Mayor’s Mentor Up Winter Gala invites local professionals to inspire and guide Rochester youth through mentorship opportunities this December

Monroe County, New York – Applications are now open for professionals across Rochester who want to make a difference in the lives of young people through mentorship. Mayor Malik D. Evans announced this week that community leaders and business owners can now register to participate in the city’s annual Mayor’s Mentor Up Winter Gala, a program designed to connect teenagers with role models who can help guide their future.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 20, will be held at the Arbor Loft and marks the fifth gathering under the Mentor Up banner. In previous years, the initiative has hosted Summer Soirées and other events that collectively have brought together more than 100 mentors and mentees. The gala continues that momentum, providing a setting where high school students ages 14 to 18 meet face-to-face with professionals from a wide range of industries.

The application window for prospective mentors remains open until Friday, Nov. 14. Interested professionals are encouraged to apply through the city’s official portal at CityofRochester.gov/MentorUp. The program specifically seeks adults who are ready to spend an evening listening, guiding, and opening doors for Rochester’s next generation of leaders.

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Mayor Evans emphasized the power of connection in a statement introducing the gala. “Every mentorship connection opens doors to real opportunities for our youth—inspiration, internships, and even future careers,” said Mayor Evans. “I encourage all local professionals to apply. Investing an evening of your time to connect with our young people can yield immeasurable value for both mentors and mentees as they learn from each other’s perspectives, accomplishments and aspirations.”

Past Mentor Up events have shown how meaningful those interactions can be. The gatherings are designed to break down barriers between adults and teenagers by offering a welcoming and formal, yet relaxed, space for conversations that matter. Students have a chance to practice networking skills with community leaders while exploring possible career paths, and mentors walk away inspired by the ambition and creativity of Rochester’s youth.

One such mentor, Keila Diaz, owner of CakeLani, has seen the value firsthand. “I’ve participated as a mentor in multiple Mayor’s Mentor Up events and highly recommend the experience,” Diaz said. “As an entrepreneur, I recognize the value in youth building up the courage to approach people in the business world. Plus, I love discovering what we have in common from pursuing our passions to growing a social media presence.”

For participants, the Winter Gala is more than just a one-night event. It often sparks ongoing relationships where a student can reach out to a mentor for advice, internships, or future job opportunities. City officials hope those conversations will continue long after the formal evening ends, creating lasting mentorship bonds that extend into adulthood.

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The Arbor Loft venue is expected to be filled with both returning mentors and newcomers, all eager to support Rochester’s young people. Community partners will also be on hand, reinforcing the message that the city is invested in providing pathways to opportunity for teenagers who are ready to envision their future.

With the application deadline approaching, city leaders are urging professionals not to miss the chance to join. To learn more about becoming a mentor—or for youth interested in taking part as a mentee—details can be found online at www.CityofRochester.gov/MentorUp.