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

Jon & Kids

Our Mission

GMI bridges the gap between graduation and first career jobs for underrepresented young professionals from diverse communities.

Our Mission

Our Vision

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

Our Vision

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.

Board of Directors

Jon Browning<br />
CEO<br />
GMI<br />
GMI Board Chair

Jon Browning
CEO
GMI
GMI Board Chair

Justin Thenutai<br />
General Manager<br />
Microsoft<br />
GMI Board

Justin Thenutai
General Manager
Microsoft
GMI Board

Mamadou Biteye<br />
Executive Secretary<br />
African Capacity Building Foundation<br />
GMI Board

Mamadou Biteye
Executive Secretary
ACBF
GMI Board

Tom McGuire<br />
VP Digital & Analytics<br />
Genpact<br />
GMI Board

Tom McGuire
VP Digital & Analytics
Genpact
GMI Board

Jan Clausen<br />
Technologist<br />
 Puget Sound Energy<br />
GMI Board

Jan Clausen
Technologist
Zillow
GMI Board

GMI Staff

Chad Fuller<br />
Chief Operating Officer

Chad Fuller
Chief Operating Officer

Ravenna Hennane<br />
Director of Strategic Partnerships

Ravenna Hennane
Director of Strategic Partnerships

Kristen Sahl<br />
Director of Operations

Kristen Sahl
Director of Operations

Max Springer<br />
Partnerships Manager

Max Springer
Strategic Partnerships Manager

Amanda Laberdee Program Administrator

Amanda Laberdee Program Administrator

Jennifer Uretsky<br />
Program Administrator

Jennifer Uretsky
Program Administrator

Alnarjes Harba<br />
Student Ambassador

Alnarjes Harba
Student Ambassador

Agnés Ravion<br />
Operations Support

Agnés Ravion
Operations Support

Agnés Ravion<br />
Operations Support

Maddelena Caravello   Youth Partnerships Manager

Leadership Council

Michelle Bozeman<br />
Career Development Sr. Leader Amazon

Michelle Bozeman
Career Development Sr. Leader Amazon

Marilyn Johnson<br />
Global Sustainability Arxada
Marilyn Johnson
Global Sustainability
Arxada
Debi Hamill<br />
CEO, IAOP Publisher, Pulse Magazine

Debi Hamill
CEO, IAOP Publisher, Pulse Magazine

Dr. Billy Moore Dean, College of Business Delta State University<br />
Leadership Council
Karyn Scott
Chief Marketing Officer
Kloudspot
Subhojit Roye<br />
Principal<br />
e2open

Subhojit Roye
Principal
e2open

Elonda Crockett<br />
VP Credit Operations Fannie Mae

Elonda Crockett
VP Credit Operations Fannie Mae

Solange Bouquet<br />
Customer Relationship Strategic Partner Manager<br />
Orange

Solange Bouquet
Customer Relationship Strategic Partner Manager
Orange

Karyn Scott<br />
Chief Marketing Officer<br />
Kloudspot
Neil Hirshman
Partner
Kirkland & Ellis

Annual Reports