We are pleased to introduce the RIC Career Empowerment Opportunity (CEO) Program, an alumni-driven mentorship program that prepares current RIC students for career success.
Understand the Program
Rhode Island College CEO (Career, Empowerment, Opportunity) Alumni Mentoring Program
CEO connects students with RIC alumni who are experienced in their fields and offers personal and professional development opportunities that prepare students to be career ready on "day one".
Lisette Bachez '23 and Marcy Reyes '12
RIC alumni share their experiences, networks, and job opportunities with students through:
one-on-one mentor meetings
facilitated sessions
networking lunches
to help them plan their career path. The benefits are priceless. Students gain access to a regional and national network of industry leaders and a mentor, within their desired job field, while developing increased job and social skills that are essential for professional growth.
Thank You to Our Partners!
The Career Empowerment Opportunity (CEO) Program is proudly funded by the Papitto Opportunity Connection Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting Rhode Island's Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) community by investing in education, job skills training and entrepreneurial ventures.
It is because of the Papitto Foundation that we have been able to provide a $500 career builder grant to every student, in Cohort 4, who completes the CEO Program successfully!
The Rhode Island College Alumni Association is proud to partner with MENTOR Rhode Island, a local Non-Profit Organization dedicated to providing quality mentoring services and looked to as the statewide mentoring resource.
MENTOR Rhode Island conducts the Mentor and Mentee orientations for the CEO program and provides ongoing support with relationship management using evidence-based best practices for mentoring.
The Rhode Island College Alumni Association is also proud to partner with Leadership Rhode Island, whose mission is to engage and connect people through shared experiences that contribute to the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities in the State of Rhode Island.
Answers to Common Questions about the CEO Program
Absolutely! We recruit mentors who live in and outside of the State of Rhode Island who are virtual participants in the program. Some students actually prefer a virtual mentor.
One year. This year, the program kicks off in the month of February 2023 and ends in February 2024 with a few fun events following the last program session during the months of March and April.
Yes! If you would like to mentor more than one student, please indicate this in the mentor application.
During the interview process, we ask a series of questions to help determine a great match. We understand that many of our applicants would like to be matched with someone they can relate to or identify with, but we also encourage everyone to keep an open mind. Once a match has been determined, both the mentor and mentee will be informed and connected via email.
In order to be accepted into the program, you must be a current sophomore, junior, or senior with a 2.5 GPA or above.
Mentor and Mentee Testimonials
“To me being a mentee means to grow, to learn, to reflect. Not only do I believe this in reference to being a mentee, but to being who I am today. I think that I wouldn’t be who I am without God and without understanding that no matter what, that I still have a lot to learn.” - Summer Brito '23
“The CEO Program has helped me to not lead with antiquated lenses and allows me to give back to the next generation.” - Sandra Victorino, CAGS in Counseling Mental Health '12
"Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you." - Misty Copeland
- Richeila Lora '23
"It has been refreshing serving as Cameron’s mentor. He’s hardworking, passionate and humble. Looking forward to what the future has in store for him." - Joshua C. Laguerre JD '10
"Heraclitus once said, "Everything flows, and nothing abides; everything gives way and nothing stays fixed”, and so mentorship, like life, encourages movement and evolution. I have confidence that my mentee will actualize her dream plan!" - Pamela Ryan '92
"The CEO Program helped improve my networking skills as well as my ability to build relationships with my peers and RIC alumni. The program also connected me with a lifelong mentor in my field who eventually offered me an internship!" - Christopher Coates '22
"Anthony has been an eye-opener in this journey of working toward being in the mental health field. His guidance has been monumental, and his ability to create an environment that allows me to express my goals and thoughts has been an experience I'll never forget." - Jamie Lemon '23
"Playing the role of mentor is something that I take as seriously as my work as a psychotherapist...Working with Jamie Lemon has been a delight...I have no doubt about Jamie’s future success, and it has been an honor to be allowed to participate in his process." - Anthony Parente, MA '01
"The CEO Program has allowed me to network and develop friendships throughout my time at RIC. My relationship with my mentor, Joshua Laguerre, has granted me the opportunity to have a greater understanding about the application process to law school." - Cameron Gotauco '23
"Watching the next generation succeed and knowing that I played a part in their journey is like the ultimate high-five from the universe. Giving back to RIC as a mentor is simply the best!" - Jonathan Fonseca '11
"Having a mentor was awesome! It was great to have another person in my corner giving advice, helping with networking, and simply encouraging me on my journey! Not only did I gain a lot of insight from having a mentor but also became more confident within myself and my skills." - Ariel Dorsey '23
Program Requirements for Mentors
Overview
RIC alumni mentors are paired with students. These relationships are expected to include one-on-one monthly meetings in person and or virtual/phone
Monthly workshops are held on Fridays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for students in the program. Guest speakers will present on various topics including goal setting, conflict resolution, digital literacy, personal branding, and more!
Site-based networking lunches on Friday afternoons, called Lunch N' Learns, across Rhode Island where students will learn about careers and get an inside look at the organization.
Program Calendar (2022-2023)
The CEO program calendar will span across two semesters, a completion of one academic year (span of 12 months).
Program events include:
Kickoff Celebration - pairing mentors with students
Schedule a time to meet with Kathy Sasso. Use handshake/Starfish to schedule appt.
Summer Activity
Interview Skills
July
Schedule a time to meet with the Career Development Team. Use handshake/Starfish to schedule appt.
Lunch N’ Learn
TBA
July 14th, 2023
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Summer Activity
Type Focus Personal and Career Assessment
August 18th, 2023
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Program Session 3
Diversity & Inclusion
September 15th, 2023
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Program Session 4
Self-Care & Managing Stress
October 20th, 2023
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Program Session 5
Public Service & Community Advocacy
November 10th, 2023
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Program Session 6
Networking & Professionalism
December 8th, 2023
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Program Session 7
Public Speaking on the Job
January 12th, 2024
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Program Session 8
Financial Empowerment
February 16th, 2024
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
CEO Program - Fun Day
TBA
March 22, 2024
TBA
Final Celebration
April 19, 2024
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
*Please note: All events and program sessions are in person, unless indicated as virtual. Also, all program sessions and locations are subject to change. Please check back on a regular basis.
Program Topics
Program sessions will cover the following topics:
CliftonStrengths Assessment: How You Are Uniquely Powerful
Developing Your Emotional Intelligence
Communications Skills
Professional Etiquette
Networking
Leadership
Time Management
Strategic Thinking
Creative Problem-Solving
Self-Care
Personal Branding
Social Media and Professionalism
Servant Leadership
Community Advocacy
Financial Literacy
Public Speaking on the Job
Resume Building
Interview Skills
Application Requirements
Mentor applications are being accepted on a rolling basis for the upcoming and future cohorts. Alumni who wish to be mentors must submit an application form and accompanying resume.
The Alumni Association proudly serves our 75,000+ graduates of Rhode Island College by providing resources, events and benefits exclusively to our alumni community.
