Caminos, One Year of Community, Mentorship and Latino Youth
Phoenix, AZ | April 15, 2026
New Pathways for Youth (NPFY) marked the first anniversary of its Caminos initiative on April 9th with Caminos Celebración y Comunidad, a gathering of community leaders, mentors, philanthropic partners, and supporters committed to expanding access to culturally connected mentorship for Latino youth.
Launched in April 2025, Caminos was created to inspire Latino professionals to step into mentorship roles and help ensure young people are supported by mentors who reflect their culture, experiences, and aspirations. The anniversary event celebrated the initiative’s early momentum and invited new community members to take part in its continued growth.
The evening featured remarks from community leaders, a live mentor-mentee story highlighting the impact of culturally connected mentorship, and invitations to join in the impact by becoming a mentor and supporter of the program. Sponsors Helios Education Foundation, U.S. Bank, and Novle helped made the event possible.
Leaders Speak to the Power of Mentorship
Arizona State Senator Analise Ortiz shared reflections on the importance of mentorship and the role communities play in expanding opportunity for Latino youth across the state.
“Mentors are a little bit like the tíos and tías (the aunties and uncles) we grew up with; they are part of the support system of parenting and raising youth. However, not everyone has a tío or tía to advise, support and guide them, and every young person deserves one. Caminos is a reminder and your call to action to lift our Youth up.
— Senator Analise Ortiz, Arizona State Legislature
Aden Ramirez, Development Advisor at the Arizona Community Foundation, spoke about the importance of culturally responsive mentorship and philanthropy rooted in community leadership.
“What’s missing isn’t talent. It’s not missing drive — it’s missing access. It’s missing exposure. It’s missing someone saying: I see you, I believe you.”
— Aden Ramirez, Development Advisor, Arizona Community Foundation
The Heart of Caminos: A Mentor-Mentee Story
The highlight of the evening was a live conversation between 18-year-old Victor, and his mentor, Sylvana Carrete, facilitated by Program Success manager, Emily Taracena. Their story reflected the heart of Caminos, showing how culturally connected mentorship can shape confidence, direction, and opportunity for young people.
Honoring the Caminos Advisory Committee
New Pathways for Youth is grateful for the leadership and commitment of the Caminos Advisory Committee, whose partnership has helped shape and strengthen Caminos in its first year. Made up of community leaders from a range of industries — including banking, engineering, legal, and philanthropy — this committee brings both professional insight and personal dedication to this work.
The committee plays a vital role in growing community connection, visibility, and mentor engagement. By bridging the worlds of professional expertise and lived Latino experience, it helps ensure that Caminos remains rooted in the community it serves and positioned to grow its impact for years to come. New Pathways for Youth extends its sincere thanks to Imelda Aguilera, Roger Albarrán, Christopher Bernal, Melissa Heger, Juliana Manzanares, Sam Perez Diarte, and Trisha Schultz for helping build a strong foundation for this work and for their shared belief in the power of mentorship for Latino youth.
An Invitation to Get Involved
The evening invited guests to deepen their support for New Pathways for Youth and the continued growth of Caminos through philanthropy and volunteer mentorship. Event activities, including the 50/50 raffle and Lotería-themed wine and spirits pull, helped raise critical funds in support of mentorship opportunities for Latino youth. Guests were also encouraged to explore one-to-one mentorship by attending a virtual information session. As a fully philanthropically funded organization, New Pathways for Youth relies on community investment to help youth thrive.
About New Pathways for Youth — Caminos
Launched in April 2025, Caminos is an initiative of New Pathways for Youth created to recruit, inspire, and retain Latino mentors. The program connects Latino youth with mentors who reflect their culture, experiences, and aspirations, helping strengthen connection, belonging, and long-term support. In its first year, Caminos has grown into a community of professionals, advocates, and families united by the belief that every young person deserves someone in their corner.