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 bridges the gap between graduation and first career jobs for underrepresented young professionals from diverse communities.
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.
Board of Directors
Jon Browning
CEO
GMI
GMI Board Chair
Justin Thenutai
General Manager
Microsoft
GMI Board
Mamadou Biteye
Executive Secretary
ACBF
GMI Board
Tom McGuire
VP Digital & Analytics
Genpact
GMI Board
Jan Clausen
Technologist
Zillow
GMI Board
GMI Staff
Chad Fuller
Chief Operating Officer
Ravenna Hennane
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Kristen Sahl
Director of Operations
Max Springer
Strategic Partnerships Manager
Amanda Laberdee Program Administrator
Jennifer Uretsky
Program Administrator
Alnarjes Harba
Student Ambassador
Agnés Ravion
Operations Support
Maddelena Caravello Youth Partnerships Manager
Leadership Council
Michelle Bozeman
Career Development Sr. Leader Amazon
Global Sustainability
Arxada
Debi Hamill
CEO, IAOP Publisher, Pulse Magazine
Chief Marketing Officer
Kloudspot
Subhojit Roye
Principal
e2open
Elonda Crockett
VP Credit Operations Fannie Mae
Solange Bouquet
Customer Relationship Strategic Partner Manager
Orange
Partner
Kirkland & Ellis