CONEXIONES MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Conexiones Mentorship Program

What is Conexiones? In 2019, we launched our first-ever mentorship program between the UF-AHA and the UF Hispanic Student Association called “Conexiones”. Since then, we’ve had three successful Conexiones cohorts. The goal of Conexiones is to build positive relationships between current Hispanic-Latinx students and alumni at the University of Florida and provide students with opportunities to network and develop professionally. This mentorship program is just one of the ways the UF-AHA makes an impact in student’s daily lives. In 2021, we were proud to match 31 alumni mentors from 15 different industries with 35 student mentees.

Our application to become an alumni mentor through Conexiones opens every Fall semester. More information on ways to apply will be available soon.

Commitment from our Mentors:

Everyone defines mentorship differently. To be an effective mentor, you will need to achieve an

understanding of your mentee’s needs and encourage suitable approaches to foster career and

personal development. Mentorship is a shared partnership. By working together to set expectations that exemplify related interests, you will create a philosophy of support that will lead to a mutually beneficial relationship. Offer advice on opportunities available in the student’s area of interest. Practice active listening. Give positive reinforcement. Build Confidence. Inspire. Share words of praise.

As a mentor in the Conexiones program, you commit to:

• Have one touchpoint a month with your mentee. It is up to you and your mentee when to hold meetings and how to communicate (by phone, zoom, skype, etc.).

• Complete feedback surveys sent by UF-AHA and HSA.

• Be responsive to emails from the UF-AHA and HSA that require responses and contain action items.

Conexiones Success Stories

Cohort 1: 2019-2020

Mentor: Alejandro Alvarez, originally from Venezuela, is a 2013 Industrial and Systems Engineering graduate from UF and a 2017 MBA graduate from NYU’s Stern School of Business. After graduating with his MBA, Alejandro started a career as an Investment Banking Association At Goldman Sachs, where he provides Fortune 500 clients in the Consumer/Retail industry with financial and strategic advice around M&A, equities (IPO), and capital allocation.

Mentee: Rudy Gonzalez is a third year, Cuban, Finance and Physics major from Miami, Florida and hopes to pursue a career in Finance or Investment Banking.

What was your favorite memory with your mentor/mentee?

Rudy: “My favorite memory with my mentor probably has to be just getting to learn a lot about a career path I knew very little about, investment banking. I hope to learn more from him in the future as I figure out what exactly I want to do with my life.”

Alejandro: “My favorite memory is related to one of our first conversations on the phone. I told Rodolfo to view this as an informal relationship and ask me anything that was helpful, no question was a stupid question. Rodolfo was honest, direct, and took advantage of the opportunity. He mentioned he was interested in Investment Banking but wasn’t really sure what it was. We spent the next hour on the phone talking about the industry, what a career can look like, and what the day-to-day could look like. This is my favorite memory because it made this program feel genuine and honest. Answering Rodolfo’s questions made me feel like our conversation was genuinely helpful.”

Cohort 2: 2020-2021

Mentor: Vanessa Miller is a 2012 Philosophy graduate of the University of Florida. She has also received a Master’s in Philosophy and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and a J.D. & Ph.D. graduate from Pennsylvania State University. Her research focused on educational equity in professional and graduate schools, social science and the law, and education law. Vanessa Miller is currently the Postdoctoral Associate for the Race and Crime Center for Justice at the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

Mentee: Kendra Blandon is a graduating senior double majoring in Religion and International Studies with a focus in Latin America and the Caribbean.

What were you looking for in a mentor/mentee and how do you feel your mentor/mentee has met those expectations?

Kendra: I was looking for a mentor that could help me navigate law school decision making. As a graduating senior, there are a lot of scenarios open about where and how I will live in the future. Vanessa was able to share her own story and moments that were difficult in her first year. She gave me a lot of practical tips for battling imposter syndrome, preparing for exams, and things to look for when I tour schools. She’s a wonderful and confident person who supports my constant growth.

Vanessa: During my time at the University of Florida and Penn State, I found a support system in strong Latinx women. I greatly benefitted from their advice and guidance and want to pay it forward for the future generation of women in the legal profession. I am so impressed with my mentee’s motivation to work in immigration law and serve as a key agent of social change. I am excited to further our relationship and see just how much she flourishes.