OUR IMPACT

 Taylor's Leap: Taylor’s ascent from a dedicated cybersecurity student at Hampton University to a cybersecurity professional at Deloitte epitomizes The Lantern Network's transformative impact. Our mentorship program didn’t just match her with any mentor but with a Managing Director of Cybersecurity at Deloitte, setting the stage for a life-changing journey. This mentorship, enriched with TLN’s comprehensive soft skills training, equipped Taylor not only with technical knowledge but with the interpersonal skills vital for professional success.

Under her mentor's guidance, Taylor honed her resume and interview skills, earning a strong endorsement that paved her way to Deloitte. But Taylor's growth extended beyond landing her dream job; it ventured into realms of financial empowerment. Through TLN's Financial Literacy training, she gained the knowledge necessary for economic independence. Enrolling in Deloitte’s 401(k) program was just the start; Taylor embraced budgeting, saving, and investing, laying a solid foundation for her future.

Now in her second year at Deloitte, Taylor is not only securing her place in the tech world but is also building her pathway to economic freedom. Her story is a beacon for others, illuminating the power of mentorship, education, and financial empowerment in transforming lives.

Festus’ Full Circle Journey: Reflecting on two decades of remarkable growth and achievement, Festus Ayeni credits his ascent in the corporate world to the foundational support and guidance of The Lantern Network. As one of the pioneering mentees, his journey with us began during his junior year at The Ohio State University, under the mentorship of Co-Founder, Erwin Raphael. This relationship was not just about guidance; it was a beacon that illuminated Festus’s path through the complexities of his career.

From his early days fresh out of college to reaching significant milestones, including international business roles and leadership positions at GE Gas Power, Festus’s narrative is a testament to the power of targeted mentorship. His experiences abroad and at the helm of a business unit showcase the expansive horizons that mentorship with The Lantern Network can open.

Festus’s story underscores the profound impact of having a mentor who provides not only career guidance but also instills the confidence and agency needed to navigate the corporate landscape. Today, as a mentor and board member of The Lantern Network, Festus embodies the full circle of giving back, illustrating the enduring value of our network. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship, inspiring lantern lighters to invest in the futures of more individuals like him.

Akjia's Courage: In the face of daunting challenges, including her mother's incarceration and personal experiences with homelessness, Akjia, embodies the resilience and potential that The Lantern Network strives to ignite in each mentee. Her journey with us marks a remarkable transformation, from adversity to aspiration, showcasing the profound impact of our support system on individuals facing steep odds.

Upon joining The Lantern Network, Akjia was immediately empowered to navigate her career in the male-dominated automotive industry, leveraging the soft skills training we provided to carve out her path to leadership. Her ambition to become a service manager was met with our tailored mentorship, guiding her every step of the way.

The tangible outcomes of her engagement with our program are evident. Within six months, Akjia's newfound confidence and skills propelled her back into education, furthering her journey towards economic freedom and professional achievement. Her story is a powerful testament to the transformative effect of The Lantern Network, serving as a beacon of hope and a call to action. Akjia's success highlights the vital role of our initiatives in unlocking the potential of those who dare to dream big, despite facing significant barriers.