Staff Story Archives - Affinity Mentoring

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Affinity Mentoring: Keyla

Each year from September 15 to October 15 we observe Hispanic Heritage Month at Affinity Mentoring. Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the diverse and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals and communities to the country’s history, culture, and society. This time provides an opportunity for our supporters from various backgrounds to learn about and appreciate the rich heritage, traditions, art, music, and achievements of Hispanic and Latinx Americans, and it serves as a platform for promoting cultural diversity and understanding within our community.

Over the next few weeks, Affinity will be highlighting stories from our staff, board, and mentors about what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. We continue our series today by celebrating Keyla Araujo, Site Coordinator for Affinity Mentoring.

“I am from the Dominican Republic, I moved to the United States when I turned 7 years old. For me, it has always been important to remember and celebrate where I came from. I love my culture, the music, the food, and the people. I celebrate my culture alongside my husband and kids daily by speaking Spanish and sharing dishes typical of my homeland as well as enjoying our music, Merengue. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the beautiful mosaic that is “La Comunidad Latina”. One thing we do around this time is gather at our church and celebrate the different countries that make up our congregation. We celebrate our uniqueness along with our similarities through the sampling of dishes from each country as well as dressing in our “Trajes Tipicos”. It’s a fun time where we share our heritage with the next generation, teaching them that our roots run deep and are nothing to be ashamed of but celebrated!”

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Affinity Mentoring: Yanitza

Over the next few weeks, Affinity will be highlighting stories from our staff, board, and mentors about what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. Kicking off the series is our very own Yanitza Valdez, Burton Site Coordinator.

“I am a proud Mexican and Puerto Rican individual. Hispanic Heritage Month for my family and myself is an ongoing celebration/lifestyle. We make sure to keep our culture alive by embracing our food, language/accent, and authenticity of our roots and backgrounds. This month is a reminder that there is beauty in every spice, music style, tradition, and language. I am honored to be a walking portrayal of who I am.”

Celebrating Team Transitions

October 2022

We are celebrating two Affinity team members, Angela Reyna and Rachel Humphreys, as they take the next steps in their careers! Both joined Affinity’s team in 2018 and have been integral members in its expansion and propelling the organization towards a more equitable future.

Angela Reyna | Angela was a mentee in the Burton Mentoring Program (read past the blog) nearly 20 years ago. Then in 2018 she joined the team as a Program Assistant; supporting students, mentors, and families at each Mentor Center. In 2021 she was promoted to Lee Middle School Site Coordinator where she not only opened a new site, she also co-led and co-founded both the Middle School Mentoring Steering Committee and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee.

As a Burton and Godfrey-Lee alum Angela brought personal experience, passion, and creativity to the organization. We are grateful for her work and wish her well on her future endeavors. Angela’s last day is October 13th.

Fun Fact: Angela and her mentor, Wendy, are STILL in contact. This goes to show the impact of mentoring and the lifelong connections that are made.

Rachel Humphreys, Communications and Development Director

Rachel Humphreys | Rachel joined the Affinity team in 2018 as the Communications and Development Director to help the young nonprofit transition from its partner organization, Mars Hill. Her leadership in advancement helped increase Affinity’s revenue streams, overall budget, and cultivate partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits. The organization has seen a 48% increase in revenue and has expanded from two to five mentor centers.

Rachel was a founding member of the DEI Committee, along with Angela, and advocated for community-centric fundraising, inclusive communications, and cultivating a space of belonging. Her last day is October 14th.

Fun Fact: Rachel was the first mentor Angela interviewed as a new Program Assistant in 2018. The match has been a huge success. Rachel and her mentee, Ericka, have returned for their 5th year of mentoring together.

Affinity Intern Spotlight: Lauren

April 2022

Lauren Enos joined Affinity’s team in May of 2021 as the Masters of Social Work (MSW) Intern. Lauren is finishing her masters at Grand Valley State University this month. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Wagner College in New York City.

During her time at Affinity, Lauren has supported both the programming and administrative teams, honing her skills in:

Grant writing;
Program evaluation;
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion;
Youth development; and
Community partnerships

In addition, she served on both the Middle School Mentoring Steering Committee and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Post-internship, Lauren has been contracted to lead Affinity’s DEI Committee.

“It is difficult to put into words what my experience at Affinity Mentoring has meant to me. I decided to pursue my graduate studies in my mid-thirties, as a recent Michigan transplant, with a 2 year old. I entertained being able to pursue my passion for identity development and mentoring, one that was sparked back in undergrad,” explains Lauren. “In preparing for joining the Affinity team as an MSW intern, I had no idea I would meet some of the most dedicated, compassionate and caring individuals. I am thankful for the time and opportunities Affinity has provided for me, but I am even more thankful to know that there are organizations filled with people that value caring for each other, making space for difficult times, and leaning into difficult conversations. Affinity has opened the door for me to explore my passions, and I am forever grateful,” she says.

In addition, Lauren will be presenting at the Midwest Interdisciplinary Graduate Conference (MIGC) and the Center for 21st Century Studies for her amazing website compilation of Anti-racism Resources for Education and Mentoring.

She has been selected for the Graduate School Citations for Academic Excellence in the Winter 2022 semester. This is an honor given by Grand Valley State University to graduate students who have been nominated by the faculty for Award for Excellence in Promoting Inclusion and Diversity at GVSU.

Lauren also received the Diversity in Human Rights Award from the GVSU School of Social Work. We’re proud to be part of Lauren’s journey and grateful for the insights and initiatives she provided to our team. To learn more about our internship offerings, contact info@affinitymentoring.org or see what’s available on our Careers Page.

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.