My name is Belize Iteriteka, and I am a recent graduate passionate about helping others in all aspects that I can. First and foremost, I am a woman of faith, and I would like to acknowledge my source, Jesus Christ because I would not be who I am without God. As the oldest of 9, I grew up with high responsibilities that hindered my ability to ask for help. While others would struggle in class and ask for help, I was hesitant and constantly thought of this as a sign of weakness.

Throughout my educational journey, I have been fortunate to have many mentors who have played a crucial role in my development. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in my success. I completed my Bachelor’s in science at Bates College with majors in Biochemistry and Sociology, and later, my Master’s of science in Bioethics at Harvard Medical School. During my college years, I often found myself in a mentoring role, a fact that many were unaware of.

Mentorship has been a transformative force in my life, shaping me into the person I am today. The idea of starting a mentorship program for my community was born out of a desire to give back and a sense of responsibility. I felt a deep-seated need to share the resources and knowledge I had acquired, and this led me to take action.