Become a Mentor

Empowering Students to be STEM Visionaries

We believe that talent exists in every community. Connecting underrepresented students to the power of STEM through education, mentorships, and access to financial resources makes all the difference in creating a more diverse STEM workforce.

 

To accomplish our mission, we partner with STEM mentors who help to uplift upcoming, diverse talent.

What makes a Squared Mentor unique?

One-on-one, consistent, mentorship over time is imperative to the success of future STEM leaders. That is why every student in our programs is paired with a STEM mentor for a one-year, one-on-one mentorship.

 

Our mentors help students:

  • Build their “STEM identity”
  • Examine different careers in STEM
  • Develop their social capital
  • Create a workable plan towards a STEM career.

Throughout the one-year commitment, mentors and mentees build authentic relationships through shared experiences, spend at least 1 hour a month together, and regularly communicate in between meetings.

What programs do
mentors help with?

Community Activation (Community-wide)
Build community around the idea that diversity belongs in STEM via community partners, students, professionals and educators.

 

Squared Fellows (10th – 12th graders)
Build students’ confidence while exploring college degrees and STEM pathways through one-on-one mentoring.

 

Squared Scholars (College Students)
Help students develop an understanding of how to navigate college life, create resume building experiences, explore careers, and network to build their social capital.

 

Squared Interns (High School + College Students)
Guide students on how to leverage internships, apply for jobs, and gain full-time employment at a STEM-driven company.

Want to Support Diverse STEM Leaders?

Apply to become a mentor via the form below

APPLY NOW

“It was super enriching for me to mentor Mercy, and as an added bonus be welcomed in by her family! It was amazing to be included in their circle and I truly hope that it doesn’t end here.”

“Being a mentor for SD2 has been a profoundly rewarding experience. Few things can match the sense of fulfillment that comes from realizing you’re making a positive impact in someone’s life. As a female immigrant working in the STEM field, I deeply understand the significance of having role models who reflect aspirations that align with your own. The importance of representation cannot be emphasized enough, and my mission as a mentor is to nurture unwavering confidence in my mentee’s ability to reach her dreams. I aspire to provide her with the support and empowerment she needs to forge her path towards those aspirations. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone who can spare a bit of their time to join this passionate and diverse team of individuals committed to fostering the next generation of leaders. You will not regret it!” -Gretel Von Son

“My role as an SD2 mentor perfectly aligns with my passion for increasing underrepresented minority (URM) representation in the workforce. It’s a fulfilling journey where I share knowledge and witness the power of mentorship. As a mentor, I foster inclusivity, enabling URM individuals to overcome obstacles. Together, we make strides towards a more diverse future.” -Kellyn Beltran

Meet our Mentors

Marc Barron - Co-Founder & VP of Partnerships CourseKey

Co-Founder & VP of Partnerships
CourseKey

Idalia Zamora - Supervisor, Customer Technical Support Tandem Diabetes Care

Supervisor, Customer Technical Support
Tandem Diabetes Care

Daniel Altenburg - Co-Founder Zipdev

Co-Founder
Zipdev

Melisa Zárate Ubario - Relationship Manager, Tech Banking Silicon Valley Bank

Portfolio Advisor
Aksia

Senior Translational Scientist I
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Diversity Recruiter and Educator
Personalis, Inc.

Business Development and Marketing
AllTech Systems

CFO
Metacrine, Inc

Executive Director
The LEAGUE of Amazing Programmers

Assistant Director of Outreach & Recruitment
University of San Diego

Director of Data Strategy
The Atlas for Cities

Manager of Business Development
Prothena

Life science & Biotech Director
Institute of the Americas

Chief Executive Officer
Diversity By Design

Graduate Student
San Diego State University

FAQ

Does a mentor have to be at a STEM-driven company?

Yes. The goal of SD2 is to connect underrepresented students with those with direct experience working in a STEM-related field.

Who qualifies to be a mentor?

A mentor can hold any position in STEM. Their position can range from being a CEO to a college student, if they are pursuing a STEM degree. In addition, our mentors should be reflective of the underrepresented community that SD2 serves. Firsthand experience of the challenges our students experience is welcomed and encouraged.