Jason Baez, 4th left, with panelists at YPS Future Career Series
By Jason Baez, Executive Director of Yonkers My Brother’s Keeper
A young student, hesitant but curious, waited in line to ask a barber about his career. In Spanish, he shared his dream of one day cutting hair, his excitement growing as the barber encouraged him in the student’s own language.
Moments like this were at the heart of Yonkers Public Schools’ last month’s Future Career Series, where students had the rare chance to connect with professionals who not only shared their career journeys but also their personal stories and challenges.
The event brought together nine professionals—eight of whom were African-American—from fields like medicine, law, education, and law enforcement. Each speaker emphasized perseverance and the importance of representation.
A lawyer shared how he failed the bar exam six times before passing, showing students that setbacks don’t define success. A doctor described growing up in Harlem without ever seeing a Black doctor. A detective spoke about his experiences as a Black man in law enforcement and his mission to change perceptions of policing.
Their experiences reflect a broader reality: For students who may feel isolated in their aspirations, seeing professionals who look like them can make all the difference, underscoring the need for programs like the Future Career Series to inspire and support young people of color in underrepresented careers.
The personal connections made the event truly impactful. At a networking session following the panel discussion, students lined up to speak with panelists one-on-one. Some were shy, but with encouragement from me and other adults, they stepped forward. One student, who spoke limited English, connected deeply with the barber because of their shared language. Another aspiring doctor had a long conversation with the physician, soaking up advice and encouragement. The barber, proud of his role, later shared a recording of the event at his shop, hoping to inspire others.
At its core, the Future Career Series was about showing students what’s possible when they see professionals who look like them and understand their experiences. Representation matters because it opens doors to careers students might not have considered or thought were for “someone like them.” The speakers shared honest accounts of struggle and resilience, offering inspiration through their achievements.
January is National Mentoring Month, making the Future Career Series more relevant than ever. It’s a reminder of the urgent need to connect young people with mentors who can guide and encourage them, especially in communities where representation is limited. Mentorship programs like this serve as catalysts for success, ensuring that students not only dream big but also have the tools to achieve those dreams.
Research reinforces the value of mentorship, showing that young adults with mentors are more likely to be employed and earn higher salaries. Not only do programs like this inspire, they create opportunities for relationships that can change lives.
The Future Career Series aligns with MBK’s fifth milestone: ensuring all youth successfully enter the workforce. By connecting students with relatable roles, the program provided guidance and hope, leaving students with a renewed belief that they can overcome challenges and define their own paths.
Yonkers MBK is one of only four cities nationally recognized as an MBK Model Community by the Obama Foundation, reflecting the commitment to creating opportunities for our young men of color. In addition to the Future Career Series, Yonkers MBK is reengaging the Each One, Reach One program, which pairs professionals with young men of color in mentorship roles. Both programs demonstrate the power of connecting students with leaders who can inspire and guide them to success. If you’re interested in participating, reach out to Yonkers MBK to help shape the next generation of leaders.
As I watched students step out of their comfort zones, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with the panelists, I saw their confidence, curiosity and belief in their own potential shine. Programs like the Future Career Series empower students to imagine a future they can create for themselves. When we invest in our youth, we’re investing in their dreams, their futures, and the strength of our entire community.
