Doors Wide Open

Ever attend a networking event where 70% of the people there are willing to help, advise and mentor? TSR popped by to check out the launch of Doors Wide Open, an initiative to connect 18-25 year-olds with mentors at the top of their industry. Hosted at the Centre for Social Innovation, the place was packed with experts looking to connect with a new generation of young, passionate people. With a ratio of 2-3 mentors to 1 youth, it was an obvious example of generosity available in this grand city.

Organised by Making Good Project, a division of DiverseCity Fellows, the goal was to expose young people to the range of job options that exist in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, as well as across non-traditional fields like the arts. Some of the mentors include Sheldon Mahabir from Maytree Foundation, Deborah Osbourne, Executive Producer working with CBC, Trevor Byrne, Account Director from TAXI, Chris Ouellette, Senior Manager at Royal Bank of Canada, Seema Jethalal, Managing Director at Artscape Regent Park and Rhowena Adolfo from Investors Group. That was a lengthy list which represents only a fraction of how many were there. 

At the end of the night, mentors left commenting on the impact the session had on themselves. There were many instances where both parties shared their own personal battles, leading on to the point of mentors, there for the first time, volunteering to take on youth as their own mentees going forward. 

"Real people. Real passions. Real career journeys." was the mantra for the night. 

Don't miss the next one. For more information, visit DoorsWideOpen.com or check out their Facebook page