What if the Real Impact of Mentoring Doesn’t Show Up for Decades? 

Phoenix, AZ, August 26 

This month, we’re celebrating a major milestone: one full year of The Mentorship Blueprint podcast. With 16 episodes now released, we’ve shared stories of mentors and mentees whose lives have been transformed through the simple but powerful act of showing up. And what better way to honor this anniversary than by returning to the heart of our mission with a story that captures the long-lasting impact of mentorship? 

In our latest episode, Nita Marquez shares her remarkable journey from deep trauma to empowerment and healing. As a teenager, Nita’s life was shaped by hardship and experiences no young person should have to endure. Yet through it all, her mentor, Cathy West, remained a steady presence. Cathy’s commitment wasn’t about quick fixes or immediate breakthroughs—it was about unwavering belief and showing up, again and again, even when Nita tried to push her away. 

Today, decades later, Nita reflects on the ways that presence changed everything. She speaks honestly about how Cathy’s mentorship planted seeds of resilience that only fully bloomed much later in her life. Her story is raw, touching on subjects of violence and abuse, and we recommend discretion when listening or watching. But more than anything, it is a testament to the power of mentorship to alter a life’s trajectory over the long term. 

This is the first video episode of the Mentorship Blueprint on video, and you can watch the full episode here. If you prefer the audio version of the podcast, tune in to the Mentorship Blueprint Podcast—now streaming on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. 

At New Pathways for Youth, we know these are not just stories—they are the very reason we exist. Last year, Nita shared her story at our Champions of Transformations event, honoring both her journey and the legacy of her mentor Cathy, who is also one of our founding members. Seeing Nita now, thriving and using her voice to inspire others, is proof of what happens when someone chooses to stand beside a young person, no matter what. 

For mentors reading this, let this be a reminder: your presence may matter more than you’ll ever know. You may not see the impact tomorrow, or even years from now, but the seeds you plant can grow into a future filled with possibility. 

As we celebrate one year of The Mentorship Blueprint, we are reminded that transformation doesn’t happen overnight—it happens through consistent, patient, and compassionate connection. And as Nita’s story shows, sometimes the greatest impacts of mentorship emerge long after the moment has passed. 

We invite you to celebrate with us by tuning into this milestone episode, honoring Cathy’s legacy as a founding member, and experiencing Nita’s powerful testimony of resilience. We’re proud to have Nita as our first guest in this new season, reminding us all that the simple act of showing up can change everything. 

Join us in celebrating a year of stories, resilience, and transformation—and consider how you, too, can step into the life of a young person who needs someone to believe in them. This episode was made possible with the support of Full Swing Studios.