EMERGE empowers and prepares high-performing students from underserved communities to attend and graduate from selective colleges and universities across the nation. EMERGE is creating a pipeline of future leaders in every industry who aspire to change the world.
EMERGE Partners with DEI Firm to Ensure More Equitable Approach
EMERGE kicked off a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) audit aimed at identifying and addressing challenges and opportunities that will support our overall mission and student success. As a selective college access organization that serves a diverse and underrepresented population of students, EMERGE is committed to this work and to understanding our blind spots so we can ensure that our decision-making is not steered by unconscious biases. In early spring 2021, we partnered with Promise54 to serve as our DEI consultant and help guide us along this journey. The tangible work of the audit began in June with a comprehensive staff survey. Through three deep-dive sessions held in August and September, EMERGE staff members worked to identify organizational DEI beliefs and aspirations and explored the definitions and manifestations of diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism in our workplace and in the services we provide to our students. While EMERGE has been committed to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion since its founding, it was interesting to consider ways to incorporate the latest best practices into our programming, student interactions, and overall operations. We appreciate our team's willingness to embrace authenticity and vulnerability in our online sessions. The DEI plan is expected to be finalized and adopted in late fall.
EMERGE Mentor Program Prepares Students for Professional Success
While EMERGE students excel academically, many lack access to the professional career and social networks that open doors for professional success in college and beyond. EMERGE's mentor program connects high school seniors with leading Houston-area professionals and community volunteers to support their personal growth, expose them to new opportunities, and help guide their career trajectories. This year, EMERGE selected 81 high school seniors across Aldine ISD, Houston ISD, Klein ISD, Spring ISD, and Spring Branch ISD to participate in the program. EMERGE kicked off this year's program with a virtual engagement session for mentees and mentors on October 3rd. Over 160 mentors and mentees connected to learn more about the program and engage in meaningful conversations. The mentor program was launched in 2016 with the help of Houston philanthropists Laura and John Arnold. Since its inception, the program has enabled mentors and mentees to establish lifelong transformational relationships. Learn more about the mentor program here. If you're interested in mentoring an EMERGE student for the 2022-23 school year, please contact Carlos Perrett at carlos@emergefellowship.org.
EMERGE Mentor Accompanies Mentee to College
EMERGE mentor Ed Page went the extra mile to help his mentee settle into his first year of college in Massachusetts. Literally. This August, Ed flew to Boston with his mentee, Julian Montes, and then drove him to Wellesley, MA to help him move into his dorm room at Babson College. Ed, who serves as both Managing Partner and broker for Streetwise Retail Advisors, said he reflected on his own experience helping his four children get settled into college and knew the process might be daunting for the Montes family. "Julian comes from a loving, supportive family, and I know it took a lot of bravery and trust on their part to let him go so far away from home," Ed said. He and Julian still connect weekly by phone. Read more about Ed's mentor experience here.
EMERGE Helps Students Prepare for College Admission Interviews
On September 25th, EMERGE hosted its first-ever virtual College Interview Day to help nearly 100 high school students from Aldine ISD, Klein ISD, Spring ISD, and Spring Branch ISD prepare for their college admission interviews. This was a unique opportunity for our organization and community partners to connect directly with our students to help them ace their interviews this application season. Long-time EMERGE supporter and Colgate University Admissions Officer Erin Milin presented "A Crash Course to Interviewing" to provide tips and pointers for how students can hone their skills and be better prepared for their interviews.
EMERGE Career Roundtables Connect Students to Top Women Leaders
On October 21st, EMERGE offered students an exclusive virtual opportunity to learn more from women leaders across several industries. At our Women Professionals Career Roundtable, five distinguished industry-leading professionals shared their empowering stories of persevering through barriers in their respective fields and their contributions as women to the professional world. Panelists included Anna Rotman (Shareholder and Litigation Partner at Kirkland and Ellis), Christina "Chris" Bryan (United States Magistrate Judge), Suratha Elango (Primary Care Pediatrician), Kim Sullivan (Chief People Officer at Concentrix), and Beth Ann Bovino (Chief Economist, Standard and Poor's at U.S. Chamber of Commerce). We are extremely grateful to all of our career roundtable panelists for their time and commitment and willingness to share their knowledge and expertise with our students!
EMERGE Sporting Clays Tournament Raises over $295K
On October 29th, EMERGE hosted its second annual Sporting Clays Tournament at the Greater Houston Sports Club. Participants took part in a sporting clays course, a team flurry competition, lunch and dinner, and an awards ceremony to conclude the evening. They also heard from Jose Cantu, an EMERGE alumnus, who recently joined the EMERGE Board of Directors. With the incredible leadership and generosity of our event chairs, Nick and Katie Johnson, and the support of their network and our EMERGE village, this year's event raised over $295,000! All funds raised support EMERGE as we help to change the life trajectory for thousands of high-achieving students from Houston's most underserved communities.
Event chairs Nick and Katie Johnson with EMERGE Board Member Jose Cantu.
EMERGE Build The Village Luncheon: April 19, 2022
Please save the date for our Fifth Annual Build The Village Luncheon on Tuesday, April 19th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (CST). This year's luncheon will feature a keynote address by Wellesley College President Paula Johnson. This signature event will be one to remember as we celebrate the important work of EMERGE and our vision for the future.

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us on April 19th at River Oaks Country Club! Please contact Janicca Stephens at janicca@emergefellowship.org if you have any questions.
EMERGE In The News