationship and proven strategies for success. At this session, you will be introduced to:

The value of mentoring
Boundaries of a mentoring relationship
The importance of a positive youth development approach
Stages of a mentoring relationship, communication techniques, and problem-solving strategies
Mentor/Mentee Activities

MENTOR Virginia creates a lively atmosphere of learning and engages participants in interactive activities. Our goal is to have a minimum of 8 participants at each training session, so consider bringing a friend, colleague, or sharing this training event with others interested in becoming a mentor.

Register to attend!

September Community Coffee Hour
2024-09-11 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Detroit)
Grab your coffee or tea, and join your mentoring program peers and MENTOR Virginia on Wednesday, Sept. 11th from 9:00 – 10:00 am for Community Coffee Hour. We’ll be joined by Tamice Spencer-Helm from Sub:Culture for a discussion on her new and innovative curriculum, Soulful Mentoring.
MENTOR Virginia will virtually host Community Coffee Hour every 2nd Wednesday of the month with mentoring program staff to create space for peer-to-peer learning and resource sharing, and to address issues you and your organization might be facing during the pandemic and beyond. We hope to see you at an upcoming Community Coffee Hour!
Register to attend!
Meet Our Guest Speakers:
Tamice Spencer-Helms is a published author, speaker, and theoactivist based in Richmond, Virginia, known for their deep commitment to every project they undertake. In 2018, Tamice founded Sub:Culture Inc., an organization dedicated to the holistic support of Black students, providing essential crisis relief and fostering community. Their academic journey includes earning two Master’s degrees in contextual leadership and theology, and they are currently pursuing doctoral studies in social transformation.
With over two decades of experience in youth leadership development, learning facilitation, and university campus work, Tamice continues to advance their passion for theoactivism, philosophy of religion, soulful leadership, and professional development. They are dedicated to creating inclusive learning experiences that uplift learners from all backgrounds. Tamice initiated the Soulful Leadership Project, inspired by their doctoral research on integrated leadership and social change. This research led to the creation of an initiative that embodies the values of authenticity, honesty, vulnerability, curiosity, and confidence in leadership, with the pillars of soulful leadership developed from these insights. Committed to curating dynamic and informative learning environments, Tamice ensures that everyone feels valued and respected. This dedication is evident in the debut of “The Power of Soulful Mentoring” the first curriculums centered around the pillars of soulful leadership.

September Public New Mentor Training
2024-09-10 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit)

Connect | Focus | Grow
2024-08-21 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
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: August 21st
Time: 10:00am - 11:30pm
Register to attend!
Meet Your Facilitator:
Dwayne Bennett has been with MENTOR Virginia for over a decade, first as a mentor, and now as Lead Trainer and a Technical Assistance Consultant. During this time, Dwayne has personally trained over 4,000 mentors and mentees. Of the over 150 programs that Dwayne has worked with, most recently Dwayne has trained or provided technical assistance to Capital One, Armstrong Leadership Program, VCU’s African American Alumni Council, Micah Association (Richmond Hill), VCU Health Services, Brunswick County High School, Jumpstart Mentoring, Hampton University, and Richmond Public Schools. Dwayne specializes in trauma-informed care, the growth mindset, incorporating a DEI lens to mentoring, critical mentoring, school-based mentoring, leadership development, communication, goal setting, connecting principles, and others. Further, Dwayne has been a featured speaker and panelist for various organizations and educational institutions using his expertise to discuss best practices and building of mentoring programs both domestically and around the globe. Dwayne is the author of two books: From Worry to Winning: The 7 Winning Ways to Your Personal Success and The 7 Winning Ways to College Success: From High School to College.

Hear from Tamice about the Connect | Focus | Grow curriculum

Connect | Focus | Grow (virtual)
2024-08-15 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
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: August 15th
Time: 10:00am-11:30am
Register to attend!
Meet Your Facilitator:

Tamice Spencer-Helms is a published author, speaker, and trainer based in Richmond, Virginia. graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. She has since been in the non-profit sector, serving thousands of young adults and college students. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and Copywriting, Tamice has a Masters of Arts in Contextual Leadership and a Masters of Arts in Theology. She is credentialed in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, LGBTQ+ gender and sexuality studies.
Tamice is a thought-leader in culturally relevant and critically conscious campus engagement among Black College students. She co-founded an Atlanta-based collective for HBCU campus practitioners and planted six student-led chapters on HBCU campuses in the southeast. She has served as Senior Director of Student Leadership & Engagement at Virginia Union University, where she also taught courses in religious studies. Currently, she trains youth mentors in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is certified in training related to LGBTQ+ sexuality and gender identity and is a green belt in Lean Six Sigma.
Over the years, Tamice has been a change-maker and pioneer for young people in her community. Throughout her life, Tamice has connected, supported, and ministered to countless young adults. Her friendly and down-to-earth approach to public speaking and teaching, as well as her dedication to research and learning, has helped empower and inspire people in her community and beyond. In 2018 Tamice went on to found Sub:Culture Incorporated, a nonprofit that provides holistic support and crisis relief for Black College Students.
Tamice lives in the East End of Richmond with her partner Ellison and her daughter Harlym. In her free time she enjoys discussing and dissecting hip-hop, reading nonfiction, writing, watching documentaries, singing with her daughter, and eating her partner’s homemade pizza. She released her first book, Faith Unleavened this past year.
Hear from Tamice about the Connect | Focus | Grow curriculum

August Public New Mentor Training
2024-08-13 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit)

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 8 (in-person mentor session)
2024-08-10 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | RISE, 1320 Ohio Street, Waynesboro, 22980, United States
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: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 11:00am -3:00pm
Location: RISE, 1320 Ohio Street, Waynesboro, VA, 22980
Register to attend!
Meet Your Facilitator:
Dwayne Bennett has been with MENTOR Virginia for over a decade, first as a mentor, and now as Lead Trainer and a Technical Assistance Consultant. During this time, Dwayne has personally trained over 4,000 mentors and mentees. Of the over 150 programs that Dwayne has worked with, most recently Dwayne has trained or provided technical assistance to Capital One, Armstrong Leadership Program, VCU’s African American Alumni Council, Micah Association (Richmond Hill), VCU Health Services, Brunswick County High School, Jumpstart Mentoring, Hampton University, and Richmond Public Schools. Dwayne specializes in trauma-informed care, the growth mindset, incorporating a DEI lens to mentoring, critical mentoring, school-based mentoring, leadership development, communication, goal setting, connecting principles, and others. Further, Dwayne has been a featured speaker and panelist for various organizations and educational institutions using his expertise to discuss best practices and building of mentoring programs both domestically and around the globe. Dwayne is the author of two books: From Worry to Winning: The 7 Winning Ways to Your Personal Success and The 7 Winning Ways to College Success: From High School to College.

Hear from Tamice about the Connect | Focus | Grow curriculum

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 7 (virtual)
2024-07-18 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
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: Thursday, July 18th
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Register to attend!
Meet Your Facilitator:

Tamice Spencer-Helms is a published author, speaker, and trainer based in Richmond, Virginia. graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. She has since been in the non-profit sector, serving thousands of young adults and college students. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and Copywriting, Tamice has a Masters of Arts in Contextual Leadership and a Masters of Arts in Theology. She is credentialed in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, LGBTQ+ gender and sexuality studies.
Tamice is a thought-leader in culturally relevant and critically conscious campus engagement among Black College students. She co-founded an Atlanta-based collective for HBCU campus practitioners and planted six student-led chapters on HBCU campuses in the southeast. She has served as Senior Director of Student Leadership & Engagement at Virginia Union University, where she also taught courses in religious studies. Currently, she trains youth mentors in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is certified in training related to LGBTQ+ sexuality and gender identity and is a green belt in Lean Six Sigma.
Over the years, Tamice has been a change-maker and pioneer for young people in her community. Throughout her life, Tamice has connected, supported, and ministered to countless young adults. Her friendly and down-to-earth approach to public speaking and teaching, as well as her dedication to research and learning, has helped empower and inspire people in her community and beyond. In 2018 Tamice went on to found Sub:Culture Incorporated, a nonprofit that provides holistic support and crisis relief for Black College Students.
Tamice lives in the East End of Richmond with her partner Ellison and her daughter Harlym. In her free time she enjoys discussing and dissecting hip-hop, reading nonfiction, writing, watching documentaries, singing with her daughter, and eating her partner’s homemade pizza. She released her first book, Faith Unleavened this past year.
Hear from Tamice about the Connect | Focus | Grow curriculum

July Public New Mentor Training
2024-07-09 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit)

June CMWS: Wellness and Resilience Part 2
2024-06-20 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Detroit)

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 5 (in-person mentor session)
2024-06-18 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 4211 Monarch Way, Suite 116 Norfolk, VA 23508
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: Tuesday, June 18th
Time: 10:00am- 12:00pm
Location: 4211 Monarch Way, Suite 116 Norfolk, VA 23508

Register to attend!
Meet Your Facilitator:

Tamice Spencer-Helms is a published author, speaker, and trainer based in Richmond, Virginia. graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. She has since been in the non-profit sector, serving thousands of young adults and college students. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and Copywriting, Tamice has a Masters of Arts in Contextual Leadership and a Masters of Arts in Theology. She is credentialed in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, LGBTQ+ gender and sexuality studies.
Tamice is a thought-leader in culturally relevant and critically conscious campus engagement among Black College students. She co-founded an Atlanta-based collective for HBCU campus practitioners and planted six student-led chapters on HBCU campuses in the southeast. She has served as Senior Director of Student Leadership & Engagement at Virginia Union University, where she also taught courses in religious studies. Currently, she trains youth mentors in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is certified in training related to LGBTQ+ sexuality and gender identity and is a green belt in Lean Six Sigma.
Over the years, Tamice has been a change-maker and pioneer for young people in her community. Throughout her life, Tamice has connected, supported, and ministered to countless young adults. Her friendly and down-to-earth approach to public speaking and teaching, as well as her dedication to research and learning, has helped empower and inspire people in her community and beyond. In 2018 Tamice went on to found Sub:Culture Incorporated, a nonprofit that provides holistic support and crisis relief for Black College Students.
Tamice lives in the East End of Richmond with her partner Ellison and her daughter Harlym. In her free time she enjoys discussing and dissecting hip-hop, reading nonfiction, writing, watching documentaries, singing with her daughter, and eating her partner’s homemade pizza. She released her first book, Faith Unleavened this past year.
Hear from Tamice about the Connect | Focus | Grow curriculum

June Community Coffee Hour
2024-06-12 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Detroit)
Grab your coffee or tea, and join your mentoring program peers and MENTOR Virginia on Wednesday, April 24th from 9:00 – 10:00 am for Community Coffee Hour. We’ll be joined by Benjamin Blakely and Derrick Veney from The Family One for a discussion on expanding funding and partnerships as a new program.
MENTOR Virginia will virtually host Community Coffee Hour every 2nd Wednesday of the month with mentoring program staff to create space for peer-to-peer learning and resource sharing, and to address issues you and your organization might be facing during the pandemic and beyond. We hope to see you at an upcoming Community Coffee Hour!
Register to attend!
Meet Our Guest Speakers:
With a professional background in telecommunications and real estate, Benjamin leverages professional and life experiences in his youth advocacy approach. Benjamin has shown a continued desire and passion for creating environments and programs to support the local youth. Benjamin’s interests span arts, culture, science, sports and music; however, he is most interested in the betterment of he youth. As a father, a mentor and a basketball coach Benjamin’s focus is on building confidence, self-esteem and critical thinking skills. He works with community groups to create and collaborate on youth gatherings, activities and workshops. His work promotes self-awareness, situational awareness as well as care and contribution for the community.
Derrick A. Veney brings with him a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in trauma-informed care for youth. He spent 5 years working with Northeastern Family Institute, Inc., / Grafton Integrated Health Network Counselor/Direct Care Program Staff II. Derrick has the ability to identify and relate to youth in a manner that allows trauma to be addressed and the healing journey to begin. Also a father, coach, and mentor, Derrick is passionate about the eradication of youth food insecurities and homelessness problems within the community.
​

June Public New Mentor Training
2024-06-11 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit)

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 8 (Mentee Session)
2024-06-06 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
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: Thursday, June 6th
Time: 11:00pm - 12:30pm
Register to attend!
Meet Your Facilitator:
Dwayne Bennett has been with MENTOR Virginia for over a decade, first as a mentor, and now as Lead Trainer and a Technical Assistance Consultant. During this time, Dwayne has personally trained over 4,000 mentors and mentees. Of the over 150 programs that Dwayne has worked with, most recently Dwayne has trained or provided technical assistance to Capital One, Armstrong Leadership Program, VCU’s African American Alumni Council, Micah Association (Richmond Hill), VCU Health Services, Brunswick County High School, Jumpstart Mentoring, Hampton University, and Richmond Public Schools. Dwayne specializes in trauma-informed care, the growth mindset, incorporating a DEI lens to mentoring, critical mentoring, school-based mentoring, leadership development, communication, goal setting, connecting principles, and others. Further, Dwayne has been a featured speaker and panelist for various organizations and educational institutions using his expertise to discuss best practices and building of mentoring programs both domestically and around the globe. Dwayne is the author of two books: From Worry to Winning: The 7 Winning Ways to Your Personal Success and The 7 Winning Ways to College Success: From High School to College.

Hear from Tamice about the Connect | Focus | Grow curriculum

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 8 (Mentor Session)
2024-05-30 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
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: Thursday, May 30th
Time: 11:00pm - 12:30pm
Register to attend!
Meet Your Facilitator:
Dwayne Bennett has been with MENTOR Virginia for over a decade, first as a mentor, and now as Lead Trainer and a Technical Assistance Consultant. During this time, Dwayne has personally trained over 4,000 mentors and mentees. Of the over 150 programs that Dwayne has worked with, most recently Dwayne has trained or provided technical assistance to Capital One, Armstrong Leadership Program, VCU’s African American Alumni Council, Micah Association (Richmond Hill), VCU Health Services, Brunswick County High School, Jumpstart Mentoring, Hampton University, and Richmond Public Schools. Dwayne specializes in trauma-informed care, the growth mindset, incorporating a DEI lens to mentoring, critical mentoring, school-based mentoring, leadership development, communication, goal setting, connecting principles, and others. Further, Dwayne has been a featured speaker and panelist for various organizations and educational institutions using his expertise to discuss best practices and building of mentoring programs both domestically and around the globe. Dwayne is the author of two books: From Worry to Winning: The 7 Winning Ways to Your Personal Success and The 7 Winning Ways to College Success: From High School to College.

Hear from Tamice about the Connect | Focus | Grow curriculum

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 8 (in-person)
2024-05-29 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Project GROWS Farm, 608 Berry Farm Road, Staunton, VA, 24401, United States
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, May 29th
Time: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Project GROWS Farm: 608 Berry Farm Road, Staunton, VA 24401.
Register to attend!
Meet Your Facilitator:
Dwayne Bennett has been with MENTOR Virginia for over a decade, first as a mentor, and now as Lead Trainer and a Technical Assistance Consultant. During this time, Dwayne has personally trained over 4,000 mentors and mentees. Of the over 150 programs that Dwayne has worked with, most recently Dwayne has trained or provided technical assistance to Capital One, Armstrong Leadership Program, VCU’s African American Alumni Council, Micah Association (Richmond Hill), VCU Health Services, Brunswick County High School, Jumpstart Mentoring, Hampton University, and Richmond Public Schools. Dwayne specializes in trauma-informed care, the growth mindset, incorporating a DEI lens to mentoring, critical mentoring, school-based mentoring, leadership development, communication, goal setting, connecting principles, and others. Further, Dwayne has been a featured speaker and panelist for various organizations and educational institutions using his expertise to discuss best practices and building of mentoring programs both domestically and around the globe. Dwayne is the author of two books: From Worry to Winning: The 7 Winning Ways to Your Personal Success and The 7 Winning Ways to College Success: From High School to College.

Hear from Tamice about the Connect | Focus | Grow curriculum

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 1 (virtual)
2024-05-28 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
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: Tuesday, May 28th
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Register to attend!
Meet Your Facilitator:
Dwayne Bennett has been with MENTOR Virginia for over a decade, first as a mentor, and now as Lead Trainer and a Technical Assistance Consultant. During this time, Dwayne has personally trained over 4,000 mentors and mentees. Of the over 150 programs that Dwayne has worked with, most recently Dwayne has trained or provided technical assistance to Capital One, Armstrong Leadership Program, VCU’s African American Alumni Council, Micah Association (Richmond Hill), VCU Health Services, Brunswick County High School, Jumpstart Mentoring, Hampton University, and Richmond Public Schools. Dwayne specializes in trauma-informed care, the growth mindset, incorporating a DEI lens to mentoring, critical mentoring, school-based mentoring, leadership development, communication, goal setting, connecting principles, and others. Further, Dwayne has been a featured speaker and panelist for various organizations and educational institutions using his expertise to discuss best practices and building of mentoring programs both domestically and around the globe. Dwayne is the author of two books: From Worry to Winning: The 7 Winning Ways to Your Personal Success and The 7 Winning Ways to College Success: From High School to College.

Hear from Tamice about the Connect | Focus | Grow curriculum

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 1 (virtual)
2024-05-20 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
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: Monday, May 20th
Time: 10:00am - 11:30pm
Register to attend!
Meet Your Facilitator:
Dwayne Bennett has been with MENTOR Virginia for over a decade, first as a mentor, and now as Lead Trainer and a Technical Assistance Consultant. During this time, Dwayne has personally trained over 4,000 mentors and mentees. Of the over 150 programs that Dwayne has worked with, most recently Dwayne has trained or provided technical assistance to Capital One, Armstrong Leadership Program, VCU’s African American Alumni Council, Micah Association (Richmond Hill), VCU Health Services, Brunswick County High School, Jumpstart Mentoring, Hampton University, and Richmond Public Schools. Dwayne specializes in trauma-informed care, the growth mindset, incorporating a DEI lens to mentoring, critical mentoring, school-based mentoring, leadership development, communication, goal setting, connecting principles, and others. Further, Dwayne has been a featured speaker and panelist for various organizations and educational institutions using his expertise to discuss best practices and building of mentoring programs both domestically and around the globe. Dwayne is the author of two books: From Worry to Winning: The 7 Winning Ways to Your Personal Success and The 7 Winning Ways to College Success: From High School to College.

Hear from Tamice about the Connect | Focus | Grow curriculum

Connect | Focus | Grow - Region 5 (virtual)
2024-05-16 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
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: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 9:00am-10:30am
Register to attend!
Meet Your Facilitator:

Tamice Spencer-Helms is a published author, speaker, and trainer based in Richmond, Virginia. graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. She has since been in the non-profit sector, serving thousands of young adults and college students. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and Copywriting, Tamice has a Masters of Arts in Contextual Leadership and a Masters of Arts in Theology. She is credentialed in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, LGBTQ+ gender and sexuality studies.
Tamice is a thought-leader in culturally relevant and critically conscious campus engagement among Black College students. She co-founded an Atlanta-based collective for HBCU campus practitioners and planted six student-led chapters on HBCU campuses in the southeast. She has served as Senior Director of Student Leadership & Engagement at Virginia Union University, where she also taught courses in religious studies. Currently, she trains youth mentors in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is certified in training related to LGBTQ+ sexuality and gender identity and is a green belt in Lean Six Sigma.
Over the years, Tamice has been a change-maker and pioneer for young people in her community. Throughout her life, Tamice has connected, supported, and ministered to countless young adults. Her friendly and down-to-earth approach to public speaking and teaching, as well as her dedication to research and learning, has helped empower and inspire people in her community and beyond. In 2018 Tamice went on to found Sub:Culture Incorporated, a nonprofit that provides holistic support and crisis relief for Black College Students.
Tamice lives in the East End of Richmond with her partner Ellison and her daughter Harlym. In her free time she enjoys discussing and dissecting hip-hop, reading nonfiction, writing, watching documentaries, singing with her daughter, and eating her partner’s homemade pizza. She released her first book, Faith Unleavened this past year.
Hear from Tamice about the Connect | Focus | Grow curriculum
