Mind, Work & Purpose: When You’re Carrying the Most, Community Matters
At The City Tutors, we’re here for New Yorkers who carry the most—NYCHA residents, adult learners, immigrants, first-gen students—those navigating systems that rarely make it easy.
Some are still grinding. Some are finally getting by. Others have “made it.” But the weight doesn’t disappear—it shifts. Success doesn’t erase the past; it means carrying it while trying to lift others too.
That’s why we created Mind, Work & Purpose—a space to gather, reflect, and reset.
Hosted at CUNY School of Professional Studies
In partnership with the CUNY Inclusive Economic Initiative and the Public Housing Community Fund
Part of our Connector Series, a citywide ride-along spotlighting different communities and partners across NYC
We brought together NYCHA residents, adult learners, CUNY students, and neighbors—virtually and in person—for real talk on mental health, ambition, and staying grounded while building a future.
The Panel
Moderated by Dr. Kerry Ann King (Sumitovant Biopharma), the panel opened space for honest reflections on burnout, boundaries, and how we carry purpose through pressure.
Jeff Brault (City Experiences): “Don’t put too much faith in institutions. Find your own purpose within what you’re doing. Take the small wins.”
Jan Rosenbaum (Kurome Therapeutics): “Sometimes you have to wait to make the move you want… and sometimes you prepare so you can make that move when it’s time.”
Miguel Davila (City Tutors community): “Put your effort into what builds value for you—not just what’s extractable by others.”
Breakout Conversations
Mentors from PwC, international diplomacy, mental health, and more led small-group check-ins. Topics included burnout, job search fatigue, career pivots, and the invisible weight people carry—at work, at school, at home.
“You don’t have to carry all this in your head. You’re not the only one doing too much with too little. Even when you’re doing well, you might still be carrying others.”
Community Reflections
“Before this panel, I thought landing a job was the goal. But I left realizing that growth doesn’t stop at employment. It’s about relationships, knowing your value, and building a world where others can thrive too.”
– Claudio Joel Bautista Martinez, Lehman College, Mentee
“I feel less afraid of long-term dreams and more connected to a community that supports growth. My mother and I are building a new life—and this made us feel like we belong.”
– Nyome Garcia, BMCC, Mentee
“Be you. Be present, always.”
– Altin, CUNY Inclusive Economic Initiative at the School of Professional Studies, Department of Business and Information Systems
From Our Mentors
Lorraine Davy: “Job searching can be emotionally exhausting. I reminded one student to take breaks—I've been there too.”
Sudharsi, Mental Health Counselor: “Believe in yourself. Build resilience. Celebrate small wins. You have infinite potential—and City Mentors is here to help you realize it.”