January is National Mentoring Month, a time to strengthen our commitment to centering joy for Black and Brown youth through mentoring. Join YMC this National Mentoring Month and advocate for mentorship, legislative action, and awareness for how youth mentoring changes lives.
The History of National Mentoring Month
- National Mentoring Month is a campaign run throughout January by mentoring and youth-serving organizations across the country.
- National Mentoring Month is supported by elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels, and by several U.S. Presidents and their administrations. You can read the Biden Administration's Proclamation of National Mentoring Month 2022 here.
Steps You Can Take During National Mentoring Month:
- Advocate. An easy way to advocate during National Mentoring Month is to submit a proclamation to an elected official in your city, county, or state. Learn how to submit a proclamation on our Advocacy page.
- Learn how to be a mentor. Help strengthen the mentoring movement by becoming a mentor, or supporting mentoring and youth-serving agencies near you. You can access our resources on How to Become a Mentor or learn other ways to support youth-development organizations in your community.
- Donate. If you don't have the capacity to advocate or become a mentor, you can always support organizations financially. Make a one-time or recurring donation to the Youth Mentoring Collaborative to support our mission.
2023 Mentor of the Year Winner and Finalists
Each year in honor of National Mentoring Month, YMC hosts our Annual Champions of Mentoring Reception & Awards Ceremony at the Executive Mansion. At this event one person whose accomplishments, support, and commitment to youth mentoring are such that they will receive the Mentor of the Year award. Nominees are nominated by their mentees, folks in the community, and those within their programs who believe this person exemplifies the best of mentoring.
Jack Culotta (pictured on the left), Beth Shanklin (pictured in the middle), Leon Jackson (pictured on the right)
2023 Mentor of the Year Winner Jack Culotta
Avery Mentor at Western Youth Network
"Jack's lifelong dedication to working with children has continued into his retirement, where he currently mentors two children in our program. Over the past 8 months, he has displayed an unwavering commitment, exceeding the required time commitment by meeting with each mentee individually every week. Jack maintains this one-on-one approach, ensuring a personalized connection with each child.
Despite health challenges, Jack has consistently honored his commitments to our program and the boys, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Not once has he considered ending these relationships, even during complex family dynamics. Jack extends his support beyond the children to their families, frequently reaching out for information on resources and serving as a mentor to parents, offering positive parenting tips, connecting them with resources, and providing informal counseling.
In addressing specific challenges, such as bullying concerns overweight, Jack has gone beyond conventional mentoring. He emphasizes holistic well-being by incorporating exercise at the YMCA, coupled with lessons on nutrition and healthy living. Jack's approach teaches good habits and imparts valuable life skills to his mentees.
Jack's enormous heart and extensive knowledge, particularly in mitigating the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), make him an invaluable asset to our program. I feel blessed to have him as part of our community, and I strongly believe Jack deserves recognition for his hard work, unwavering commitment, and dedication. The positive impact he has made on these children's lives underscores the need for more individuals like Jack in the world."
-Culotta's Nominator
Finalist Beth Shanklin
Project Manager at Watauga County Arts Council; Watauga Mentor at Western Youth Network
"Beth has been a mentor to several young women in our community based volunteer one-on-one mentoring program. Beth is one of the most invested and thoughtful mentors I have ever had the opportunity to supervise. Beth goes above and beyond to help close the gaps surrounding her mentees. Beth looks at the whole community system around her mentee and then plugs in a variety of resources so that her mentee can thrive. When her mentee needs help with school she finds a tutor, when her mentee needs support with clothing and household needs she contacts our agency. Beth is a doer and will not rest until her mentee is able to access the needed resources to feel supported and secure. Beth is trustworthy and willing to take the hard feedback that sometimes comes from working with youth living through trauma. Beth is caring, compassionate and able to sit with someone who is hurting. Beth pours her heart into mentoring and shares her love for volunteerism with her mentee as well. Beth works to create opportunities that are organic and thoughtful but that will enhance her mentee's life. Beth sees the little things that are easily missed by busy and stressed parents. Beth is a positive strong female presence in her mentee’s life. Beth makes sure that her mentee is able to feel like all of the other student’s at school by helping her feel confident about her appearance, her access to field trips or academic support. Beth works to help her mentee thrive when previously she was “getting by.” Beth is a mentor who will stick by her mentee through the fun but more importantly the hard events in life. Beth is incredibly deserving of the 2023 Champions of Mentoring Award as she embodies what it means to be a Mentor."
-Shanklin's Nominator
Finalist Leon Jackson
Founder and Executive Director at Project Point Five
"Mr. Leon Jackson’s key accomplishments, support, and commitment to youth mentoring that qualifies him for the 2023 Champions of Mentoring Award is evidenced by decades of service to his local, state, national, and global communities. Mr. Jackson has a heart for the next generation which is evidenced by his commitment to “Defending the Seed”. For him, “Defending the Seed” means providing youth with protective factors that eliminate or mitigate adverse outcomes by helping them to become productive and engaged citizens with dignity and economic stability, therefore contributing members of their communities. He is accomplished in standing the test of time by thriving in the mentoring space for well over a decade. This longevity is one pillar that shows Mr. Leon’s commitment to youth. As an ordained minister, he knows how life experiences can derail youth. Being fully aware that some of those derailment causes are systematic, compounding, and intersect Mr. Leon built Project Point Five. Project Point Five, a non-profit collective of change agents organized to raise awareness and advocate against systemic causes that exacerbate social and economic disparities, is one of his greatest accomplishments. Through this non-profit, he supports diverse learners, justice-involved youth, and school-aged children by providing them with experiential learning opportunities. I often say, “Mr. Leon is not new to the work of youth and family mentoring, however he is true to this work.” Mr. Leon has empathy towards the conditions of humanity and seeks to align resources with action to produce positive outcomes in the lives of youth. Based on these attributes, Mr. Leon Jackson is being nominated for the 2023 Champions of Mentoring Award.
Mr. Leon serves to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by providing youth with the tools they will need now and in the future. Furthermore, Mr. Leon provides youth with unique opportunities such as volunteering in their communities, personal development, and experiences in the Arts. These experiences are grounded in the developmental ecological model which focuses on children’s development in relationship to their environment."
-Jackson's Nominator
Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement, Impactful Philanthropy, and Public Advocate Awards
For the first time, YMC is presenting new award categories at our Annual Champions of Mentoring Awards Ceremony & Reception. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes mentors for their unwavering dedication to the mentoring movement. Mentors selected for this award have demonstrated exceptional leadership, fostered empathy, and unyielding sacrifice for youth who have been pushed to the margins. Award recipients selected to receive the Impactful Philanthropy Award have made a significant impact on young people by investing time and funds in mentoring programs. The Public Advocate Award recognizes individuals at the local and state levels of government for their unwavering dedication to the mentoring movement. Champions in the public sector selected for this award have demonstrated exceptional leadership and surpassed expectations in their relentless advocacy for youth who have been pushed to the margins.
Rev. Dr. Warren L. Herndon
Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award
The Rev. Dr. Warren L. Herndon – has been called by the Lord to spread the gospel to all people and to help draw individuals and families into God’s Kingdom. His favorite scripture is Romans 12:2 “Be Ye Transformed By The Renewing of Your Mind”. He also has a special call to the ministry with a focus on social justice issues and is an adjunct Chaplain at Duke Regional Hospital and a Volunteer Chaplain and mentor for young men in The Rites of Passage Program in Durham and is a Past-Chaplain at Polk Youth Corrections Institution in Butner, North Carolina. His favorite Parables are “Houses Built on Rock and Sand”, “The Prodigal Son”, and “The Sower”, which teaches biblical principles that Christians can apply to their daily lives. Consequently, for over 20 years, he has been planning, organizing and coordinating Faith-Based Federal, State and Foundational initiatives to train and teach growth and maturation programs for students and parents to excel and find their life purpose. Additionally, he has been the guest minister for many of Dr. King’s National Holiday programs and NAACP life and legacy marches, activities and other civil rights initiatives across the state.
He has 35 years of experience in the areas of education, business management and community leadership. He has also worked in several industries such as, healthcare, business consulting and non-profit organization development. These opportunities have allowed him to hold several leadership positions including senior level hospital administration at Duke University Medical Center, executive on loan to the city of Durham, Adjunct Assistant Professor at North Carolina Central University in the School of Business and Adjunct Professor at Victory International College of Theology. He has been an Adjunct Lecturer at the Osher Life Long Learning Institute at Duke University. He has also served as a business consultant in several entrepreneurial initiatives, writer, radio talk show host and public speaker. He enjoys mentoring high school and college students. His diverse community advocacy activities allow him to collaborate, partner and work to address several social justice issues affecting citizens living in homelessness and poverty, especially during this Pandemic.
Dr. Herndon has been recognized for his student mentorship, community engagement, civil rights, human relations, international human rights mission trips, clergy leadership and social justice advocacy. He is currently writing his book focusing on the following areas; spiritual formation, youth advocacy, community empowerment. Additionally, he will address how people of goodwill can spiritually connect to God’s power that connects all people together as we live in unity and respect. He is an international traveler with home stays in eight of the 22 countries which includes: South America, Western Europe, Canada, the Caribbean Islands and on the Continent of Africa. He serves on several boards, committees and commissions, which focuses on “Social Justice Advocacy for Youth and Seniors”. He is the Past-President of Durham Congregations in Action, Past-Board Member of the Mayor’s Commission on Homelessness and Poverty. He is currently serving on the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, The Durham Business and Professional Chain, Inc., The Rites of Passage Program and serves on the East Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Association Newsletter committee.
Ciara Arts and Sciences Foundation
Recipient of the Impactful Philanthropy Award
John Bamforth and Sue Mahony, Founders of the Ciara Arts and Science Foundation, have had successful 30-year careers in business. They have for some time supported marginalized youth; however, in the formation of the Ciara Arts and Science Foundation, they have doubled down on their commitment to helping talented children, especially in communities of color, to reach their potential. They work to identify disenfranchised youth who would like to develop talents in the arts or academia. They will provide scholarships and grants to these youth alongside organizations with similar missions. Finally, the Foundation funds awareness efforts to encourage communities of color to participate in these important youth programs.
Over the last two years, this foundation has awarded six students, who applied for the YMC Outstanding Youth Leaders of the Year Scholarship, with $20,000 to pursue their passions in the Arts and Sciences field at a four-year university.
Click here to learn more about The Ciara Arts and Sciences Foundation.
Representative Zack Hawkins
Recipient of the Public Sector Advocate Award
State Representative Zack Hawkins believes in A Better North Carolina — a state where every person has the opportunity to live up to their God-given talents and abilities, from Murphy to Manteo, without discrimination and unnecessary barriers. Zack believes deeply that everyone deserves a chance to contribute to our state, receive a well-funded and affordable education, have access to affordable healthcare, the opportunity to raise a family with a job that pays a living wage, and have a state government they can trust and that serves their best interest.
As a native North Carolinian, Zack's commitment and passion for our state runs deep. Zack grew up on a dirt road in Beaufort County, Chocowinity, NC. This town of less than 1000 people, taught Zack life lessons that he still carries with him today. Since moving to Durham to continue his education, two decades ago, Zack has been an active member of his community, serving as a nonprofit, political and high education leader, and most importantly, serving as a science teacher in the Durham Public School system and now serves as chief development officer for UNC Student Affairs.
In November of 2018, he became the youngest person elected to represent Durham in NC House District 31. Zack has been recognized as one of 5 progressive freshmen (2019) to watch and serves on the following committees in the N.C. House: Full Appropriations, Appropriations- Education, Education- Universities, Redistricting, Transportation, Energy and Public Utilities. State Representative Hawkins serves as a co-chair for the Bipartisan Advanced Auto Mobility (Drone) Caucus, founded and co-chairs the bipartisan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Caucus and lastly founded and co-chairs the first in the nation, Bipartisan, bicameral HBCU Caucus. For a second straight term, he was also chosen to serve as House Democratic Caucus Transportation Chair and served as a member of the House Select Committee on Transportation for the 2019 and 2021 sessions.
Zack is driven by a commitment and desire to provide other North Carolinians the same life-changing opportunities he was given and to continue to show that North Carolina is still, “where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great.”
Dr. Monique Holsey-Hyman
Recipient of the Public Sector Advocate Award
Dr. Monique E. Holsey-Hyman of South Bronx, New York City, is a committed woman who aims to adhere to an education set to aid society's future. She believes in providing people with a decent education and nurturing them with the love and care they deserve. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Sociology from the State University at Binghamton in 1986 and a Master of Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work in 1992. She has been a Certified Social Worker (CSW) since 1996 in New York State. In 2005, she was licensed as a Certified Social Worker with Psychotherapy Privilege (LCSW-R). In 2015, she earned her Doctorate in Education Leadership and Administration from the Richard W. Riley College of Education at Walden University.
Dr. Holsey- Hyman has 17 years of administrative and academic leadership and another 25 plus years of direct social work practice in child welfare, mental health, community healthcare, and management. In 1986, she started her journey as a caseworker for the City of New York, Human Resources Administration, and Child Welfare Administration. During her years in the City of New York, Human Resources Administration, and Child Welfare Administration, she developed supervisory and management skills in Child Protective Services and as the Special Assistant to Deputy Director of Bronx Field Office. In addition, under the tenure of the first African American Mayor David Dinkins in New York City she was asked to work on community collaboration as a Supervisor for the Family Preservation Program, Community & Family Advocate. After a prominent career in city government, she was recruited in 1994 to start the first Mental Health Case Management Program for Steinway Child and Family Services Queens, New York, a non-for-profit program funded by the city and state office of mental health. Two years after, she was promoted to the Bronx Director of Case Management. In 2002, she became the Center Director for Community Healthcare Network, Health Center in Queens, New York.
Dr. Holsey- Hyman is a servant leader and gives back to the community wherever she can. During her 17 years in North Carolina, she has served on several School Improvement and Site-Based Boards for schools in Durham County, Durham Mental Health Board: Alliance Behavioral Healthcare Board. In 2009, she was an Appointed Member of the Pearson Town Elementary Site-Based Decision-Making Committee. In 2010, she was also an Appointed Member of Durham Area Mental Health Board, Rogers Herr Middle School Site-Based Decision-Making Committee, and Pearson Town Elementary Principal Selection Committee. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, The National Society of Leadership and Success, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA). Presently, Dr. Holsey- Hyman has served on the Durham Citizens Advisory Board and is the Vice President for the Durham Social Service Board.
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