You helped make it happen!!

Hi Friends,

I hope this message finds you well! As I reflect on the incredible journey of The Collective Identity Mentoring (TCI), I am thrilled to share the highlights of our Fall 2023 semester. It's been an enriching and transformative period filled with growth, learning, and exciting new developments.

New Faces and Spaces: In April 2023, we successfully concluded our inaugural cohort and, from there, embarked on an exciting new chapter. The first confab of our second term on September 13, 2023, marked the beginning of a dynamic phase for TCI. We welcomed new team members: Program Manager Jessica Akintunde and Curriculum Developer Tanisha Moncrieffe-Grant, who have brought fresh perspectives and energy to our program.

To accommodate the growth and enhance the experience for our mentees, we expanded the cohort size to ten youth. Additionally, TCI found a new home at the heart of the USC campus, officially situated in the CBCSA.

Mentor & Matching Brunch: We kicked off the term with a Mentor & Matching Brunch at Lisa Love's home, generously donated for the occasion. Each person also received a goodie bag complete with donated Mielle Organics and The Honest Company Beauty products. This unique event allowed our mentees to connect with potential mentors, fostering relationships that go beyond the traditional mentorship model.

Mix & Mingle Dinner: The energy was electric at The Collective Identity Mentoring's recent mix and mingle event hosted at the iconic Hart House by USC! Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, our mentees had the incredible opportunity to connect not only with each other but also with our new facilitators, Araya, Ebony, and Tehana. A huge shoutout to The Hart House for graciously hosting us and creating an environment where bonds were strengthened, and new friendships were forged.

Evolution of Programming:

Responding to valuable feedback from our inaugural cohort, we restructured our program. This term, we dedicated one month to each topic to allow for deeper exploration and understanding. Our Wednesday sessions covered Stress and Time Management, Relationships, and Financial Literacy.

  • Stress and Time Management (Sept 13 and 27): Our youth delved into techniques such as Pomodoro, the core tenets of Time Blocking, and SMART goals. These sessions were complemented by delightful dinners from Chipotle and Mendocino Farms.

  • Relationships (Oct 11 and 25): Exploring various relationship types, recognizing signs of healthiness, and building effective communication skills were the focal points. Cava and Hart House provided the perfect meal for these engaging discussions.

  • Financial Literacy (Nov 15 and 27): Knowledge and skills for informed financial decisions took center stage. The importance of personal finance and its impact on achieving financial goals were emphasized, accompanied by delicious dinners from Dave's Hot Chicken and Jersey Mike's.

Special Events and Excursions:

This semester, we ventured beyond the classroom with two exciting excursions

We had an escape room adventure…

…and enjoyed a plant-based brunch at Real Food Daily in West Hollywood.

Semester Finale at Etta in Culver City:

To conclude the semester on a high note, we gathered for a memorable dinner at Etta in Culver City. The evening was filled with great food, amazing conversations, and abundant smiles and laughter, celebrating the TCI family.

As we look forward to the upcoming semester, we're excited about the continued growth and success of The Collective Identity Mentoring. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey.

With Kind Regards,

Nicole Lynn

Founder, President, & Executive Director

Nicole Lynn