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“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” Martin Luther King, Jr.
January is National Mentorship Month. What a timely opportunity to reflect on how we can leverage our experience to expand pathways to career opportunity for others. When you are a mentor, you can make introductions that broaden someone’s professional connections and awareness of varied career options. These connections can change lives.
At The DeBruce Foundation, we looked closely at what contributes to Employment Empowerment and found that strong networks are transformational. Taking the time to invest in others has the potential to kickstart a mutually beneficial cycle that contributes to stronger relationships, fresh perspectives, and new horizons. Get inspired and learn how to up your networking game by watching our new videos: Building Strong Networks to Launch Your Career, if you’re entering the workforce, and Advancing Your Career with Strong Networks, if you’re looking to level up.
Make 2026 the year you focus on growing and sharing Network Strength.
A conversation with Leslie Gill on Empowering Careers
The Empowering Careers Podcast has returned, with host Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight in conversation with Leslie Gill, President and CEO of Rung for Women, about empowering women to build sustainable, fulfilling careers.
Listeners will learn why exposure and exploration are critical to career growth, how networks and mentorship fuel economic mobility, and what it truly means to invest in the whole person—not just the job. Find it at DeBruce.org or your favorite podcast platform!
Welcome our new team members!
As our mission grows, so does our incredible team!
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to all:
• Michael Kelley, MPA, Partner Integration & Training Specialist
• Jahaira Aguilar, Operations & Partnerships Liaison
• Christina Hocker, Partner Integration & Training Specialist
• Rees Alena, Senior Technical Solutions Specialist
• Ramanda Hicks, MBA, Operations & Partnerships Liaison
Each of our new team members will play an integral role in building thriving partnerships, broadening access to our Career Literacy resources, and expanding pathways to economic growth and opportunity nationwide.
Christopher Laubenthal featured in Voyage KC
“Data has the power to tell a story when it’s presented in a way people can understand.”
Christopher Laubenthal, Data Design Manager at The DeBruce Foundation, was recently featured in VoyageKC.
He shares his journey into data visualization, reflecting on how curiosity, persistence, and a people-centered approach have shaped his career.
At The Foundation, Christopher transforms research into visuals that make our mission of economic growth clear and actionable. His work helps the community truly visualize the impact of our tools.
Read more about Christopher and his story here.
Capstone Presentations at Operation Breakthrough
Camille Paris, Strategic Communications Consultant at The DeBruce Foundation, recently served as a panelist for Ignition Lab’s student Capstone presentations. Ignition Lab at Operation Breakthrough is a workforce development program serving over 400 students ages 14–18, offering hands-on experience in fields ranging from culinary arts and product design, to automotive and engineering.
Students shared brief presentations about what they learned this year, projects they’re proud of, and where they hope to go next, with many presenting in a professional setting for the first time.
Each presentation concluded with a Q&A session, where panelists helped students build confidence and practice real-world communication and critical thinking.
Seeking to grow our membership nationwide
The DeBruce Career Corps is The DeBruce Foundation’s youth advisory group, meeting monthly and currently developing new frameworks, reviewing content, and contributing to a range of impactful projects that elevate student voice across our work
We invite young people who are…
- In high school, in college, or launching their careers
- Based anywhere in the U.S.
- Eager to build skills and expand their networks
Apply today! Participation offers opportunities to build professional skills, expand networks, and collaborate with a national nonprofit.
Learn more about joining the DeBruce Career Corps and how to get involved here!
Preparing students at Guadalupe Centers High School
In this month’s blog, Keith Schoen, Academics Coordinator at Guadalupe Centers High School, shares how GCHS is preparing students for the future of work through client-connected learning.
Through the school’s Impact Academy, students take on real challenges from community partners, strengthening how they communicate ideas, collaborate with others, think through complex problems, and take initiative.
By using The DeBruce Foundation’s Career Literacy resources and Agilities framework, students identify their strengths, advocate for their role on teams, and collaborate with intention. This student-centered approach builds confidence, increases engagement, and equips students to lead and support others beyond the classroom. Read more here.
Are you looking for resources to build career pathways in your classroom, curriculum, or organization? Register now to explore our career tools!
Available on-demand now:
Employment Empowerment for K-12: From Classroom to Career
Virtual Agilities Tours:
February 3, February 17, March 10
Virtual Introduction to Agilities K-12 Resources for Educators:
February 18, March 18, April 15
In-Person Agilities Coach Training:
February 26-27 (Kansas City, MO)
April 16-17 (Kansas City, MO)
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