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Exploring Careers in Financial Law: Students Visit Barclays for an Enlightening Legal Experience!

On Thursday, April 24, a group of high school students from The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology stepped into the professional world of financial law with a visit to Barclays—a leading global financial services provider. The visit, held at the company’s New York office, offered a unique opportunity for students to learn directly from experienced legal professionals about the dynamic intersections of law, finance, and global policy. The experience highlighted Arete’s commitment to career connected learning and offering students exposure to diverse career pathways. 

 

The visit kicked off with a warm welcome and pizza, giving students a chance to settle in before diving into an exciting lineup of presentations. Sheri Levine-Shea and Virginia “Ginny” Hildreth, two Financial Crime Lawyers at Barclays presented real-world case studies involving money laundering and fraud, walking students through the intricacies of compliance, due diligence, and cross-border investigations. Their discussion emphasized the global nature of financial crime and how international regulations shape the legal work they do.

 

Next, Felix Dubosse, a Litigation Attorney at Barclays, gave an insightful presentation on managing complex legal disputes in the financial sector. He highlighted the litigation process, emphasizing legal research, negotiation skills, and risk mitigation. Students learned how legal teams prepare for cases that span multiple jurisdictions and how firms like Barclays navigate the challenges of a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. To wrap up the visit, Barclays team member and Areté Board Treasurer Jared Steller chatted with the students and led a brief tour of the building. This offered a glimpse into daily life at a major financial institution.

 

Throughout the visit, students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and diving into lively discussions sparked by the case examples presented. It was an eye-opening experience for the students as they gain a deeper understanding of how legal professionals must not only understand the law but also navigate financial systems, international regulations, digital currencies, and cybersecurity. The visit also emphasized how success in this field depends on critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to adapt within the industry.

 

English - 05/07/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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Career Day at the Laboratory School of Finance and Technology: Inspiring Future Leaders!

On February 7, The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology hosted a Career Day, welcoming 26 professionals from diverse industries to share their expertise and life experiences with students. This event ignited curiosity and provided invaluable insights that will help shape the future paths of many students.

 

Professionals from industries including science, finance, entertainment, law, technology and education dedicated their time to engage with students. Each speaker shared their unique career journey, offering students a glimpse into the possibilities ahead. Some of the notable professions represented included:

  • Sciences & Environmental Stewardship: Employees from the NY Aquarium, NYC DEP, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the New York Botanical Garden highlighted careers in environmental conservation and scientific research.
  • Technology & AI: Experts from Morgan Stanley and Obzerv.ai provided insight into the rapidly evolving fields of AI, user experience design, and finance technology.
  • Legal & Advocacy: Professionals from Bronx Defenders and Immigrant Justice Corps spoke about the importance of community engagement, advocacy, and legal services.
  • Entertainment & Arts: An actor from Back to the Future on Broadway, a visual artist from Leo Lopez Art & Design, and the CEO of Billionaire Comedy LLC shared their experiences in creative industries.
  • Healthcare & Mental Health: Representatives from Columbia University and the Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling discussed careers in medical research, global health, and behavioral therapy.
  • Finance & Business: Executives from JP Morgan, CohnReznick, and Red Talisman LLC (American Express) provided insight into finance and corporate leadership.
  • Military & Law Enforcement: A Major from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, who also serves as a police officer, educated students on balancing a military career with civilian employment.

 

 

More than just a series of presentations, this event fostered meaningful dialogue between students and professionals. Students were encouraged to actively engage, ask questions, and explore potential career paths. Many of the professionals expressed a willingness to continue mentoring students, strengthening the school’s network of support and opportunity.

 

 

Among the dedicated volunteers was Major Deivy Martinez, who serves in the Marine Corps Reserves while working full-time as a police officer with the New Rochelle Police Department. Reflecting on the event, Major Martinez shared:

Highlight of the Event: "Being able to educate children on opportunities within the military reserve component."

Why Volunteer? "To help children understand they can serve in the military (in the reserves) at the same time as having a ‘normal’ day-to-day job."

 

The success of this year’s Career Day underscores the importance of industry partnerships in education. We look forward to expanding these connections through internships, mentorship programs, and additional networking opportunities that will continue to empower students as they prepare for their futures. Thank you to all our guest speakers who took the time to inspire and guide the next generation of professionals!

English - 03/14/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
Photo Dec 14 2024, 9 39 43 AM

F&T Holiday Kickoff Brings Warmth and Cheer to Families!

On Saturday, December 14, our community came together for a heartwarming and festive Holiday Kickoff at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology! With the season of giving in mind, we distributed 250 sets of hats, gloves, and scarves to ensure our families stay warm this winter. Additionally, toys brought joy to the students, and toiletries and cosmetics provided support to our families.

 

 

The event featured a delightful buffet-style brunch followed by exciting raffles, with prizes ranging from gift cards to items like speakers, sneakers, and AirPods Max.

 

 

Throughout the day, families had the opportunity to connect with one another, capture special moments in family photos, and immerse themselves in creative arts activities. The Band Club also put on an incredible performance, adding a touch of musical magic to the celebration.

 

 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success!

English - 12/23/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
Thanksgiving Food and Go!

Grateful Gatherings: Thanksgiving Grab-and-Go Success!

On Saturday, November 23rd, Areté, in partnership with The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, hosted a heartwarming Thanksgiving Grab-and-Go Family Event for our students and their families. The event aimed to ensure every family in our school community could enjoy a fulfilling and memorable holiday!

 

We distributed bags filled with essential Thanksgiving groceries, along with take-home hot meals to help ease the financial strain of holiday preparations. Families left equipped to host their celebrations with gratitude and joy.

 

 

A special thank-you goes out to our dedicated volunteers who helped pack groceries on Friday, November 22nd, in the MS/HS 223 basement, and to those who helped distribute the hot meals and bags the day of the event. Your efforts made this event a resounding success and exemplified the spirit of community and giving that Thanksgiving is all about.

 

 

We look forward to continuing to support our school community through events like these!

English - 12/19/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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Launch of Programming at our 3 Partner Schools!

This year, we are offering a wide variety of enriching after-school clubs aimed at fostering student creativity, social-emotional learning (SEL), and academic success at our three partner schools - The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, PS 59: The Dawn Best School, and High School for Media and Communications. From middle school creative clubs to high school career-focused courses, these schools are providing a diverse range of activities aimed at nurturing students' creativity, physical health, and social-emotional development.

 

The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology

At The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, which started its after-school programming on September 9th, students have access to a robust selection of activities, ranging from creative arts to physical wellness.

 

For middle schoolers, the available programs include:

  • Anime/Manga Club
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Band
  • BioQuest
  • Creative EQ
  • Dance
  • Game Theory
  • HLAX Boys and Girls
  • Musical
  • Strength & Stretching
  • Table Tennis
  • Team Sports
  • Visual Arts

 

This month in chef academy, students dove into an exciting culinary adventure, starting with an introduction to the program during their first lesson. They explored the question, “What will we do in Chef Academy?” and kicked off their cooking journey by preparing a delicious pasta dish. In the following lessons, they focused on building foundational skills, including following safety procedures and understanding cooking terms. Students then transitioned into breakfast dishes, mastering skills like reading recipes and learning techniques such as flipping and beating while preparing vegetable omelets. They continued expanding their breakfast repertoire by making waffles using a waffle iron, and healthy muffins, where they learned how to bake.

 

As the month progressed, students tackled lunch and dinner meals, gradually developing more complex skills like altering recipes, using different kitchen equipment such as skewers and blenders, and learning cooking styles like grilling and chopping. They explored various cultural dishes, including Hawaiian BBQ chicken skewers, Mexican-style sliders, and mini deep-dish pizzas. Each lesson was filled with teamwork and hands-on learning, providing students with a diverse and enriching experience in the kitchen.

 

In the Strength, Stretching, and Flexibility club, students focused on building both strength and flexibility. Participants engaged in workouts like push-ups and sit-ups to develop core strength, followed by a variety of body stretches. The benefits of stretching are numerous, including injury prevention, improved muscle coordination, better posture, enhanced sports performance, and overall physical and mental well-being. This club helps foster a balanced approach to fitness, supporting students in achieving greater health and resilience.

 

For high schoolers, programming includes:

  • Blackity
  • Creative Writing
  • Health
  • Journalism
  • Graphic Design
  • Bridgeology/Salvadori/Game Theory
  • Studio Art

 

In Creative Writing, students have started to engage in self-expression and thinking imaginatively through various methods such as poetry, short stories, comic books, songs, and scripts. In this class, free-writing will be used as a way to brainstorm, reflect, and discuss ideas. Students will also look at art to inspire their writing, followed by creating their own art through words, rhyming schemes, and visuals. 

 

In Bridgeology, students will become exposed to the fascinating world of bridge engineering, highlighting bridges as symbols of connection and resilience. Students will explore the structural uniqueness of different bridge types, studying key components like trusses, arches, and suspension systems while learning how forces such as tension and compression support heavy loads. Through lessons on iconic bridges, participants will apply geometric principles like symmetry, load distribution, and the Pythagorean theorem to design their own efficient structures. The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving, culminating in a collaborative final project where students will build a scale model of a truss bridge, merging creativity and engineering to address community challenges. This club offers an exciting blend of teamwork, geometry, and hands-on learning.

 

P.S. 59: The Dawn Best School

PS 59 began its programming on September 30th, offering a wide range of day and after school activities that aim to strengthen both academic and social-emotional skills. Some of the key offerings include:

  • Arts & Crafts: This course helps students develop a relationship with art, using various materials to create projects that reflect themes such as community and self-expression. The program culminates in a student art exhibition.
  • SEL (Social Emotional Learning): Students partake in a social emotional learning club, part of the daytime lunch program. Anchored in the Niroga Institute's Transformative Life Skills (TLS) curriculum, this course helps students practice centering, breathing, and reflection to increase focus and develop empathy. This program aligns with CASEL’s SEL framework, supporting students in building self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills.
  • Dance: Through hip-hop and Latin dance styles, students gain physical coordination, self-discipline, and cultural knowledge while working together to create choreography.
  • Sports and Wellness: This program encourages physical activity through sports like soccer and pickleball, while also emphasizing the importance of cardiovascular health.
  • Phoenix Choice & Voice: A board game club that teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills through strategic gameplay.
  • Phoenix Explorers: A STEM program where students engage in hands-on science and engineering projects, fostering creativity and innovation.
  • Phoenix Futures: A career exploration program that introduces students to various professions and helps them think critically about their future career paths.
  • Phoenix Voices: A music club that builds confidence and social connection through singing and exploring different genres of music.
  • Phoenix Steppers: A unique club that teaches students how to use body movements and rhythms to communicate and tell stories through stepping.
  • I Am Beauty Social Club: Focused on self-care and self-love, this club teaches students about different hair textures, skin tones, and hygiene routines while fostering a sense of sisterhood.
  • Phoenix Spelling Bees: A competitive club that enhances students' spelling, vocabulary, and language skills while promoting teamwork and confidence through Spelling Bee competitions.

 

High School for Media and Communications

High School for Media and Communications will start its programming on October 15th. Students here can explore a variety of creative, media-driven, and technology-focused activities that allow them to express themselves and prepare for future careers in communications. The programming includes sports broadcasting, media news, edge tech, set design, and more, ensuring that students are well-equipped with the tools they need to thrive in the world of media and beyond. In sports broadcasting, students will channel their inner ESPN to report on local sports for their classmates. Students involved in edge tech will learn about resourcefulness by creating high-quality content using everyday technology found in the average American home. In media news, students will curate, write, and present breaking stories, while set design offers hands-on experience in building the theatrical environments that bring productions to life. In addition, students can explore various clubs such as dance, art, ping pong, dominoes, guitar, and improv, ensuring a well-rounded experience that blends both artistic and technical talents.

 

With such a wide array of programs, students at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, PS 59: The Dawn Best School, and the High School for Media and Communications are being offered enriching experiences that will shape their future. These schools are investing in creativity, academic success, social-emotional growth, and physical well-being, ensuring that students thrive both in the classroom and beyond.

English - 10/21/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
career day highlight

Igniting Futures: A Successful Career Day @ The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology!

On Friday, February 2, The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology hosted 68 dedicated professionals who offered a diverse array of career paths and life stories. This Career Day event proved to be a catalyst for personal reflection, igniting a sense of curiosity and ambition among the students that we believe will profoundly shape their futures.

 

Professionals from various industries volunteered their time to share insights and make invaluable contributions. Each presenter brought a unique perspective to the table, enriching the students' understanding of the professional landscape. Whether discussing the intricacies of software development or the nuances of environmental conservation, every interaction served as a stepping stone towards greater knowledge of potential career paths and aspirations.

 

Beyond simply delivering presentations, our guest speakers actively engaged with students, facilitating meaningful dialogue and forging genuine connections. This interactive approach not only enhanced the learning experience but also promoted the values of Career Connected Learning. Through these partnerships, we hope to continue collaborating, and creating internships and mentorship opportunities that will further enrich our students' educational journey. This network will serve as a valuable resource for students as they navigate the complexities of the workplace, providing them with the support and guidance needed to realize their goals.

 

We also want to thank our volunteer speakers for lending their time and expertise to inspire and educate middle and high school students. Upon reflection of the successful career day, two such volunteers, Jack Darcey and Regina Alston, shared insights into their respective careers and their experiences at the event.

 

Jack Darcey, a Transportation Planner with the NYC Department of City Planning, provided a glimpse into his dynamic role, which involves a blend of transportation policy development, analytics, and neighborhood analysis. His day-to-day responsibilities range from conducting research and spatial analyses to observing infrastructure firsthand, all with the goal of supporting policy proposals and addressing pressing transportation issues.

 

One highlight of the event for Jack was the opportunity to engage with students and witness their genuine curiosity and insights. He found it particularly rewarding to hear students' questions and comments, especially when they related to pressing issues like affordable housing and transportation infrastructure. Jack emphasized the importance of exposing youth to topics like urban planning, which may not be commonly discussed in academic settings but are crucial for understanding our built environment.

 

Jack's decision to volunteer stemmed from his passion for youth engagement and his desire to expose students to the field of planning, which he finds fascinating yet often overlooked. Through partnerships with organizations like ours, Jack aims to broaden students' horizons and inspire them to consider career paths in the built environment.

 

Regina Alston, a Mental Health Clinician with Samaritan Daytop Village, shared her experiences as a case manager working with patients transitioning out of mental health facilities. Her day-to-day responsibilities involve providing support, making home visits, and ensuring a seamless transition for her clients.

 

For Regina, the highlight of Career Day was the inquisitiveness and openness displayed by the students. She was impressed by their eagerness to learn and connect, particularly when discussing topics like mental health and the environment of the South Bronx. Regina volunteered for the event out of a sense of duty to her community and a desire to empower the next generation. She believes that investing in youth is essential for creating positive change and shaping future leaders.

 

The insights shared by Jack Darcey and Regina Alston offer a glimpse into the transformative impact of Career Day on both volunteers and students alike. Through their dedication and passion, they exemplify the spirit of community engagement and mentorship that lies at the heart of events like these!

English - 02/28/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
feed our needs logo 2023

“Feed Our Needs”: The Inspiring Journey of Philanthropy with Areté Education

"Feed Our Needs" is an impactful initiative hosted by Areté Education that is dedicated to addressing the fundamental needs of individuals across underserved and vulnerable communities. With a passionate commitment to fostering positive change, Areté Education brings together a diverse range of programs under the "Feed Our Needs" campaign aimed at empowering low-income and predominantly Black and Brown populations. From food drives and etiquette luncheons to the provision of winter clothes and financial resources, "Feed Our Needs" strives to create a holistic approach to community well-being. Areté Education's innovative and inclusive programs empower Black- and Brown-owned businesses and provide essential resources to those in need. 

 

The journey of Feed our Needs began in 2020, initially rooted in the collaboration with IHS Markit, Barclays, and The Collective (consortium of Wall Street based Black Employee Resource Groups across the financial sector). When the annual gala, traditionally hosted by The Collective, was put on hold, they decided to channel their efforts into a meaningful cause. Areté Board President, McEvans Francois, and his peers were inspired by a CNN article that shed light on the struggles faced by Harlem restaurants, particularly those owned by people of color. That inspiration sparked conversations on pathways to support Black-owned businesses. Thanks to the vision of Areté Board members, Kholofelo Mothibi and Erica Sealey, the initiative evolved to focus on supporting both Black-and Latinx-owned establishments, as each population resides in the communities Areté serves. 

 

Barclays and IHS Markit saw the need and generously supported the Feed Our Needs mission. Areté created a website in order to raise awareness and broaden the fundraising efforts. The firms were able to raise $15k to support the Feed Our Needs programs in the first year. These funds were used for large food orders at Black- and Latinx-owned restaurants, and the purchased food was given to Areté families at community events serving those in need and most impacted by the pandemic. A notable contribution of $5,000 was directed towards La Morada, a Mexican restaurant located in the South Bronx well-known for supporting migrants in our communities. Families in the area reaped the benefits, marking the beginning of a broader mission.

 

Furthering Areté Education’s mission and vision, the Feed Our Needs Campaign began to scout out restaurants in underserved communities of South Bronx, Harlem, and Brooklyn. In 2021, for Juneteenth, Feed Our Needs sponsored food truck meals, increasing access to food directly to the communities in need. Then, in 2021, Areté incorporated financial literacy efforts in collaboration with Carver Bank, providing pamphlets and valuable resources to the community. Further expanding the mission, in January 2023, an event in Brooklyn served as an example of the program's adaptability. Recognizing the changing demographics due to an increased volume of migrants from South America and the Caribbean, Areté Education tailored the efforts of Feed Our Needs to meet the specific needs of these communities. Warm meals, sourced from local Black- and Brown- owned businesses,  and duffel bags containing winter accessories, like mittens, were distributed to families. 

 

Over the past year, Areté has hosted various events assisting families across Bed-Stuy, Mott Haven, and Washington Heights as part of the Feed Our Needs Initiative. 

  • Running from January to June, students from P.S. 59 are invited to go out to eat at a local restaurant and participate in an etiquette class. These etiquette luncheons help foster an environment where students are stimulated by the process of learning new skills while also getting the chance to explore a new restaurant, owned by Black or Latinx individuals in the local community. 

 

  • On November 18, a Thanksgiving Feed our Needs event was hosted at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology from 10-12 pm where 90 families received hot meals and one bag full of quintessential ingredients and groceries to prepare a homemadeThanksgiving dinner. 

 

  • On November 21, a Family Thanksgiving Dinner was hosted at P.S. 59 The Dawn Best School. The event ran from 4-5:30 pm and more than 60 people attended. Students and families gathered together to enjoy food and music and  spend quality time with each other. Five $50 Food Bazaar gift cards were raffled at this event. 

 

  • On December 16, a Family Resource Fair was hosted at the High School for Media and Communications where approximately $1400 was spent to support 90 families in Washington Heights.

 

Now more than ever, the Feed Our Needs program is needed to address the ongoing migrant crisis, food insecurity, and poverty rates in our communities. As we head into 2024, the focus of Feed Our Needs remains dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of Areté’s underserved communities. This January, there is an upcoming MLK Day event to be hosted in Brooklyn the week of January 15th. Join the movement and be part of this transformative journey where we’ll support our families in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood! Contact Sam Alexander (sam@areteeducation.org) to sign up as a volunteer. 

 

Through strategic partnerships, outreach, and community engagement, Areté Education is actively working towards building a stronger, more resilient community through the Feed Our Needs initiative!

English - 01/11/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
bioquest program launch

BioQuest Program Launch

Arete Education has officially partnered with RTW Charitable Foundation to launch the BioQuest program! 

 

RTW Investments invests in biomedical research and products in order to add value to people’s lives. RTW Charitable Foundation extends the RTW Investments mission to include building a sense of community through establishing different health-based initiatives in underserved communities. All of this is done to advance science and research while also addressing urgent public health needs. 

 

RTW Charitable Foundation first began to work with Arete during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, RTW provided Arete with a grant because they wanted to fund grassroots work focused on removing  barriers that prevent children in temporary housing from receiving educational support during the pandemic. Arete was identified as a grassroots organization working in the South Bronx during this difficult time. In the end, $75,000 was allocated towards developing a high-touch and wrap-around support program, The Arete Hope Network, for 30 families in the South Bronx and Harlem, mostly F&T families. 

 

After the peak of the pandemic, RTW Charitable Foundation shifted back towards its main work in funding biomedical research and projects alike. This year, they launched the BioQuest program - an initiative in STEM education for middle and high school students - in collaboration with Arete Education, Hunts Point Alliance for Children, Weill Cornell, and BioBus. RTW Charitable Foundation reached out to Arete over the summer to invite students from the Bronx to enroll in a year-long program receiving STEM educational and mentoring experiences. This was an amazing opportunity for Arete and the students we serve as 1) we have never partnered with Weill Cornell or BioBus and 2) F&T students would be gaining an expansive exposure to the STEM field: engaging in enrichment activities to encourage and inspire an interest in science, biotech, and medicine while also building relationships with mentors and other students with expertise and interest in these fields.

 

The first event to this program was held on September 9th, 2023 where students participating in the BioQuest program were invited, along with their families, to attend a Kick-off Breakfast. This first meeting was a nice way to launch the year-long program as students and families got the opportunity to get to know about the program and get to know each other. The ice breaker and scavenger hunt activities allowed the students and families to go around and network with one another, and it was a nice way to make parents and families feel included as they got to know who their children will be surrounded by in the program. Volunteers also set up backpacks for the participants containing STEM and back-to-school materials. They were distributed towards the end of the breakfast and sent off for the Back-to-School Fair and BioBus event, in collaboration with Hunts Point Alliance for Children.

 

What’s next for these students? The BioQuest program has scheduled 6 events in total: 3 in the fall and 3 in the spring. The next event was a Career Day held on October 5 at RTW Investments in Chelsea. Future events include visiting JLABS with Johnson & Johnson, a BioBus event (mobile lab with interactive + scientific activities), exploring lab spaces at Weill Cornell, and a Science Museum Field Trip. 

Arete is proud to be deepening its relationship with RTW Charitable Foundation and its respective partnerships in order to broaden in terms of science in research and biomedicine. This amazing collaboration will give new pathways to young students for STEM-specific career opportunities and push the boundaries on what is possible for students beyond high school. This program also supports Arete’s mission with its partner school, The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, of shifting to more career-connected learning as a way to address the experience gap our students face. This is a major step towards inaugurating an afterschool curriculum that prepares students to enter the workforce and provides opportunities for career exposure in a new area: medicine, biomedical research, and biotech investments. 

English - 11/03/2023 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
hawa highlight (1)

Student Excellence Highlight - Hawa Fisiru

Hawa Fisiru is an outstanding senior at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology who has shown tremendous leadership and excellence with her involvement in school activities, working with Arete, and earning an apprenticeship with JPMorgan through the CareerWise Partner Program.

She first heard about the CareerWise apprenticeship while she was in 10th grade. After being accepted into the program, she commenced her work with JPMorgan in 11th grade. Her apprenticeship is expected to continue well into her first year of college.

As a senior in high school, her typical weekday models a split school-work schedule. In the morning, she attends her classes where she takes multiple Advanced Placement (AP) courses and manages to plan senior activities and meet with administration as the Class Council Vice-President. While at school, she prioritizes her academics and also takes on an additional role of advocating for students’ needs and wants.

Once the clock hits 12 pm, she heads off to work. Her role as an apprentice focuses on working in corporate investment banking, specifically with trading and foreign exchange. Recently, Hawa was shadowed in her work in Manhattan and interviewed by a production team from JPMorgan and the Atlantic to discuss her time with JPMorgan as an apprentice and learn about her story.

During this conversation, she was asked about her time as an apprentice, what she has learned thus far, the meaning of family, and what got her to where she is right now. Hawa’s poise and brilliance will be used to promote the Career Connected Learning Program.

Not only has Hawa been a proactive student in school and throughout her internship, but she also displayed excellent humility and maturity through her involvement with Arete. She worked as a tutor during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when learning transitioned from in-person to online. Every other day, she tutored two students in different subjects in order to keep them on track with handing in assignments and retaining the information during this difficult time. When schools opened back up, she remained as a tutor and took on an additional role of being a teaching assistant. Through these responsibilities, she learned to work with students of different learning levels and teaching styles. She also refined her skills of compassion, communication, and patience. Although these roles taught her that she does not want to go into education, it taught her how to communicate with others and provided her with a sense of fulfillment by patiently assisting students in need!

Currently, a lot of her time is spent going through the college application process. She is applying to various schools in the city in order to continue working for JPMorgan while also taking her education seriously. Some schools she plans on applying to are NYU, Barnard, Fordham, and Columbia University, Columbia being her dream school. Hawa expressed that even though the application process is arduous due to her various roles and responsibilities, she is still giving it her all to submit all her application materials in order to get into a good school post graduation. “It’s stressful, but I’m getting it done!”

English - 11/03/2023 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
arete alumni feature - Amy Arizmendi

Arete Alumni Feature - Amairany (Amy) Arizmendi

Meet Amairany (Amy) Arizmendi - middle school alum of The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, Class of 2012. 

 

She has become extremely involved with Arete taking on various roles and responsibilities, an indispensable team member and leader. She has had the roles of family advocate, registering people for the census, helping families register their children to Arete programming, coordinating events at different sites involved with Arete, ordering supplies, managing budgets, and more. Additionally, during the peak of the pandemic, Amy was involved with Arete’s mission of assisting different families during this difficult time. She helped with the distribution of groceries and provided families with access to laptops and gift cards to buy different necessities like toiletries, clothes, and household items. 

One main takeaway from her various roles throughout her time with Arete has been her mindfulness skills! She has learned to take things one day at a time and use breathing techniques when things get stressful and difficult to manage. This is especially important when dealing with important responsibilities and following through with the mission of serving underserved and vulnerable populations. Amy affirms that Arete has fostered an environment where she is constantly able to learn and grow. She has grown the ability to effectively communicate not only with her peers and coworkers but also with parents. She enjoys interacting with families and credits this growth and enthusiasm to Arete’s commitment to providing support to their employees. Amy continues to benefit from Arete as she is continuously being challenged and improving. She takes on more tasks and fulfills more deadlines which allows her to learn more and become more prepared for future events and jobs. 

English - 07/31/2023 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

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