Q&A with Our New Promise Corps Mentors

29 Jun Q&A with Our New Promise Corps Mentors

We have new mentors joining us this summer! They work with Promise Zone, a holistic anti-poverty initiative, meaning that it addresses all direct and indirect issues that create and perpetuate poverty. Many topics they deal with fall under this umbrella, including: neighborhood empowerment, crime, financial literacy, City policy, and health. They are participating within the Education focus area. They worked in the West Philadelphia school district this past year, helping students with college/career readiness. So inspiring!
I interviewed each of them briefly to get to know them more and I wanted to share their answers with you all because they are apart of our Rebel family now. Welcome to our new mentors and Enjoy!
 

EI: Tell me a bit about yourself!
I’m from West Hartford, CT and I graduated in 2015 from Central Connecticut State University with my Bachelor’s in Spanish and English. I was always interested in becoming a teacher but after my experience with Promise Corps I have switched gears and now I really want to become a high school guidance counselor. I really enjoy the one-on-one aspect of guidance counseling and helping students plan out their future. 
EI:What is your favorite healthy dish to make at home?
My favorite healthy dish to make at home is baked vegetables with hummus crusted chicken. It’s super simple and easy to whip up and I can use any combination of left over vegetables I have in my fridge. I like using roasted red pepper hummus on my chicken because it adds a lot of yummy flavors. 
EI: Which Rebel value do you embody most?
I believe I embody the Rebel value of Loyalty the most because helping others is really fulfilling and can have a great impact on the world. I’ve learned from my mom that it’s important to always lend a helping hand because you never know when you might need one as well. 
EI: What are you most excited for this summer?
I‘m excited to meet with students and work alongside in the kitchen together. I think it’s going to be a fun environment because we will be learning from each other and working together to create delicious healthy food. I’m also thrilled with the idea that the food we will be making is made for the community by the community. 
 

EI: Tell me a bit about yourself!
My name is Ashley Ware, I’m 22 years old, and I grew up in southwest Philadelphia. I graduated from Penn (hurrah class of 2015) and I studied Sociology. I am interested in education, policy, and working with youth (specifically inner-city). I am currently deciding whether I want to study educational policy or counseling in grad school. Another full year of work experience and I should have my answer.
EI: What is your favorite healthy dish to make at home?
Stir fry with lots of veggies: mushrooms, onions, peppers, broccoli, carrots, and more!
EI: Which Rebel value do you embody most?
Radical creativity. I am a creative person, I see the world filled with endless possibilities.  I am a huge fan of everything DIY!
EI: What are you most excited for this summer?
I am most excited about building relationships with the high school mentors.

EI: Tell me a bit about yourself!

I’m from and currently live in West Philadelphia. I went to school at Arcadia University for Graphic Design and communications. While there, I studied abroad in China where i studied Mandarin. I’m generally interested in using digital media and art for communication and community building purposes. I freelance for small organizations and grassroots organizations and create my own work from time to time.

EI:What is your favorite healthy dish to make at home?
My favorite healthy meal I make at home is Grilled Chicken Salads. I also really love fruit which, doesn’t require much preparation. 
EI: Which Rebel value do you embody most?
Out of all the Rebel Values, I identify with “listening” the most. I like decentralize myself and absorb information from everyone else.