Seven Inspiring Mentors
Celebrating National mentoring Month
IHADLA is proud to shine a spotlight on the dedicated mentors who help shape the future of our students. These incredible individuals share their time and expertise and embody the spirit of hope and inspiration. While we wish we could highlight all of our amazing mentors who dedicate their time to supporting our Dreamer Scholars, we wanted to recognize seven mentors who have gone the extra mile to support their mentees! Take a moment to read their bios and see the power of mentorship in action.
Peer Mentors:
Alexis “Lexi” joined our mentorship program driven by her passion for helping kids and creating memorable experiences. Her favorite part? Watching how much the students enjoy interacting with new people. Lexi’s vibrant energy extends beyond mentoring. She enjoys basketball, hanging out with friends, and going on little adventures. Her connection with students brings joy and encouragement, helping them confidently and enthusiastically navigate their middle school journey.
Elaine “Lainey” loves working with kids because of their boundless joy and honesty. She enriches their middle school experience through mentoring, fostering creativity, and a sense of community. Lainey’s diverse interests, including involvement in the yearbook, playing in a rock band, and golfing with her school team, make her a relatable and inspiring role model. Her dedication ensures that every student feels supported and seen.
Community Mentors:
For Brian, education has been the cornerstone of his family’s success, and he’s committed to helping his mentee achieve their dreams through learning. His mentorship journey is fueled by the belief that education is the foundation for a brighter future. Outside of mentoring, Brian enjoys playing and watching sports and cherishes quality time with his family. His encouragement helps his middle school mentee discover their potential and strive for excellence.
Christian’s mission is to serve the community in restorative and meaningful ways. As a mentor, he provides his middle school mentee with positive examples of how to carry himself, inspiring positive change within themselves and their community. He values every moment with his mentee and appreciates the opportunity to learn from him as well. His passions, writing, reading, motorcycling, sports, travel, and sustainable gardening, serve as sources of inspiration for his mentee.
As a teacher, Louisa understands the challenge of reaching every student in a crowded classroom. Through one-on-one mentoring, she builds a personal connection with her middle school mentee that makes a lasting impact. Louisa’s love for reading, tennis, traveling, walking, and yoga mirrors her belief in a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Her commitment to giving back enriches her mentee’s life, instilling confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
Marisela’s passion for mentoring stems from her desire to help youth thrive and realize their potential. Her adventurous spirit is reflected in her hobbies, including hiking, running, traveling, and spending time with her dogs. As a high school mentor, Marisela provides guidance and encouragement, helping her mentee set goals and pursue them with determination.
Academic Mentors:
For Elissa, there’s no greater joy than helping students succeed academically. She takes pride in giving her middle school mentee the tools they need to build a strong foundation for their future. Elissa’s love for movies, travel, long beach walks, and volunteering with students highlights her nurturing and giving nature. Her mentorship creates a ripple effect, inspiring her mentee to strive for academic excellence and personal growth.
These seven mentors represent the heart and soul of the “I Have A Dream” Foundation—Los Angeles. They’re not just shaping futures; they’re building legacies. This Mentor Month, we celebrate their dedication and invite you to join us in honoring their incredible contributions. Let’s continue to inspire and uplift the next generation together!