New Team Member Archives - Affinity Mentoring

Affinity appoints new Executive Director

April 19, 2022 | By Rachel Humphreys

Sharalla Ankrah, Executive Director of Affinity Mentoring

Affinity Mentoring’s Board of Directors has named Sharalle Ankrah the new Executive Director. Cassandra will remain on staff until May 13 to support the leadership transition.

Sharalle holds a wealth of experience in both education and mentoring. She’s worked as an educator within a GRPS-authorized charter school, a director of after school programming, and a director of other mentoring organizations.

“We look forward to how she will help move Affinity Mentoring forward with her strong skill set which includes grant writing, diversity, equity and inclusion, and leadership experience,” says John Robinson, Affinity Mentoring board president. “She is a passionate and experienced leader who has a deep understanding of the community. She brings critical perspective and insight, and was unanimously chosen by both the Affinity Mentoring team and board to step into this role.”

Sharalle is a graduate from Grand Valley State University with a degree in English for Secondary Education. A Detroit native, Sharalle has always had a heart for community development through inspiring the forthcoming generation. She believes mentoring can help create equitable opportunities for growth and community impact among students and families who are often left in the margins.

“We have made incredible changes to so many aspects of Affinity Mentoring over the past two years, but I fully recognize that we are approaching the limits of what my leadership can offer to the organization,” said Cassandra, Affinity Mentoring’s outgoing executive director. “It is with true honor and joy that I pass the mic over to Sharalle as the next executive director of Affinity Mentoring.”

Sharalle has worked hard to develop curricula and facilitate programming that influences student’s conduct, decisions, leadership, and helped reveal identity. Sharalle heavily enjoys directing youth ministry at her local church and spending quality time with family and friends. She values the relationships created with her students in Grand Rapids, South Africa, and West Africa, and being a continued resource for students and families.

Burton student mentee, Emily, was the first to interview Sharalle. The recorded interview will be shared at the May 4, 2022 Better Together Benefit.

Sharalle’s personal mission statement is to aid in identity development through education and example. She has a vision to be a leader in youth development in Grand Rapids with influence on a systematic level that brings revenue, impact, and action into Affinity Mentoring.

Download the Press Release.

Affinity Intern Spotlight: Hannah

March 9, 2022

“My name is Hannah VanHoorne and I am a social work student at Grand Valley State University. I am a motivated, self-driven, and compassionate person with experience in behavioral analysis and mentoring skills. I have found personal benefit in working in schools, hospitals, and therapy centers.”

Hannah spends more of her time in the Burton Mentor Center supporting students and mentors.

Thank you for your service and commitment to Affinity!

Meet our other 2021-2022 intern, Lauren Enos!

Welcome, Mayra!

December 31, 2021

Welcome Mayra Rodriguez, Affinity’s New Office Coordinator!

Mayra has a passion for working with people and has dedicated over 15 years to serving her community in various capacities–from creating community awareness events in the greater Grand Rapids area, volunteering as a Sunday school teacher at her church, to missionary work in Mexico.
Mayra is the owner and creative mind behind May Bella Photography and loves bringing smiles to the faces of those she photographs. Mayra is always looking for opportunities to learn and grow her skills. She is currently working towards gaining more knowledge in the communication and human behavior realm.
Mayra is an aspiring writer and is working on her very first book as well as becoming a motivational speaker. Besides the passion she has for her community, Mayra enjoys spending time with her family, singing, photography, arts and crafts, meditation, and traveling.

Welcome to the team, Mayra!

Affinity Announces New Board Members

August 25, 2021

Affinity Mentoring today announced several new appointments to its board of directors, including Dr. Andrea Blue and Fuad Hasanovic.

Joined: August 2021	DR. ANDREA BLUE \| Blue Pathways Dr. Blue hails from Baldwin; MI. Dr. Blue is a mentor, personal and business coach, entrepreneur, author, and educator. Her education includes a Doctorate of Management and Organizational Development and Change in Higher Education Organizations; Colorado Technical University; 2 Masters Degrees; Ferris State University in Business Administration and Career Technical Education with a focus on management, business, and education. Dr. Blue is the Founder and CEO of B & J Enterprises, LLC where Blue Pathways Educational Mentorship Services and Paramount Recruitment Agency were birthed. Her focus is on corporations, business owners, and individuals that operate a business that works with underprivileged and underrepresented populations both locally and globally. Andrea brings 15 plus years of business, management, and education experience along with DISC Certification Training. She is intentional with our corporations, business owners, and individual clients to help transform lives through mindset mentorship and coaching strategies.
Joined: August 2021	FUAD HASANOVIC \| Kamps Pallets Fuad is the Brand Manager at Kamps Pallets, one of the nation's largest pallet recycling and manufacturing companies. He manages and supports the company-wide branding and communications strategy at Kamps. Fuad is active in his community, and in the past has served on the Emerging Leaders Advisory Council for the Special Olympics Michigan chapter. Moving to the United States as a refugee from Bosnia and Herzegovina, he has a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those growing up with English as a second-language and overcoming cultural barriers. Fuad earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from Davenport University; along with an MBA with a specialization in Strategic Management. In his spare time, he likes to read, watch basketball with his dog, Mia, and travel with his wife, Kelci.

A full list of board members can be found at affinitymentoring.org/about/the-board-of-directors/.

New Board Members Appointed

June 24, 2021

Affinity Mentoring today announced several new appointments to its board of directors, including Malaina Weldy and Frank Acosta.

Frank Acosta	Frank Acosta \| Independent Bank Frank is a dedicated and driven young marketing professional focused on making a difference in the community. He currently serves as the Digital Marketing Manager for Independent Bank. When he’s not in the office, you can likely find him outdoors or spending quality time with his family and friends. Frank has volunteered through Affinity Mentoring at SWCC in Grand Rapids for 2 years and is excited to give back to the organization through board service. Frank also serves on the board of directors for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids. He is Vice-Chair of the Marketing Committee for the Michigan Bankers Association and a Planning & Strategy Committee member for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. He earned an Associates in Science and Arts Degree from Muskegon Community College and a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing Degree from Davenport University.
Malaina Weldy	Malaina Weldy \| Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Malaina received her Bachelor of Arts in Business from Goshen College and her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. She is currently an attorney in the business practice group at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP and focuses her practice on corporate governance, formation, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial financing. She also assists with trademark licensing and domain name dispute resolution. Malaina grew up in northern Indiana and has loved getting to explore Grand Rapids and call it home. Malaina volunteers with her church and enjoys playing soccer, reading, and walking her rescue dog, Vinnie.

A full list of board members can be found at affinitymentoring.org/about/the-board-of-directors/.