The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State has launched a new program called MentorTalks, interactive events that put exchange program alumni in touch with extraordinary mentors on a wide variety of topics. The series runs on ECA’s Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/InternationalExchangeAlumni/. Alumni get a chance to learn a little about each mentor and their career, and then ask them questions on their topic, all in 15 minutes.
The next live MentorTalks episode is scheduled for December 15th at 1pm ET when they will talk to Ranía Renno, author of Hungrily Homemade, on https://m.facebook.com/InternationalExchangeAlumni/. The moderator will discuss Ranía’s career as an entrepreneur and founder of Hungrily Homemade, as well as her experience in digital marketing and data-driven strategy. In this episode, Ranía will guide alumni through her culinary journey while offering insight into how her professional path has helped her to “own” her brand.
All previous MentorTalks are available to view at: https://alumni.state.gov/enabling-entrepreneurs/mentortalks
Please share this opportunity with alumni in your Area Team!
Some Previous MentorTalks Include:
Becoming an Online Pioneer
Bianca Alvarado discusses her career as entrepreneur and founder of La Casa Azul, a non-profit organization that aims to equip Hispanic youth with the technology skills necessary to succeed in a career in digital media and content creation.
Advancing Your Career with Exchange Programs
Doug Mitchell, Founder/Project Director of NPR’s Next Generation Radio and Jordyn Hawkins-Rippie, an international education professional, share their tips on how to tap into the power of exchange programs to advance career goals.
Time Out for Mental Health
Basketball All-Stars and mental health advocates Chamique Holdsclaw and Kevin Love joined us for a special MentorTalks episode to share their stories on seeking help for their mental health, and discussed the importance of maintaining good mental health and reducing the stigma around seeking help.
Being Your Own Role Model
Journalist and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Ramy Inocencio talks about how he navigated his career and paved his own path in journalism to get to where he is today – covering major geopolitical events, natural disasters, and emerging technology trends worldwide for CBS News and other organizations. It’s not about trying to do the same thing as others; instead, he said, “Find your own voice.”
You may direct MentorTalks or other alumni engagement questions to David Benze at benzedk@state.gov.