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.
Board of Directors

Jon Browning
CEO
GMI
GMI Board Chair

Justin Thenutai
General Manager
Microsoft
GMI Board

Mamadou Biteye
Executive Secretary
African Capacity Building Foundation
GMI Board

Jocelyn Azada
Sustainability Director
Nielsen
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
Partnerships Manager

Amanda Laberdee Program Administrator

Jennifer Uretsky
Program Administrator

Alnarjes Harba
Student Ambassador

Agnés Ravion
Operations Support
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