Originally posted on Bayou Beat News
Future leaders, storytellers, and changemakers gathered at the Houston Chronicle on Saturday, Feb. 22, for the 2025 Annual Student Mentorship Breakfast — an inspiring and informative symposium created in partnership with Sister 2 Sistah, H-E-B, Union Pacific Railroad, and the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ).
High school and college students from across the Greater Houston area filled the room with anticipation and ambition as they listened to professionals share their journeys, lessons, and real-world wisdom across industries.
A Morning of Motivation and Mentorship
Panelists included media professionals like Brittany Wilmore (ABC13), Ninfa Saavedra, Rilwan Balogun, Joy Addison, Kendall Mayes, and Chancellor Johnson of KPRC2; and broadcast voices Joe Sam and Niko Rose. As a special surprise, five members of the legendary Radio One team (Madd Hatta, KG Smooth, DJ JQue, Jas with the Juice and Yonni Rude) shared insights on the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
Alejandra Peimbert with the City of Houston and Ryan Nickerson of the Houston Chronicle also shared powerful community stories.
Topics ranged from financial literacy and mental health awareness to the importance of networking, career readiness, and the many paths available within communications fields. The event didn’t just deliver advice — it delivered vision.
“I see myself in them.”
One student in attendance, Erin Slaugher, a communications major at Texas Southern University, walked away with more than just notes in her journal — she walked away with a sense of purpose.
“Seeing successful Black professionals in these roles reminded me that I don’t have to shrink myself to fit into this industry. I belong here, too — and now, I see exactly how to own my space.”
That sentiment was echoed throughout the room, where stories of struggle, triumph, and perseverance created a space for honest connection. Whether students aspired to be journalists, radio hosts, PR strategists or entrepreneurs, each voice on the stage reinforced the same message: your story matters, and your path is possible.
Investing in the Future
“Events like this mentorship breakfast are more than symbolic — they’re strategic,” said Kashmere High School Magnet Coordinator Joy Love. “By connecting students with industry leaders, offering tangible tools, and creating a community of support, the event planted seeds that will grow into tomorrow’s professionals.”
That thought was shared by Nahun Ayala, an 11th grader at Kashmere.
“It was really useful because it gave me the opportunity to realize the importance of staying updated with current events of what is happening around me no matter how small it may be, and how to start fostering relationships with others to gain diverse knowledge and experience from experts.”
