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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Enriching Mentorship Experiences in Guilford County: A Day of Collaboration and Inspiration
Greensboro, NC — On October 28, 2023, the SHIELD Mentor Program, hosted an inspiring event dedicated to fostering better mentorship and support for young lives in Guilford County. This gathering of youth-serving organizations brought together leaders, experts, and community members to explore innovative strategies and best practices in mentorship, while honoring the contributions of those who have made a significant impact in this field.
The event began with a warm welcome followed by opening remarks from the SHIELD Mentor Program's Founder and Executive Director, Precious McKoy. In her speech, McKoy emphasized the importance of "Collaboration for Better Mentorship," setting the tone for the day's discussions.
One of the highlights of the event was a keynote address by Samuel Bellamy, Technical Assistance Consultant for Mentor Maryland and DC. His presentation on the "State of Mentorship" provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of mentorship, adapting to ensure its continued impact on young lives. Attendees learned about innovative strategies and successful models for fostering meaningful connections in an ever-changing world.
Assistant Chief Stephanie Mardis from the Greensboro Police Department highlighted the profound impact of mentoring in the lives of young people navigating the juvenile court system.
The event continued with a facilitated open discussion led by Antonio McKoy, Co-Founder of the SHIELD Mentor Program. This interactive session allowed youth service provider leaders, young people, and parents to engage in a dialogue, sharing mentorship stories and strategies. Participants left with a heightened understanding of the potential mentorship holds and actionable strategies to elevate their own initiatives.
Breakout sessions, led by Anika Madden, Raynard Young, and Andrea Vennable, explored essential topics, including empowering parents with tools for effective mentoring, best practices in youth mentoring, and the essence of meaningful mentoring from the mentees' perspective.
The afternoon session featured expert insights from Aniya Mayo and Sherena Sabla, Co-Founders of Growing the Distance. In a discussion moderated by Precious McKoy, the speakers shared valuable perspectives on adapting and thriving in the changing world of mentorship, offering pathways to success for young lives, even in the face of uncertainty.
A collaborative action planning session, led by the SHIELD Mentor Program, allowed participants to collectively create actionable plans for enhancing mentorship in their communities. Attendees shaped a roadmap for mentorship that addresses the unique needs of mentors, mentees, and organizations alike.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Precious McKoy, Founder and Executive Director of the SHIELD Mentor Program, who emphasized the importance of "Empowering the Future of Mentorship" in Guilford County. The day left attendees inspired and motivated to continue enriching mentorship experiences in the community.
High-resolution images and visuals related to the event are available here.
The SHIELD Mentor Program extends special thanks to its event planning staff for their dedication and hard work in making this event a success.
For more information about the SHIELD Mentor Program and its commitment to youth development in Guilford County, please visit www.shieldmentor.org or contact info@shieldmentor.org.
Contact Information:
Precious McKoy
Founder/Executive Director
336-544-5831
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About the SHIELD Mentor Program:
The SHIELD Mentor Program is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization founded in January 2008. Our mission is to Strengthen, Help, Inspire, and Encourage Leadership Development by delivering structured mentoring activities and programs for young people. Through our innovative approach, we empower youth to overcome limitations and achieve their highest potential. For more information, visit www.shieldmentor.org.