The Chamber of Commerce Mentoring Cayman programme ended over the weekend with a closing reception for the 2023 cohort.
Chamber president Nelson Dilbert, speaking at the ceremony at Grand Pavilion Saturday afternoon, congratulated the 58 pairs of mentors and mentees for their partnership in the 21st iteration of the annual programme.
“Your support of this programme demonstrates your keen interest in youth development, which is one of the main pillars of the success of our community and economy here on the island,” he said.
The programme sees high school students paired with professionals from all industries over a six-month period, during which students gain work experience, insight into their chosen field and build network connections.
Dilbert said the programme included students from Home School Cayman, Clifton Hunter High School, John Gray High School, Triple C and Cayman Prep, among others.
He encouraged the mentors to continue to provide guidance to their mentees and called on mentees to give back to the programme as they progress in their careers.
“It’s always important to think about the next generation and what we’re doing to prepare them to take on the challenges and opportunities of the future,” he said.
Mentee Ashley Ebanks, who spoke at the event with her mentor Diandra Shand at her side, said she was thankful for the opportunity to be part of the programme since it helped her with her communication skills and to gain work experience.
“I was also provided with an incredible opportunity this summer to do an internship which I’m so grateful for. I’m sure that I’ll be using everything that I have learned during this programme as I prepare for the world of work,” she said.
Shand lauded the teen for her work ethic and shared that she learned from Ebanks as well during the programme.
Mary Reynolds said she “instantly connected” with her mentee Mikayla O’Connor.
“We’ve had the chance to really bond and do a lot of great stuff together,” Reynolds said, adding that O’Connor will be interning with her at Cost-U-Less this summer.
Dilbert welcomed the opportunities the programme has provided for the young mentees as he thanked the Ministry of Youth and sponsors Rocky Diamonds, Aquilae Consulting Group and Butterfield for their support.
Applications are open for the programme’s 2024 cohort. To learn more about Mentoring Cayman email [email protected] or call 743-9124.
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