On November 10, 2024, IRAL Creatives hosted the highly anticipated Menteeshop Fall Session, an event dedicated to empowering youth and fostering growth through mentorship, education, and networking. With over 60 attendees, the session was a resounding success, uniting a diverse audience of youth, adults, and community leaders in a shared pursuit of personal and professional development.
The day featured an impressive lineup of speakers, insightful discussions, and an atmosphere charged with energy and collaboration. From academic planning to career guidance and life skills development, the Menteeshop Fall Session was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together to invest in our community’s future.
Diverse and Engaged Audience
The event drew a wide-ranging audience, reflecting the vibrancy of our community. Youth participants came eager to learn and connect with professionals, while adults and mentors joined to share their wisdom and expand their own networks. The diversity of cultures, experiences, and perspectives created a rich environment where everyone left with something valuable.
Attendees expressed deep appreciation for the event, with many highlighting the practical takeaways and the chance to network with others who share their goals and passions. For the youth, it was an inspiring opportunity to hear firsthand from seasoned professionals and emerging leaders who have successfully navigated the challenges they now face.
Spotlight on the Speakers
The Menteeshop Fall Session wouldn’t have been the same without its incredible lineup of speakers. Each brought unique expertise and passion to the event, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Osa Osowa: A seasoned HR professional, Osa captivated attendees with her session on career choices. Drawing from over 20 years of experience, she offered practical tips on identifying one’s passion, aligning it with professional goals, and staying resilient in the face of challenges. Her advice resonated deeply with both the youth and adults in the room, many of whom found her insights immediately applicable to their own journeys.
Oghogho Emokaro: With her talk on life skills and community involvement, Oghogho inspired attendees to think beyond themselves. She emphasized the importance of building well-rounded personal skills while giving back to one’s community, a message that struck a chord with attendees of all ages.
Adesewa Adetoba: As a dedicated grade 12 student and active leader at SRSS, Adesewa shared her journey of balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Her insights into staying motivated and engaged inspired many youth attendees, highlighting the importance of both school spirit and giving back to the community. Her aspirations to pursue biological sciences and become a doctor served as a testament to the power of determination and goal setting.
Beth Slusher: For students navigating the complex world of academic planning, Beth provided invaluable guidance on choosing the right university major and understanding what counts toward admissions. Her approachable and informative session helped demystify the process and gave students clarity on how to take their next steps confidently.
Sean Slusher: As a recent high school graduate and aspiring athlete, Sean shared his journey of balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth. His relatable story inspired youth attendees, showing them that success is achievable through determination and focus.
Each speaker’s passion and expertise enriched the day, providing attendees with the tools and encouragement they need to succeed.
A Hub for Networking and Growth
Beyond the speaker sessions, the Menteeshop Fall Session served as a hub for networking and connection. The room buzzed with conversations as participants exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and built relationships.
For many youth attendees, this was their first opportunity to connect with professionals in their fields of interest. Adults, too, valued the chance to meet others who are committed to community development and personal growth.
The diversity of the crowd—spanning generations and cultures—created a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere that underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving our goals.
Feedback from Attendees
Attendees left the event feeling inspired, motivated, and equipped with new tools for success.
Here’s what some of them had to say:
“I learned so much about career planning and how to make my dreams a reality. Osa’s session was incredibly eye-opening!”
“The emphasis on community involvement really hit home for me. It’s something I want to prioritize more in my life moving forward.”
“The networking opportunities were amazing—I connected with people who understand the challenges I’m facing and want to help.”
“Beth’s talk cleared up so many questions I had about choosing my major. I feel much more confident now!”
"The speakers were so relatable and inspiring. It was amazing to hear how they overcame challenges to get to where they are now."
"This event opened my eyes to new opportunities and helped me think more clearly about my future career."
"I loved the diversity in the room—seeing people from different cultures coming together was truly uplifting."
"The networking opportunities were incredible. I made connections that I know will help me in the future."
"It’s not often that we get events like this in our community. I’m grateful for the organizers and speakers who made it possible."
"The advice on life skills and career planning was so practical. I’m leaving with a clearer plan for my next steps."
"It was inspiring to see young people like Adesewa and Sean share their stories. They showed us what’s possible with hard work and determination."
"This event was a perfect blend of education and motivation. I hope to attend more like this in the future."
This feedback highlights the event’s impact and reinforces the importance of creating spaces where learning and connection thrive.
Looking Ahead
The Menteeshop Fall Session was more than just an event—it was a celebration of community, growth, and the power of mentorship. IRAL Creatives is deeply grateful to the speakers, attendees, and volunteers who made the day such a success.
As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue providing opportunities for personal and professional development. Whether it’s through upcoming Menteeshop sessions, creative workshops, or community events, we’re committed to fostering growth and connection for all.
Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we’re building a brighter future—one connection at a time.
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