About us

Our story

The Global Mentorship Initiative (GMI) originated from the Rockefeller Foundation’s Digital Jobs Initiative, aiming to create career opportunities for young people worldwide. In many of these regions, youth unemployment for recent graduates surpasses 50%. GMI’s founder, Jon Browning, was involved in the Rockefeller Initiative for four years after leaving Microsoft.

The idea for GMI formed during Jon’s work with recruiters in Johannesburg, who noted that deserving opportunities often eluded those who needed them the most: first-generation university graduates in high-unemployment areas. These jobs tended to favor graduates with established support networks and access to mentors and business connections.

Addressing this opportunity gap became GMI’s mission.

GMI founder Jon Browning with first GMI student cohort

– South Africa, 2019

Our Mission

GMI prepares underrepresented and refugee students to obtain their first job after graduation.

Our Vision

Use our platform to create pathways to prosperity for students and communities around the world.

Our team

From Seattle to Istanbul, our staff members hail from various corners of the world, bringing a wealth of experiences and expertise to the table. They are passionate individuals dedicated to empowering and supporting aspiring students on their professional journeys.