From the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce August 25th Newsletter:
TELEMUNDO 62|NBC 10 AND INDYCAR DRIVER JUAN PABLO MONTOYA HOST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH GPHCC PROFESSIONAL MENTORING NETWORK SHADOWING DAY
The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC) Professional Mentoring Network hosted high school students from Esperanza Academy and Aspira Olney, for a youth shadowing day at NBC10 and Telemundo62 stations in Bala Cynwyd, PA to meet legendary Colombian IndyCar driver Juan Pablo Montoya.
Two days before racing Pocono Raceway, Mr. Montoya took time to share his career story with the North Philadelphia youth: “When I moved to Austria to race, I remember being so broke that I had to use roller blades to get around, and I didn’t speak German,” something that resonated with many of the youth at the event. He also shared his triumphs when speaking about his most current win in the Indianapolis 500. When a youth asked how he managed to achieve so many goals, Montoya said: “my focus and dedication is what led me to win six times, I avoided bad influences such as drugs. When you get driven into doing something dumb you allow someone else your opportunity; if you want something you work for it. You ask yourself how bad do you want it and how determined are you to go on to the next thing.”
Tracy Davidson, an NBC10 news anchor and host of @Issue inspired the youth with her professional story when she explained her career beginnings from not having any experience in her field to taking a chance and landing her dream job. NBC10 and Telemundo62 professionals Raul De La Rosa, Vice President of Sales and Jaime Becerril, Sports Anchor engaged students with their personal story, career advice and encouraged youth to continue to work towards their dreams. The event acknowledged the importance of education for Latino youth while encouraging them to graduate and pursue higher education.
The Professional Mentoring Network provides an opportunity for Hispanic professionals to connect with corporate executives willing to share their knowledge and career success stories to help them continue their professional development and rise to management and leadership careers. The program also connects professionals with Latino high school students for them to share their knowledge and provide informal mentoring during their own time, serving as positive role models. The PMN promotes education and the importance of a high school diploma by providing one Latino high school senior with the Dr. José E. Lebron Scholarship as a path to higher education for attaining a professional career. The program is supported by Comcast and the Comcast Foundation.
For more information regarding the Professional Mentoring Network Program please contact program coordinator Rebeca Cruz-Esteves at rcruzesteves@greaterphilachamber.com or (215)790-3843.