‘Lives transformed’: First Chances Mentorship Programme holds graduation ceremony

“Mentorship is not a one-way street; it is a partnership. Both mentors and mentees grow through the process, gaining new insights, perspectives, and connections.” These were the heartfelt words of Tiffany Broomes, co-founder of the First Chances Mentorship Programme, during the graduation ceremony for their latest cohort.

Held under the theme Pathways to Purpose, the event, which took place at the elegant O2 Beach Club and Spa on Saturday night, also marked the programme’s fifth anniversary. Throughout the span of one year, the initiative has provided participants with opportunities to build skills, gain hands-on experience, and transition into new roles, paving the way for others to seize similar opportunities.

Participants benefited from a series of webinars covering a range of topics, from personal growth to professional development. These sessions were designed to equip mentees with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in their respective fields.

Reflecting on the journey Broomes shared, “Five years ago, in the midst of a global pandemic that upended the lives of many around the world, God placed this programme on my heart.” Since its inception in 2020, they made a significant impact, connecting 81 mentees and 64 mentors across Barbados, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. “For us, these are not just numbers,” Broomes emphasied. “They represent lives transformed, careers elevated, and confidence instilled.”

Broomes highlighted the transformative power of mentorship, stating, “Mentorship is about something deeper, building resilience, fostering purpose, and encouraging individuals to see the possibilities within themselves. Our mentors don’t just guide, they walk beside their mentees, they unlock potential and open doors that may have once seemed out of reach.”

This year’s cohort included nine mentees and eight mentors. Broomes proudly noted the programme’s dual impact, recognising while mentees grow and thrive, aspiring Human Resource (HR) professionals also gain invaluable real-world experience. She added, “This programme is more than an initiative; it is a movement. It stands as a beacon of hope and possibility for many who have been incorporated.”

Recognising the contributions of the volunteers who have been pivotal in their success, Broomes expressed her gratitude, “Your hard work and dedication has been instrumental in shaping this programme into what it is today.”

The evening featured an inspiring keynote address by Julie Turney, who describes her role as being an Impact Architect. She heralded mentors as unsung heroes acknowledging,  “It is a gift and it takes a special kind of person to make a conscious decision that despite their hectic schedule and all the things that they have to do, that they are going to make some time to take someone under their wing and give them a gift, a gift of knowledge and experience to help them move forward.” She reminded, “Your purpose is your passion, it is what fuels you. It is why you get up every morning. When you go into that workplace you know that you are fulfilling your purpose.”

Winning Mentor and Mentee of the Year were Julie-Ann Sargeant and Chaquon Griffith.  Sargeant, shared, “When I entered the HR field, I entered without any experience because someone took a chance on me. Someone provided that opportunity and that is what I always wanted to do, just help wherever I can. This programme really gave me the opportunity to help persons to develop in their fields.”

The event’s host, the vibrant Gabrielle Gay, kept the atmosphere lively. Steel pannist Seth Turton delivered a moving rendition of Miley Cyrus’ inspirational hit The Climb, perfectly complementing the evening’s motivational theme. (STT)