Lorenzo McCleese

Mary Gates Leadership Scholar, Autumn 2024

Leadership Project: Brotherhood Initiative Peer Mentor

Project Description: My leadership project centers around my focused and intentional mentorship of first-year underrepresented men of color at UW. I aim to use my experiences as an Undergraduate Research Leader and research assistant to help my mentees secure internships and research opportunities in their chosen fields. Additionally, I intend to leverage the Brotherhood as a library of professional expertise, connecting with other members and applying techniques I gained from last year’s Brothers in Research class to provide my mentees with vital information. Ultimately, I hope to cultivate a supportive network between upper-class and first-year BI students, which is essential for their success. Additionally, having my mentees interact with upper-level students of color will increase their comfort at UW socially, professionally, and academically; seeing others succeed from similar backgrounds serves as a powerful motivator.

This project is purposefully developed to create immediate and long-term impacts on the mentees involved while promoting BIPOC inclusion and success in higher education. At its core, this peer mentorship initiative aims to provide underrepresented first-year students with the support they need to navigate an institution that oftentimes does not center their experiences. Beyond academic and professional development, my mentees will also find a supportive community that enhances their social lives and fosters a sense of belonging at UW.

What have you learned throughout your leadership project? My project has taught me a lot about what it takes to be an effective leader, particularly in balancing multiple mentees’ diverse interests, preferences, and experiences. It has refined my ability to support fellow students with a strong emphasis on inclusion and equity—an approach I am committed to carrying into future leadership roles and my career.

What piece of advice do you have for future applicants? Make sure you meet with your mentor often when drafting your essay! Another important aspect, especially if you are applying through a pre-existing program, is to identify a way you are going above and beyond the minimum requirements of that position.