Boston Partners in Education is excited to welcome four new staff members to our Partnerships Team, who will work closely with volunteers and educators to run our core mentoring programs. Get to know Tisha, Eva, Durane, and Beth below.
Tisha Hood, Program Director
What do you enjoy most about working with Boston Partners in Education?
Stemming from my experience in educational settings, I can greatly appreciate the value of academic support. I am most uplifted and motivated by how we’ve been able to shape students’ academic experiences into positive expectations. The staff, teachers, volunteers, academic mentors impart these experiences that garner hope within the students — it’s these collaborations I enjoy most.
Why should someone volunteer with Boston Partners in Education?
I once overheard an academic mentor say, “I volunteer because I want to help change their life for the better, whether they can see it right now or not.” This sentiment is very true. Volunteering affords personal enrichment but, most importantly, it affords students an opportunity to see their own promise of a brighter future.
Eva MacDuff, Partnerships Manager
What do you enjoy most about working with Boston Partners in Education?
My colleagues. Everyone is so supportive of one another and dedicated to the mission of the organization. It is truly inspiring to work alongside such an amazing group of individuals.
Why should someone volunteer with Boston Partners in Education?
As a Partnerships Manager, we take a lot into consideration when creating matches. We try to make the best possible match so it’s positive for you, beneficial to the student, and good for the community.
Durane West, Partnerships Manager
What do you enjoy most about working with Boston Partners in Education?
The opportunity for impact. I think a lot about being a resource for the communities that I am a part of and that I have grown up in. Knowing that I am of resource to people who may not feel like there are options or opportunities – I feel like it’s very impactful.
Why should someone volunteer with Boston Partners in Education?
Someone should want to volunteer with Boston Partners in Education because it’s another opportunity to experience the value of one on one mentorship. It also allows you to understand some of the shortcomings the education gap truly has but it also shows you that the students that we work with aren’t incapable. They are very much capable of the things they want to achieve in their lives but the resources don’t always seem to be there or the people they need to confide in aren’t always there to confide in. You can be the stepping stone to something great.
Beth Manson, AmeriCorps Ambassador of Mentoring
What do you enjoy most about working with Boston Partners in Education?
I really enjoy the work climate. It’s a place where people are always willing to learn and grow and develop as a non-profit. This attitude and willingness then gets brought into the work that we do with students, mentors and teachers, ultimately helping our mission!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about donating, volunteering, or becoming a mentor?
Do it! It’s an amazing opportunity to get involved with the community while supporting the growth of students!