By Nicole Carrea, Chief Partnerships Officer 

Someone recently asked me why partnerships are so important to StreetWise Partners. It was a simple question, but it gave me a rare opportunity to reflect on just how transformative our partnerships truly are. 

In today’s rapidly changing workplace, the value of mentorship has never been clearer. A recent LinkedIn Workforce Learning Report revealed that 94% of employees say they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development. This speaks volumes about the role corporate social impact programs—like mentoring—play in elevating employee satisfaction and retention. 

Companies are currently navigating a competitive talent market, particularly for early-career roles. According to a 2024 report from Deloitte, 74% of Gen Z job seekers consider a company’s commitment to social impact and community engagement when deciding where to work. 

These trends highlight what we’ve known all along: partnerships that invest in mentorship don’t just benefit job seekers—they strengthen companies by building a more engaged, connected, and purpose-driven workforce. 

This National Mentoring Month, I want to take a moment to celebrate these incredible partners and share how they are helping us create lasting change. 

The Ripple Effect of Partnership 

My reflections on the past year, revealed incredible outcomes we’ve achieved together: 

• Over $1 Million Invested Annually: These funds lay the groundwork for programs that equip job seekers with the skills, confidence, and connections to build meaningful careers. 

• Engaging Over 500 Volunteers: Every mentoring session isn’t just about sharing knowledge—it’s about creating opportunities for job seekers to thrive. 

• Hiring 200 Job Seekers. When our partners hire graduates from our programs, they’re doing more than filling a role; they’re changing lives and building more equitable workplaces. 

• Hosting Over 50 Events. These moments of connection—networking mixers, skill-building workshops, and more—are where doors open, relationships form, and confidence grows. 

Each of these outcomes is a story in itself, and together they paint a picture of the incredible ripple effect our partners create. 

A Win-Win for Companies and Communities 

What’s equally inspiring is how these partnerships benefit our corporate volunteers and their organizations. Mentoring benefits go both ways. For our corporate partners, it’s about building stronger teams and creating a more inclusive workforce. I’ve heard from mentors who say guiding a mentee helped sharpen their leadership skills, and from HR executives who shared how mentoring advanced their company’s diversity and inclusion goals. These stories remind me that the impact of mentorship extends beyond the mentee—it’s a win-win for everyone involved. 

One of our partners captured the essence of mentoring perfectly when they shared:

“Mentoring isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are. It’s how we create a better, more connected workforce, one person at a time.” -- Erin Fast, Global Atlantic's Senior Consultant, Charitable Giving. 

Join Us in Making a Difference 

Now, for this National Mentoring Month, I invite you to become part of the story. By engaging your employees as mentors, offering program space, or hiring StreetWise job seekers, your company can help close the opportunity gap and drive meaningful change. Together, we can create lasting impact and build stronger communities. 

To learn more or get your company involved, reach out to me at Nicole@StreetWisePartners.org. 

A Heartfelt Thank-You 

Finally, to our remarkable 2024 partners: thank you. Your contributions make our mission possible. You’re not just part of the story—you’re the reason for its success. A special thank-you to: Aminad Consulting, Atlas Advertising, BBR Partners, Blackstone, Clarion Partners, D.E. Shaw, Deutsche Bank, EagleTree Capital, Erickson Immigration Group, Fitch Group, Gallup, General Atlantic, Global Atlantic Financial Company, HSBC, Latham & Watkins LLP, LinkedIn, LSEG, Marsh McLennan Companies, Mizuho Americas, Moody's Corporation, Morgan Stanley, Napier Park, Novartis, Piper Sandler Companies, PwC, Sidley Austin, Symphony, The Asia Group, and Tradeweb. Your partnership isn’t just important—it’s transformative. Together, we’re creating opportunities, building stronger communities, and proving that when we invest in people, everyone wins. 

Let’s keep writing this story together.