Volunteer Testimonials

The great thing about SWP is that the mentees are treated no differently than the mentors; their attention and hard work are demanded at all times, no excuses.  SWP merely provides the opportunity for mentees to succeed and gain knowledge – but it is up to each individual, with their mentors' guidance, to put forth the time and effort to ensure that the lessons are embraced.  SWP teaches the mentees that they already have the potential in place to achieve their goals, and, with the direction provided by the program, anything is possible. 

Brian Stroop

 

Partaking in the one night event was very rewarding for me. The mentees were very eager to learn and network and very open to suggestions and recommendations. We made a difference and it showed.

Jillianne Cepero

 

My experience with Streetwise Partners has been fantastic.  What this program does is give people the skills and confidence they need to support themselves and their families, not just a blank check.  The volunteers are able to see first-hand the difference they can make and the participants are able to benefit and grow under their mentorship.  SWP lives the saying, "Teach people how to fish, not just fish for them."  Through the SWP programs, I know I have been able to enrich the lives of the participants and their families - forever.

Angela Duca

 

StreetWise Partners was one of the few non-profit organizations I found that offered a program that made it relatively easy for investment banking analysts to dedicate time for volunteering each week.  The proximity of the weekly meetings (in the Lehman Brothers offices) and the superbly organized program management team made it possible for all Lehman Brothers employees to get involved, despite their busy schedules.  More importantly, StreetWise's program creates an incredible amount of impact in a very short period of time.  Last fall I joined some of Lehman Brothers' most talented employees in helping a group of young adults from New York City realize and capitalize on their potential for success.  Despite only a few short months of mentorship and a number of factors working against them, every mentee in the program graduated more confident in themselves and with a viable action plan for the future.    StreetWise Partners offers a win-win program for the individuals it serves and the corporations it aligns itself with.  

Steven W. Begley

 

SWP is an impactful and impressively well-run program.  Aside from a common motivation for volunteering, "to give back and help others”, SWP provides employees with an invaluable opportunity to make a measurable impact on the participants' lives.  I am a person who likes to be very productive with their time and to see results.  It is extremely rewarding to share skills that we take for granted with appreciative underpriveleged individuals who are eager to learn and improve their lives.  I have participated in the program twice with Lehman, and am signed up through Credit Suisse in January because I truly enjoy the experience. 

Alena Lygate

 

My first volunteer session for StreetWise was this past September, 2008.  Just about every Saturday since then, all of the mentors have diligently worked with their mentees guiding them on how to present better resumes, coach them with polishing up their presentation skills for interviewing and with the help of competent staffing at StreetWise, mentees are also given instruction how to improve their Microsoft office skills.  I have very much enjoyed and looked forward on Saturdays to mentoring for this worthwhile cause. Throughout the sessions, I have learned just how valuable this non-profit organization means to its' mentees and how a well run, solid, comprehensive work ethics program StreetWise has developed can truly help transform the working lives of many, many individuals.

Jessica O’Brien

 

Streetwise provides tangible tools for mentees who are looking to elevate their careers, and frankly, their lives.   For mentors, it an opportunity to empower others and be reminded about what's important--hope and determination.  During these difficult market conditions, both are incredibly important.

Maliha Mustafa

 

I tend to involve myself in organizations where I can make a direct contribution and impact. After hearing about Streetwise, I knew I had to get involve. I think Streetwise has been making such a difference in people's lives, both for the lower-income New York program participants and for the young professional volunteers. I have dedicated a considerable amount of time over two 13-week cycles. I find it priceless to witness the evolution of the mentees over the program and to hear the testimonies as they graduate, learning both work-place skills and general life skills throughout the program. Moreover, I have learned more about myself, specifically my new perspective on skills that I take for granted and my new-found patience derived from teaching. SWP has also helped me develop a network of young professionals who care about issues outside of their careers. It is a meaningful experience on all ends and I highly recommend the program for years to come.

Ariel Tan

 

Streetwise Partners provides an ideal opportunity for volunteer business professionals to serve in a highly-structured mentoring program. As a mentor, I was amazed by the energy exuded by the mentees who were really excited to learn and benefit from the program. It's a very fulfilling experience working with mentees who are fighting against personal/social circumstances and are really motivated to further their careers. I have also been part of the Junior Board, and have helped the organization with it's marketing and fund-raising initiatives.

Anand Rajagopal

 

During this unprecented period of economic distress, our skills, training and networks become more valuable than ever.  StreetWise Partners helps eager people tap in to the talent they already possess, trains them with the practical and professional skills they need to know, and connects them to networks of people who can help them realize the career goals they never thought they could achieve.

Tazia Smith

 

This program makes a tremendous difference in the lives of the mentees.  I have been able to take what I've learned from Streetwise and apply it to the technology campus recruiting on the University of Michigan team.  I think it makes me a better Goldman Sachs employee.

Katie Tamarelli

 

My experience with StreetWise has given me some critical experience with interviewing, from the perspective of the interviewer.  Our Mock Interview Days allow the volunteers to practice administering an interview from the perspective of an HR manager, a CEO, or a line manager.  The process has been enlightening not only in preparing me to interview prospective candidates at my company, but also in helping me with my own interviewing skills by seeing the process from the other side of the table.

Jared Reiger

 

StreetWise Partners is a very rewarding program, both personally and professionally.  Through volunteering, I have gained invaluable networking skills that have become increasingly important due to the current economic environment.  Additionally, StreetWise Partners has allowed me to become more proficient in public speaking, improving my effectiveness in dealing with external clients as well as internal senior management.

Jeff Meyers

 

Streetwise has helped improve my skills as an interviewer. I am better able to judge a candidate by knowing the best questions to ask based on the candidate's personality in order to obtain the most relevant information. In particular the mock interview day has been a tremendous help as we meet with 3 different people whom we have never spoken to and deliver an interview based on their resume and a job description they provide. Not necessarily knowing anything about the position they are seeking, we have to think quickly to adjust the discussion in order to make it successful to the interviewee.

Whitney Reichenbacker

 

In addition to providing me with the opportunity to contribute to the society, StreetWise Partners allows me to develop important job skills outside of work. These skills include leadership, planning, communication, and team collaboration.

Daniel Hsu

 

StreetWise Partners has allowed me to realize that every individual has the potential to succeed and be financially independent.  As a mentor, I have learned how to effectively teach, communicate and motivate.  I apply all of these skills to my everyday life and can see differences in how I tackle problems and manage others at work.

Nirav Shroff

 

I have gained tremendous self-confidence as a result of my four cycles at Streetwise Partners, which has been extremely useful at work. I have had the opportunity to impart guidance and support to low-income individuals, while gaining perspective from their own rich life experiences. Through Streetwise, I have also forged close friendships and expanded my personal and professional network. I have also found Streetwise to be an easy topic of conversation to engage Senior Management at my company with as many themselves search for ways to contribute to the community.

Aman Bahel