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Background |
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Follow My Steps was founded after evaluating the pipeline of success for individuals in under-resourced communities and concluding more needed to be done. Originating from these environments gave a great perspective to the founders on how fortunate they are to have achieved success in career and education. Agreeing that the path wasn’t always clear, it became apparent that change was going to be necessary to make more minority high achievers. Follow My Steps was created to provide youth in under-resourced communities with the opportunity to be Pioneered by individuals from diverse cultures, to provide key career skills and enhance financial literacy.
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What do we Offer? |
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Mentorship (Pioneering)
Career & Skill Development
Financial Resources
- On demand access to Pioneers by appt.
- Vetted professionals from various industries
- Pool of Pioneers in varying age ranges, and cultures
Career & Skill Development
- Apprentice/Internship Placement
- Opportunity for Explorers to showcase skills
- Free seminars focused on key growth skills offered by Pioneers
Financial Resources
- Scholarships
- Financial literacy education
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On-Demand Pioneering |
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Explorers will have the access to any Pioneer outside of their regular Pioneer*
During these sessions an explorer can ask to be mentored in some of the Pioneer’s listed skills
Pioneers can teach a group of Explorers in sessions called “Seminars”
Encouraged that Explorers attend
Seminar length ranges from 30 minutes to an hour
Seminars can be in person or virtual
*During standard hours of 7am-7pm. Special exceptions can be made.
During these sessions an explorer can ask to be mentored in some of the Pioneer’s listed skills
Pioneers can teach a group of Explorers in sessions called “Seminars”
Encouraged that Explorers attend
Seminar length ranges from 30 minutes to an hour
Seminars can be in person or virtual
*During standard hours of 7am-7pm. Special exceptions can be made.
Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them.Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and
economic opportunity. Yet one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset. Young adults who face an opportunity gap but have a mentor are 55% more likely to be enrolled in college than those who did not have a mentor. (The Mentoring Effect, 2014) Follow us for Follow My Steps updates! |
Meet Our Board
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Board Members |
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CO-FOUNDER, CEO, PRESIDENT
KASHAWN
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CO-FOUNDER, VICE PRESIDENT,CLERK
TYRONE
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TREASURER
HUBERT
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BOARD MEMBER
KAY’LA
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STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Anthony
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BOARD MEMBER
SHAWN
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MARKETING & FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR
TIFFANI
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CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ARNALDO
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Staff
Administrative Officer
Samuel
Freitas
Meet Our Advisory Board
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Advisory Board Members |
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General Management
KEVIN
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Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
DR. KHADIJAH
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Arnaldo Lassend IIISenior Explorer
Born and raised in Springfield, MA. Arnaldo, or “AJ” as he’s called by friends and family, has always had a passion for gaming. He credits famous streamers such as Ludwig and Arcadum, as major influences to the gaming world that ultimately captivated his interest. Amazed at their unique styles, he decided to venture into streaming. Through dedication and consistency he has amassed 1.1k followers on twitch, 56.8k followers on TikTok. He’s reached 2 million views on tik tok videos.
Even though his passion is gaming, he will be pursuing a Chemical Engineering degree at Westfield State College. He states he always “liked the cause and effect of combining chemicals to make a reaction”, as his driving factor in picking his major. AJ is excited for his next step and continues to work on building his gaming career as well. He knows the importance of having an education as well as a backup plan. As he progresses through our program, he’s willing to guide junior explorers who show interest in the gaming industry on what it takes to build their brand. |