Nonprofit hires Program and DEI Director

NonprofitPeople

Feb 19

Affinity Mentoring, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit that partners with businesses, organizations, and schools to match kindergarten through 8th-grade students with mentors, has hired Lauren Enos as its new Program and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director.

"Research has continued to show us that students benefit from working with mentors who look like them, talk like them, or live in their neighborhoods and communities," said Rocio Moreno, Executive Director, Affinity Mentoring. "We look forward to the continued growth that Lauren's DEI initiatives will bring to our mentors, mentees, and the community as a whole."

While Enos completed her Master's in Social Work at Grand Valley State University, she served as an Intern at Affinity Mentoring, where she developed antiracism, identity development, and mentoring resources.

"Mentoring, when viewed through the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is a powerful catalyst for fostering an inclusive and equitable community," said Enos. "Effective mentorship programs can bridge gaps in opportunities, offering guidance and support to individuals from all backgrounds. This approach not only promotes a culture of inclusivity but also contributes to breaking down barriers and creating environments where everyone has equal access to growth and success."

Affinity Mentoring's mission is to facilitate equitable growth in academics, social-emotional skills, and self-esteem through mutually beneficial mentoring relationships. The nonprofit currently partners with Burton Elementary, Burton Middle School, Southwest Elementary – Academia Bilingüe, and Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center and Elementary. For more information, visit https://affinitymentoring.org.