As our graduates move into the workforce or make a professional shift based on their degree, they often seek ways to share their new experiences with current students. “Since graduating, I have gained so much real-world knowledge,” says first-time mentor Mari Al-Midhadi, MA Communications Design '22. “There were so many facilities, resources, and skills I wish I had taken initiative on or taken more advantage of as a student. I would love to pass on this knowledge to help the next generation of designers.”
In 2024, 59 new alumni volunteered to become mentors. Several of them, like Soumil Panwar, MA Strategic Design '21, were mentees when the program started. "I am extremely thankful to the mentor I was assigned during my time at Parsons, and I want to give back. I have the bandwidth to guide and mentor students toward helping them achieve their goals.” Others like Jocelyn Alas, MA Media Management '15, have been volunteering since the program began, in 2020. “I really enjoy sharing what I've learned through the years with up-and-coming professionals. I think it's important to give back in ways I would have appreciated at that time.” Maria Niro, BA Documentary Media Studies '04, has been with the program for two semesters. "As a mentor, I can share my experiences, provide career advice, and offer valuable insights to help students navigate their academic and professional paths. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, strengthen the alumni community, and foster a lasting legacy of support and success."
In addition to sharing skills and experience, alumni mentors are eager to make their networks available to our students. "I'd love to share my experiences to help students navigate challenges as they are continuing toward getting a job and applying their design skills to business and different industries. I'd also like to connect students with industry professionals in my network and help them get a job that they would be happy about," says Deniz Ayaz, BA Illustration '11. Elsa Boutaric, AAS Fashion Marketing and Communications '17, wanted her mentees to benefit from her unique career path. "Having started my career in fashion at Parsons and then transitioned into visual merchandising and editorial styling and finally building my own personal styling business, I understand the journey students are on. I would love to guide and inspire them, just as I've been supported by my own mentors throughout my career, and give back to a community that shaped my path."
Angela Bankhead, MA Design and Technology '12, hopes to inspire students to build their own community of support. "I came to New York City never having visited or really knowing anyone. I knew it was important with me being in a new space to build a community for myself, and I wanted to be able to provide that mentorship for others along with a community like I was able to build for myself. It truly helps you thrive and succeed when you have the right folks in your corner."
Thanks to volunteer alumni like Angela, our students are doing just that. Become a part of our community of support!