Meet your mentee, Dhanaris.

Three words Dhanaris uses to describe herself are Dominican, independent, and determined. She grew up in the Bronx, speaks Spanish at home, and moved to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic seven years ago. She enjoys watching Stranger Things, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and older movies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. She is both creative and active—she likes drawing, painting, dancing, playing volleyball with her sister, riding bikes, and listening to music, especially salsa. In school, she enjoys Spanish and appreciates math when she has a strong teacher. She participates in her school’s Instagram social media team and SGA, and she likes being involved in ways that allow her to connect with others. She has always enjoyed building with her hands, which originally drew her toward architecture, but she is now leaning toward exploring business. She joined GCSA because she wants to build a supportive community around herself, access career opportunities, and continue growing. She was also encouraged by a friend who benefited from the program.

There are many meaningful connections between you and Dhanaris. You both value creativity, relationship-building, and staying engaged with your communities. Her interest in business and her determination to create a stable future align with your background in accounting, your detail-oriented approach, and your focus on long-term planning. Her love of music and dance also connects well with your personal interests, and her desire to build relationships mirrors the way you show up for youth—with patience, structure, and support. Most importantly, she is looking for guidance, opportunity, and a mentor who is invested in helping her grow, which aligns directly with your experience and commitment as a returning mentor.