New Pathways for Youth Hosts Stories of Transformation, Showcasing Life-Changing Mentorship

PHOENIX, AZ March 6, 2025 – New Pathways for Youth (NPFY) proudly hosted its annual Stories of Transformation Breakfast, an inspiring morning showcasing the profound impact of mentorship. Held at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, the event brought together community leaders, corporate partners, and dedicated supporters to celebrate the resilience and achievements of NPFY youth.

Special guests Susan Anable, Phoenix Market Vice President of Cox Communications, and Arturo Perez, Community Affairs Team Lead of U.S. Bank, delivered welcome remarks, highlighting their organizations’ commitment to empowering youth through education and opportunity.

 Emcee Deborah Ostreicher led a conversation with two long-time youth in the Level Up Program, Lupita  and Emanuel, alongside their mentors Denise Reeves and Clark Diepholz. They shared stories of how their relationships have evolved and grown over their years and how their experiences have shaped their dreams for the future.

“We are proud to celebrate the successes of our youth and mentors,” said Dr. Karen Johnson, President and CEO of New Pathways for Youth. “I am grateful for the community that has supported our mission of serving youth and families for 36 years.”

The breakfast also featured a powerful spoken word performance by teens Camila and Anna, created in collaboration with Phonetic Spit, as well as a special address from NPFY alumna Briana Ethelbah, who shared her journey of overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

As the morning concluded, Joe and Mary Gaudio, longtime champions of NPFY, delivered an inspiring message of hope and continued support. The event culminated in an invitation from Dr. Johnson for attendees to deepen their engagement with NPFY’s mission, ensuring that every young person has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.

New Pathways for Youth extends its gratitude to its generous sponsors, including Cox Communications, U.S. Bank, Desert Financial, Colliers Engineering and Design, Bell Bank, Van Tuyl Companies, and Lauren Frank, for making this event possible.

About New Pathways for Youth

New Pathways for Youth is dedicated to transforming the lives of youth facing adversity by providing them with caring, committed mentors and evidence-based personal development programs. Through mentorship, goal-setting, and skill-building, NPFY empowers youth to break the cycle of poverty and create a future filled with possibility.

B roll and photographs available for media here.