scholarships, and the resources needed to break through barriers and help these young women build their own legacies. Our program connects young women with experienced mentors who help them set and achieve their goals. These mentors serve as beacons of hope and sources of inspiration. They demonstrate that with hard work, determination, and the right guidance, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. Personally, I mentor several of these girls. I spend time with them discussing their dreams for the future and understanding the obstacles they see in the way. I help them navigate around these obstacles and other challenges they face as they determine their path forward into adulthood and their careers. Witnessing them forge their way and become the first in their family to attend college has been incredibly fulfilling and I can’t wait to see what comes next for them. After all, mentorship isn’t just about helping someone along the way; it’s about creating a brighter, more inclusive future. My story is a testament to the life-changing impact of mentorship, and I am committed to ensuring that others, especially young women facing similar challenges, have access to the same transformative experiences. Through my Girls of Legacy (recently featured in the October issues of Forbes and Fortune), we are building bridges that lead to a brighter future for the next generation of leaders. As someone who has been on both sides of mentorship, I can affirm with absolute certainty that mentorship matters, and it has the power to change lives and break down barriers. So, to every woman out there who has faced obstacles, to every young girl who has been told she can’t, and to every mentor who believes in the potential of others, remember this: mentorship matters, and it can pave the way for brighter, more empowered futures. Together, we can inspire change and build a legacy of our own, one mentorship at a time. REBECCA CONTRERAS is the President and CEO of AvantGarde LLC (avantgarde4usa.com), a human capital, strategy, and IT consulting firm based in Austin, Texas. She is also the author of the bestselling book Lost Girl - from the Hood to the White House to Millionaire Entrepreneur which recounts her transformative journey to success, as well as a philanthropist whose non-profit organization supports programs that reach out to disadvantaged inner city youth. Rebecca is a member of the Enterprising Women Advisory Board. Connect with her at rcontreras@ avantgarde4usa.com or call 512-670-7602. enterprising Women 65
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