MentorMe Learning

In our past year with #MentorMeet we have been featuring and getting to know individuals within our MentorMe Learning community & throughout Southern California, in hopes of inspiring and connecting people. We have had the opportunity to interview local CEOs, non-profits, small business owners, volunteers, and so much more! This week on #MentorMeet we wanted to shine a light on some of our previous features & some of the specular folks involved. . . What are you passionate a...bout? Something that I’m passionate about is just overall making a difference. Whether that be on a small or large scale, community based or even internationally, and specifically to do with the environment. I just, I love that. I feel like it’s something that every human, every species, has in common. We’re all here on this planet and if I can make a difference or inspire someone to make one change in their life, even just making their voice heard. -Jayde Bahrami, Programs Manager for Tidal Influence . . What does "mentoring" mean to you? "Being a positive role model to everyone around & helping people however I can. I like to show people by example & inspire them to make positive changes in their lives." -Seth Matson, CEO & Founder of Drains to Oceans . . Why are you choosing to give your time to be a part of MentorMe Learning? "I love Mentor Me Learning's mission and believe it's imperative for young people to identify what they're passionate about as early as possible, learn what's already going on out there in their area of interest, and start getting actual experience in doing what they love." -Lachelle Carrozza, MentorMe Learning board member and local entrepreneur . . #MentorMeet If you, or someone you know, would be interested in being featured or would like to know how to join our growing mentor-base, DM us today! Head over to our blog for the full feature. https://www.mentormelearning.com/post/our-goal-in-mentormeet See more

We are excited to announce that our Drive-In Movie Series is back! Please join us March 27th for a socially-distanced and hoppin’ fun time, as we welcome Spring! Come early to enjoy the Bounce House & grab some free Treats (while supplies lasts) provided by our Sponsors! Tickets:... https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drive-in-movie-night-hop-ticke See more

Meet Mindy, Newport Beach Environmental Nature Center ‘s Education Director. Mindy has worked as an environmental educator and naturalist at the California Science Center and as the Director of Creative Programming at Trash for Teaching. . . What are you passionate about? I am passionate about connecting children and families to nature. Caring about and taking care of the world around us begins with just having simple opportunities to see why nature is amazing. I love incor...porating live animals into our programs - children are captivated by live animals and it really ignites their curiosity in a special way. . . What does mentoring mean to you? To me, mentoring means cultivating the next generation of leaders. A mentor is often a trusted person you can come to with concerns and frustrations, who helps you see things in a different light or provides guidance for solving your own problems. . . Is there someone in your life who has been a mentor to you in an unexpected way? My best friend (she is a former co-worker from a job I had in my early 20s) has been a ‘friend-tor’ to me. We have pursued a similar career path over the years and she remains the best person to talk to when I need to vent and problem-solve something about work. It feels like we are kind of co-mentoring each other in some ways. . . What other small businesses/nonprofits do you admire? I love the Nonprofit Partnership (based in Long Beach) - they are a hub of great resources for all kinds of nonprofits, providing lots of mentorship and professional development opportunities. Read more about Mindy in our Blog! #MentorMeet

Meet Donnie, father of four, a Costa Mesa firefighter, and a supportive Board Member with MentorMe Learning. . . What are you passionate about? I’m passionate about helping people. I find the value in helping the community or anyone in need is my purpose in life. I feel fortunate that I can give back, whether it is financially, through time, or energy. My job has really opened my eyes to the amount of people just surviving in life and the amount of help there is to offer.... . . What does mentoring mean to you? Mentoring to me is having the life experiences and knowledge to pass along to someone else. I think the most important part is the willingness to share and collaborate, and assists someone else in advancing in their pursuits, whatever their journey is. In mentoring my hope would be that the road could be a little less bumpy or more fruitful for someone else based on the knowledge I give. . . Is there someone in your life who has been a mentor to you in an unexpected way? One direct influence is my wife. Her wisdom and knowledge, love and support, is like having a mentor. She makes sense of my ideas, helps me make better decisions, and is always there through the ups and downs." . . What goals have you set for yourself moving into a new year? "I am on the captains list for my department and there is an open spot I am hoping to be promoted. I want to set an example for the younger guys coming in and have a positive influence, as well as be the next best version of myself and continue to grow." . What other ways do you stay involved and give back to your community? Operation Santa is part of the Costa Mesa firefighter association where we collect and distribute toys to children who otherwise may go without presents during the holidays. Also, my church, Beach Cities has given me great opportunities to give back to the community, through movie events, one-to-one care and peer support for individual who need help." . . #MentorMeet See more

Are you looking for ways to give back this season? Check out these ways you can join our team (virtually) and help our youth change-making movement grow! Visit our website or follow the link below to help us continue our mission to empower youth to become social entrepreneurs and change makers within their communities! http://ow.ly/zX8350Cu5tp

Meet Brooke, cofounder of @beachcitysports , an Orange County adult sports league focused on bringing people together through healthy living, sports, & networking events. . . What are you passionate about? I am passionate about creating communities. In my life having good friends & people that build me up around me has been the key to happiness & success. I enjoy creating events & communities that make it easy for people to plug in & meet new people. ... . . What does mentoring mean to you? Mentoring means giving back. Usually to the next generation (but could be someone older). I was taught that you should spend 1/3 of your time with people that build you up or who are more advanced than you, 1/3 of your time with peers on your level, and 1/3 of your time helping people UP. . . How are you staying connected with others? Earlier this year I was staying connected by creating virtual events & learning how to host on different virtual platforms. Currently, I am passionate about bringing back in person outdoor events. I know this is going upstream of what many people are seeing on the media, but if our emphasis is on shifting our attention to physical health, mental wellness, improving our immune systems, & staying connected as communities, then healthy adults shouldn’t feel shame for doing healthy activities outdoors. . . Is there someone in your life who has been a mentor to you in an unexpected way? There has been a lot of them. I always try to find the smartest person in the room & learn from them! . . What other small businesses do you admire? I admire the small businesses that are being creative & finding ways to stay open, including adult sports leagues like ours across North America. It’s been uplifting to collaborate & knowledge-share w/ @socialsportsnet throughout the year. #MentorMeet Check our blog to read more from Brooke!

Meet Lachelle Carrozza, a board member and core volunteer for MentorMe! . . What are you passionate about? "I am passionate about our youth and setting them up for success in all areas of their lives. I'm passionate about the environment, especially the ocean, and keeping it clean."... . . What does mentoring mean to you? "Mentoring to me means walking alongside of someone and doing life with them, and helping and assisting them along the way when they need it." . . Is there someone in your life who has been a mentor to you in an unexpected way? "There are many that come to mind. My club soccer coach Harold Warren when I was in high school. Jeannie Mendez took me under her wing when I became a legal secretary. Debbie Hoenecke when I was learning bookkeeping. And Kathy Zehnder in my current apartment manager position. Now I love learning from all the people I'm surrounded by, and try to emulate their positive ways. I really enjoy how available and accessible teaching, coaching, and mentoring is online when I need it and seek it out." . . What is one positive thing you’ve seen come out of the challenges we have all been facing during 2020? "I've experienced 3 positive things during 2020: the forced slow down of my life, spending more time at home, and getting really creative with our resources." . . What other small businesses/nonprofits do you admire? "I admire Free Rein, Roadtrip Nation, Ocean Institute, Blizzard Entertainment, Carrozza Surfboards, and Twist & Shout. . . Why are you choosing to give your time to be a part of MentorMe Learning? "I love Mentor Me Learning's mission and believe it's imperative for young people to identify what they're passionate about as early as possible, learn what's already going on out there in their area of interest, and start getting actual experience in doing what they love." #MentorMeet Check out our blog to continue reading!