As Thanksgiving approaches, I'd like to pause and reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for this year.
First and foremost, I am thankful for our staff every day. A team of dedicated, passionate, and talented individuals that bring their open hearts and full selves to OppNet to continue doing the excellent work in support of our students and partners. Every outcome we drive, every dollar we raise, every story we tell, and every impact we make are all only possible because of the people that work at OppNet. I count my lucky stars to be among the best.
I'm grateful for the generous support of our Board, Associate Board, and community of supporters. Thanks to all of you, OppNet staved off the need to curtail our programming or to downsize our staff. Instead, we are growing to serve even more young people this year than ever before and we are expanding our team.
Finally, I am thankful for the strength, resilience, and brilliance of the young people we have the honor of serving -- Fellows and students who have braved uncertainty and accomplished big, impressive things. You are the reason our shared future looks so bright -- thank you for being you!
If you would like to support the work that OppNet does and help students maximize their experience, please consider making a donation through our website. Each donation goes towards helping Fellows and the young people we serve navigate and thrive in college and the workplace.
In closing, I'd like to open up the conversation to share with you some of our staff's reflections on thankfulness. May we all find the space to share our gratitude this season, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!
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OppNet Staff Reflections: What We Are Grateful For
"This year, our second programming year in a pandemic, I am grateful for the kindness, understanding, self-awareness, humility, and connection that I see and experience from our Fellows and OppNet staff and community."
– Chelsea Frosini, Director of Programs
"I'm grateful for how supportive my supervisors and everyone on the Partnerships team has been during my time at OppNet. I've gotten the opportunity to work on a variety of different projects, and learn a lot about wellness, DEI practices, and asset-based mentorship and supervision."
– Kelley Zhao, Partnerships Program Intern
"I'm truly grateful to not only be employed by OppNet but also to be a true partner in the community. It is the focus put on constantly reflecting on our work, the focus on centering the "why" and "for whom" that makes me feel thankful."
– Emmanuel Moses, Associate Director of College Guidance & Transition
"In a time filled with so much uncertainty, I find solace in the blessings of my faith, health, family, friends, education, and career."
– Alexandra Garcia, Senior Coordinator, Student Services and Program Operations
"I'm grateful to learn and grow beside thoughtful, values-aligned colleagues, Fellows, and Partners."
– Samantha Alcalá, Senior Partnerships & Advocacy Manager
"I have been grateful for the opportunity to have "human check-ins" during brief moments in breakout rooms or net-breakers, scheduled lunches or coffee chats, or even casual exchanges at the beginning or end of a meeting."
– Carl Jackman, LMSW, Assistant Director of Wellness Support
FELLOWS RECRUITMENT
Recruitment for our Fellows class of 2028 has begun! Every year, around 500 10th graders apply to join OppNet's Fellows program, with 160 new students becoming part of our 1000+ strong community. Throughout their 6-year experience, Fellows cultivate their passions and integrate personal growth with college and career readiness still to pave the way for their success during and after college. To learn more about our Fellows program and access the application for the class of 2028, click here. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SPEED NETWORKING
Sign up to volunteer with OppNet at Speed Networking on December 6, 7, or 8th! We invite you to join our 11th grade Fellows for a fun and dynamic night of virtual networking and career exploration. Each session will take place from 5:30 to 7pm EST. Click here for more information and to register your interest in volunteering. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CAREER FLUENCY® PARTNERSHIPS
Our Partnerships team is excited to kick off work with a new partner, John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Working with the college's team of advisors, OppNet's partnership aims to support and uplift students through career readiness programming and mentorship, reaching 14,000 students in total!
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OPPORTUNITY TALKS
OppNet is honored to have been joined by Caron Veazey, former manager of Pharrell Williams and Founder & CEO of Something in Common, a management and consulting firm focusing on music and culture. We're so grateful for the wisdom she shared with the OppNet community.
Save the date for our next Opportunity Talk on November 17th, from 4-5pm with Denise Woodard, Founder & CEO of Partake Foods, a line of nationally distributed foods for those with dietary restrictions. RSVP here!
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OPPNET IN THE MEDIA
In October, OppNet's President and CEO AiLun Ku shared insights into her professional trajectory at the 2021 National College Attainment Network (NCAN) Annual Conference, Rebuilding for Postsecondary Equity.
CEO AiLun Ku also spoke at the Grantmakers for Education Annual Conference's October 22 panel, Setting Up for Success: Supporting Leaders of Color During this Crucial Time, discussing how the philanthropic sector can support leaders of color as they transition into ED & CEO roles.
Jessica Pliska, OppNet Founder and Head of Leadership Giving, interviewed Xavier Riley, head of digital strategy and innovation at Standard Industries, for Forbes. To learn more about Riley's personal and career influences, read the full article here.
