Mayor’s Mentor Up extravaganza celebrates the lasting legacy of Rochester’s youth mentorship programs

Rochester, New York – Mayor Malik D. Evans brought together young leaders, mentors, and community supporters for the Mayor’s Mentor Up Extravaganza, an evening dedicated to recognizing the lasting impact of Rochester’s youth mentorship programs and the people who have helped shape them over the years.

Hosted at the historic George Eastman Museum, the event served as the latest gathering in the City of Rochester’s Mentor Up initiative, a series that encourages meaningful connections between young residents and experienced community members. The celebration combined networking opportunities with recognition for mentorship programs that have played an important role in developing future leaders across the city.

One of the evening’s highlights was the celebration of significant anniversaries for three well-established city programs. Youth Voice One Vision marked its 30th year of empowering young people, while Pillars of Hope celebrated two decades of service. ROC My Brother’s Keeper also reached a milestone, commemorating 10 years of supporting and encouraging Rochester youth through mentorship and leadership opportunities.

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The event welcomed both current participants and alumni, alongside volunteers, mentors, and supporters who have contributed to the success of these initiatives over the years. Their presence reflected the long-term relationships that many of the programs have fostered and underscored the role mentorship continues to play in strengthening the Rochester community.

Mayor Evans has a personal connection to one of the city’s oldest youth leadership initiatives. He was among the founding members of Youth Voice One Vision, which began under the name City-County Youth Council before evolving into the program it is today. His involvement over the years has mirrored the city’s ongoing commitment to providing young residents with opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

“For the future of Rochester, it’s vital to provide opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills,” said Mayor Evans. “I’m proud that Youth Voice One Vision has thrived for 30 years and counting, and grateful that we have several strong mentorship programs that ensure as many young people as possible have the chance to engage with positive role models.”

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That message remained central throughout the evening, as organizers emphasized the importance of creating environments where young people can learn from experienced mentors, develop confidence, and build skills that extend beyond the classroom. The gathering also offered attendees a chance to reconnect with former mentors and mentees while forming new relationships that could continue well beyond the event itself.

The Mentor Up initiative has become an important part of Rochester’s efforts to encourage civic engagement, leadership development, and positive youth involvement. By bringing together multiple generations of participants, the city continues to reinforce the value of mentorship as a tool for personal growth and community success.

The celebration also looked ahead to the future. Rochester youth and community members are invited to participate in the next major Mentor Up event, the annual Mayor’s Mentor Up Winter Gala, scheduled for December. City officials encourage anyone interested in learning more about the program or keeping up with future events to visit the Mentor Up website for additional information and updates.