Designing the Future: A Packed House, Powerful Conversations, and a Look at What’s Possible

On Tuesday evening, more than 70 CUNY students and recent grads came together—some in person, others online—for a mentorship event focused on careers in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and tech.

Hosted with CUNY Inclusive Economic Initiative at the School of Professional Studies, Department of Business and Information Systems, the event featured speed networking and virtual breakout sessions where learners connected directly with professionals across tech, finance, and consulting. They asked the questions that mattered most, and left with insights they could act on.

For some, it was their first career conversation. For others, it added momentum to a journey already underway. What united everyone in the room was a shared sense of possibility, and a moment to feel seen, supported, and equipped.

This event was part of our Connector Series: monthly hybrid mentorship events held at nonprofit and educational partner sites across the city. These events are stops along the educational subway system we’re building: flexible, community-based spaces that make mentorship more visible, more personal, and more accessible to those who need it most.

💬 Mentor reflections:

“The energy and curiosity of the students reminded me why I mentor: to demystify the industry and offer the guidance I wish I had early on.”
— Bhavin Jethra, Senior Software Engineer

“This partnership felt powerful—students got both the support of their university and the lived insight of working professionals. That’s the kind of combination I wish I had in school.”
— Aurin Chakravarty, Senior Software Engineer

🎓 Student takeaways:

“I walked away with clear, actionable advice on how to stand out in today’s job market.”
— Zachary Radoncic, Baruch College

“A mentor reminded me that sometimes the right opportunity is already around you—it might just be on another team. That shifted my whole perspective.”
— Mikkhael Yap, CUNY SPS

🤝 From our partner:

“Our students are fully online, so events like this create rare and meaningful chances to connect, ask questions, and build networks. It’s a reminder that career preparation isn’t just about credentials—it’s about access and community.”
— Wendy Castillejo, Academic and Career Advisor, CUNY Inclusive Economic Initiative at the School of Professional Studies, Department of Business and Information Systems

The Connector Series helps bridge the gap between our virtual mentorship network and the lived experiences of our learners. It creates consistent, local spaces where people can learn, grow, and feel part of something bigger—one stop at a time.

See you at the next event next month.