In each of our lives, we all have been impacted by mentors and if it was not for mentors, many of us would not be where we are today. To this end, Youth Action not only provides Inspiring Leaders Program 2016 cohort members with opportunities to lead & serve their communities, but we also support them in their personal development.

This year we have invited several guest speakers to meet with ILP members and serve as personal contacts in your life’s journey. Thus, this is the final fireside chat of the two we have hosted this year- one for the young ladies and one for young men in Youth Action earlier this service year. The Fireside Chat is a time for students to meet individuals who have achieved personal excellence, but have also been socially responsible in their work. These conversations center around college, career, and hearing life experiences/stories of some incredible people.

The first Fireside Chat took place on Sunday, January 10th, 2016 at the home of Clarena Tolson in Wynnefield.  Young women in Youth Action’s Inspiring Leaders program were treated to a delicious meal and amazing mentoring over a fireside.

During this Fireside Chat, we invited Felicia Harris, a graduate of Howard University and a public relations staffer for the Urban Affairs Coalition; Clarena Tolson, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania and deputy managing director for infrastructure and transportation; Laurena Tolson, a graduate of West Chester University and a middle school principal in Southwest Philadelphia; and Ginene Lewis, a phi beta kappa graduate of Spelman College and the University of Pennsylvania’s Law School who is a lawyer with Drinker Biddle. It was a very intimate affair in which ILP members had a chance to open up to each other and their mentors. Students had an opportunity to hear stories from these amazing women on education, careers, essential skills, and character traits one needs to be successful in all that they do.

Thank you to Clarena Tolson for hosting an amazing event at your home.