Why Mentorship Matters: Transforming Lives Through The Lantern Network

Tracy Raphael • January 3, 2025
Mentee Eternity with The Lantern Co-founder and CEO, Tracy Raphael during the Streaming Stories interview

Watch the Streaming Stories here.

Mentorship is more than guidance—it’s a bridge to opportunity, a pathway to empowerment, and a lifeline for those navigating challenges. This National Mentoring Month, we celebrate the transformative power of mentorship and invite you to be part of a movement that changes lives.


The Lantern: A Beacon of Hope and Guidance


At The Lantern Network, the lantern symbol is central to our mission. Just as a lantern lights the way through darkness, our mentorship programs provide guidance, support, and encouragement to young Black Americans on their journeys to success.


The lantern represents:


  • Illumination: Lighting the path to knowledge, opportunity, and growth.
  • Resilience: Standing firm in the face of challenges, much like those we mentor.
  • Community: A shared light that connects us and inspires collective action.


Every mentorship relationship is a living embodiment of the lantern’s meaning—a guiding light helping individuals navigate their paths with confidence and clarity.


The First Lantern: A Legacy of Impact


Over 20 years ago, Festus Ayeni became the very first mentee of The Lantern Network. His story is a testament to the long-term power of mentorship:


"Hello, my name is Festus Ayeni. I'm probably the first mentee of The Lantern Network, back when it started. I had the benefit of being mentored by Irvin Raphael during my junior year at The Ohio State University. That mentorship, guidance, and career coaching has helped me at every point in my journey—from my early days after college to now running service operations for GE Gas Power. The Lantern Network gave me confidence, agency, and clarity to navigate pivotal moments in my career, helping me achieve international business experience and leadership roles I once only dreamed of." Watch full story here.


Festus has now come full circle, serving as both a mentor and a Board Member for The Lantern Network, inspiring the next generation to chart their paths with confidence.

Josiah opens the Financial Literacy worskhop to his co mentees on Zoom

Josiah opens the Financial Literacy worskhop to

his co-mentees on Zoom.

Mentorship in Action: Today’s Success Stories



While we celebrate Festus’s legacy, the impact of The Lantern Network continues to grow through current mentees like Josiah, a senior at UCLA studying economics and accounting. Certified to teach financial literacy and holding a Series 6 license, Josiah leads our Financial Literacy workshops, empowering his peers to achieve financial independence.


Josiah’s workshops have yielded extraordinary results:


  • 576% increase in net worth: Participants learned to reduce debt, build savings, and make strategic financial investments, significantly boosting their overall financial standing.
  • 429% improvement in cash holdings: Participants developed stronger budgeting habits, leading to increased cash reserves for emergencies and future goals.
  • 458% increase in ROI: By applying smarter financial decisions, participants saw their returns on investments grow exponentially, reflecting their newfound ability to allocate resources effectively


Josiah doesn’t just teach—he leads by example. As a current mentee and now a recurring monthly donor, he embodies the ethos of giving back and creating a ripple effect of empowerment.


Josiah shared: “Teaching financial literacy at The Lantern Network allows me to give back and help others succeed while I continue to grow as a professional. Being part of this community has inspired me to contribute as a donor and ensure these opportunities remain available for others.”


Why You Should Become a Mentor


Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve.” Mentorship is one of the most impactful ways to serve others. As a mentor, you:


  • Provide guidance and encouragement to those navigating complex challenges.
  • Help mentees discover their strengths and achieve their goals.
  • Experience the personal satisfaction of making a difference in someone’s life.


The Ripple Effect of Mentorship


Mentorship doesn’t just change the life of the mentee—it creates a ripple effect that strengthens families, communities, and future generations. By joining The Lantern Network, you contribute to a legacy that reflects the lantern’s meanings: hope, guidance, and empowerment.


Take the First Step


This National Mentoring Month, take the first step toward making an impact:


  1. Become a Mentor: Share your time, expertise, and encouragement with young Black Americans.
  2. Advocate for Mentorship: Spread the word about the importance of mentoring in your community.
  3. Support Mentorship Programs: Your donations directly fund programs that change lives.
JOIN THE LANTERN NETWORK TODAY!

Together, we can illuminate the path to opportunity for the next generation. Let’s make 2025 a year of impact, one mentorship story at a time.


Together, we can build a future where every young person has the tools, support, and confidence to achieve their dreams. Let’s make 2025 a year of impact, one mentorship story at a time.

SHARE THIS

Share by: