2022
Annual Report
Shari krull
Chief Executive Officer
StreetWise Partners
Dear Friends,
2022 was an exciting and fulfilling year for StreetWise Partners. We celebrated our 25th anniversary and honored the thousands of mentees and mentors whose lives have been touched by our mission. We served hundreds of job seekers across our regions and continued to evolve our program models. Throughout the year we offered new ways for job seekers, volunteers and companies to connect.
As the CEO of StreetWise Partners, this organization is deeply personal to me. I love StreetWise because I wholly reject the notion that one's zip code should determine their future. Skills can be taught, but networks are inherited, which perpetuates structural inequity for generations. StreetWise brings people together from different life experiences and socioeconomic backgrounds to share their gifts and talents, and help one another learn, grow and be successful. When mentoring matches flourish it is like magic - and everyone wins. This organization is so unique and impactful; and I am honored to be leading the team to drive its success.
Thank you for being with us on this journey, sharing a passion for our mission, and supporting the next 25 years of work.
Community Need
Working age Americans
46
MILLION
9
MILLION
Immigrants
Unemployed young adults ages 18-24
10
MILLION
2022
IMPACT
440
mentees served across NYC, DC, and MI
93%
of mentees developed strong professional networks
80%
of graduates are employed
$11K-$54K
average annual salaries increase
$15M
in cumulative first year wage growth
90%
grew their professional networks to 100+ contacts
Our Story
Picture this: It was 1997, a time when the world was waking up to the untapped potential that lies within communities that are historically excluded from the corporate workforce. In that moment, StreetWise was born from the realization that there was an invaluable resource we could harness: business professionals armed with knowledge, influence, and the desire to uplift others as they climbed.
Business professionals, with their contacts and industry know-how, became the mainstay in our quest for change. StreetWise became a platform to bridge the gap, connecting these professionals with individuals from underserved communities who were hungry for guidance, support, and opportunities. These are hardworking, capable job seekers: the first-generation community college student who dreams of working in investment banking, the immigrant trained in accounting who needs the soft skills to navigate interviews, the graduate from a computer coding bootcamp who aims to break into a new field.
The concept was simple yet powerful. What began as a networking community in a small conference room grew into a full-fledged program driven by a 13-week, 350-page professional development curriculum. Twenty-five years later, we’ve served 8,000 job seekers through the support of 15,000 volunteers in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Detroit. Together, we continue to inspire, connect, and empower individuals to thrive and create a brighter future for all.
StreetWise Delivers Significant ROI
In 2022, we analyzed the return on investment for our 2020 cohorts by comparing the full-time salaries of StreetWise job seekers before and one year after program graduation. The survey demonstrated that every philanthropic $1 dollar invested in StreetWise yields 3X the financial gain and increased wages for graduates. Further, the 2020 cohorts' average salaries grew 297% from $13,190 at enrollment to $52,370 once employed. We are celebrating this tangible improvement in graduate salaries and reinforcing that every dollar donated, granted or raised for StreetWise drives economic advancement for all.
25th Anniversary Reunions
We joyfully celebrated our 25th anniversary and honored the 25,000 mentees and mentors who have come through our doors. They will forever be a part of our family. We marked this moment with reunions across the country, bringing together mentors, mentees, and alumni to reconnect and celebrate their successes. These reunions were especially moving as it was the first time for many to connect or reconnect in person.
Recovering from COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the fundamental drivers of employment, disabling the community enabled by in-person connections and redefining what it takes to pursue and advance a meaningful career. Recognizing that the need for mentorship and career development was greater than ever, StreetWise swiftly transitioned our programs to virtual platforms.
Despite the upheaval, our staff remained dedicated, creative, and nimble. Our mentees and mentors rose to the occasion, embracing the opportunity to connect, learn, and practice new skills in small Zoom groups. We served 335 people across three regions with graduation rates averaging or above 85%.
Volunteerism is our Bedrock
Volunteerism is the bedrock of the StreetWise program model. Every year, hundreds of corporate professionals generously offer their time, collectively contributing 10,000 hours of service. Through networking events and workshops, these dedicated volunteers provide invaluable support to StreetWise mentees. They assist mentees with developing essential skills, fostering connections, exploring career paths, navigating job searches, mastering interviews, and conquering the complexities of the hiring process.
Volunteers not only make a positive impact on the lives of mentees but also cultivate their own leadership and management abilities. In this way, volunteer opportunities with StreetWise help to professionally develop our nation's future leaders who rise to hire diverse talent and break barriers of unbiased hiring practices.
All regions
416
MENTORS
ENGAGED
I’ve missed certain opportunities because I didn't have the awareness. I didn’t have the opportunity to find a mentor at a young age. For me, being a mentor is a way for me to bridge that gap. At the same time, being able to help mentees think through their own career and challenges helps me reflect more on my own career, and build up my own communication, problem solving, and networking skills.
Gagan Vaseer,
Mentor and Program Management Officer,
United Nations
823
ONE-TIME VOLUNTEERS
Job Placement and Employment Services Expand
In 2021, we launched our Employment Services team to connect StreetWise graduates with open jobs and internships at our partner companies. The team investment is already paying dividends and has successfully placed 100 mentees in jobs over the past two years.
Through Employment Services, we offer these companies the opportunity to hire directly from our graduate base, providing customized service to each employer through proactive candidate matching and targeted hiring events. Simultaneously, we support candidates with interview preparation and follow up. The companies gain access to a pool of highly qualified and motivated job candidates, while our graduates gain valuable opportunities to launch their careers and achieve their goals.
Job Placement Averages Across Regions
$68,900
FULL TIME SALARY
$59,233
INTERNSHIP SALARY
Building and Strengthening Partnerships
Our corporate partnerships thrived, expanding our current relationships and welcoming new companies into the StreetWise fold. There was a steady drumbeat of mission-aligned events throughout the year, including a well-attended panel for Black History Month entitled “Black in the C-Suite", formal and informal coffee chats, mock interviews, and workshops to connect mentees with professionals from a variety of industries on their career path exploration.
500+
mentees
1,500
volunteers
$670,000
Partnership
Contributions
PARTNERSHIPS
As part of HSBC Corporate Sustainability’s Involve Volunteer Grant program, HSBC Bank USA’s CEO, Michael Roberts, awards his Involve CEO Prize to what he considers to be HSBC’s best non-profit partner. In 2022 he selected Streetwise Partners, honoring our four years of partnership in driving economic equity. During that time, over 200 HSBC volunteers participated in StreetWise events representing over 1,000 hours of volunteer service to more than 500 StreetWise job seekers.
The recognition raises StreetWise Partners’ profile at HSBC and provides an opportunity to further deepen and broaden the strategic partnership between our two organizations.
Neil Middleton
Senior Risk Officer, HSBC USA
PARTNERSHIPS
Marsh McClennan held a Career Coaching workshop offering mentees career advice and goal review with volunteers from their Executive Team. The President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Digital Officer all participated and provided tremendous insight to the mentees.
"Thank you for your expertise and incredible feedback! At first, I wasn't sure if my journey was leading me in the right direction but after speaking to the leadership team and gaining very valuable insight, I feel confident and more committed to completing my journey and obtaining the career I've always wanted." - Archit, Mentee
PARTNERSHIPS
Deutsche Bank Women on Wall Street is an employee network group dedicated to supporting diversity efforts that recognize the importance of women in achieving Deutsche Bank’s business objectives. Their workshop on “Combatting Imposter Syndrome” was immediately relatable and valuable for the mentees, not only women. We discussed how most accomplished professionals experience self-doubt, the psychology behind the phenomenon and strategies to work through it.
PARTNERSHIPS
For Mental Health Awareness month, Sidley Austin employees volunteered to teach StreetWise mentees about “Using Feedback to Fuel Growth”. They focused on feedback to create openness and honesty in the workplace and facilitated practical exercises and activities in receiving feedback. The workshop had a lasting impact as 100% of mentees surveyed said they both learned something new, and felt more confident to discuss feedback in their professional life.
Volunteering has been shown to decrease stress levels, depression, anxiety, and boost one’s overall health and satisfaction with life. So, it is no surprise that organizations who sponsor employee volunteer programs can realize immense benefits beyond making the world a better place. Improving employees’ holistic life and supporting a healthier and more productive work environment are incredibly valuable outcomes of these programs too.
Lori Anne Henderson
Director of Well-Being, Sidley Austin LLP
A Thriving Community
Our work with community organizations continues to thrive and grow. These organizations introduce mentees into our program and through their own missions, spread the impact and reach of StreetWise’s work.
We have ongoing and strong long-term partnerships with the following:
Upwardly Global in Washington D.C. helps immigrant and refugee professionals eliminate employment barriers while advancing the inclusion of their skills into the U.S. economy.
Bottom Line in New York works with degree-aspiring students of color from under-resourced communities to get into and through college, and successfully launch a career.
PerScholas offers tuition-free tech training and certifications, professional development, and employment connections for adults. They partner with us in both D.C. and New York.
A Thriving Community
In 2022 we added new and notable partners that immediately began referring mentees for each cycle and expanding the footprint in the community. New partners include Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center, Brooklyn Public Library, International Center, The NY Foundling, City College of NY, Lehman College, New York City College of Technology, and Queens College.
Each of these community organizations is a strong partner for StreetWise because they understand the value of mentorship for their clients. Our programs complement each other very well; their populations gain strong technical skills from the training while expanding their networks and building their power skills through our programming and events.
New York
Born in Kyrgyzstan, Aigerim Kaipova came to the U.S. with her family when she was 10 years old and dreamed of a job where she could work in a corporate environment. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from CUNY School of Professional Studies, then got a job in accounts payable. While she loved the experience, she wanted more of a mental challenge and started applying for other jobs. She had multiple interviews but didn't get through to the second round. Then, in Spring 2022, Aigerim joined StreetWise as a mentee with specific goals: to improve her interview and communications skills; to expand her network; and to secure a job in finance. With the help of StreetWise and her mentor, she achieved all three and is now working at JPMorgan Chase as a Global Corporate Actions Asset Analyst.
“You get what you put into it. Whether it’s identifying your weak points and figuring out how you need to improve, meeting consistently with your mentor, or setting clear goals.”
Success Stories
Washington D.C.
When Fasiu Adenekan discovered StreetWise , he was no stranger to the business world. In his native Nigeria, he was CFO of an investment banking company. But when he came to the U.S. in 2019 and started his job search, he struggled. Fasiu submitted many applications for roles in finance and accounting. Nobody responded. The tide turned when he teamed up with a StreetWise mentor in 2022 who helped him create a winning resume, use digital tools like LinkedIn, align a cover letter with job descriptions, and prepare for interviews. Now, Fasiu hopes to give back and contribute to StreetWise in the future.
“When you take from the system, at a point in time, you should give back.There are many people like me who need guidance to get a foot in the door and what StreetWise has done for me, I want to give in return. I want to pay it forward by mentoring, and one day, even donating.”
Success Stories
Detroit
Adriana Soares moved from Brazil to Kansas with her husband in 2019 and again to Michigan in 2021. In Brazil, she had been an entrepreneur and businesswoman running her own travel exchange business. In the U.S. she applied for her green card in 2022 and while waiting, she discovered StreetWise. Adriana has been completing professional certificates, and volunteers as an online tutor for English as a Second Language. She recently received her green card and is interviewing for roles in Project Management. She won the StreetWise Mentee Leadership award for displaying exceptional commitment and leadership in the StreetWise program and platinum level badges for deliverables.
“I'm grateful and honored to be an alumnus of this amazing program. My heartfelt thanks go to the exceptional mentors for their invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and constant encouragement. This program has truly transformed my life."
Success Stories
Fundraising Events Fuel Our Mission
Each year we hold two major fundraising events to build excitement, new partnerships, and funding in support of our mission. Since 2022 was our 25th Anniversary, it was a year of special commemoration and celebration of all we have accomplished.
Our Annual Partnership breakfast hosted 240 guests and raised more than $465,000. We honored the vast contributions of Napier Park Global Capital with the 2022 StreetWise Champion Award, hearing from Managing Principal Jim O’Brien and inspiring stories from Ahmed and Monjur.
The 25th Annual Poker Tournament drew 260 guests and raised more $283,000. It’s always an exciting and very engaging night of poker, entertainment, and supporting StreetWise in a fun and competitive way.
2022 Financial Highlights
Total Revenue
StreetWise ended the year with net assets totaling $1,417,000. The organization maintained a healthy cash balance throughout the year and maintained a Board Reserve Fund to support future program innovation and long-term sustainability.
TOTAL
REVENUE
$2.55M
46%
35%
11%
8%
CORPORATIONS
GOVERNMENT
BOARD
FOUNDATIONS
& INDIVIDUALS
2022 Financial Highlights
Total Expenses
StreetWise ended the year with net assets totaling $1,417,000. The organization continued to run efficiently, with 70% of expenses attributed directly to programming.
TOTAL
EXPENSES
$2.24M
70%
21%
9%
PROGRAM
FUNDRAISING
MANGEMENT
& GENERAL
StreetWise is on a mission to create the most diverse, empowered, and capable workforce of today and tomorrow. To advance our mission, we’ve established key growth priorities for 2023:
Looking Forward
2
3
1
Job Placement: We want to make it easier for mentees to find better-paying jobs quickly. We will do this by investing in our job placement program to gain footholds and expand offerings, and increasing the pool of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds available for companies and employers to hire.
Job Retention: The strong, lasting mentoring relationships we facilitate create a foundation to help program graduates prepare for a job, retain it, and advance further in their careers.
Operational Efficiency: In 2023 we will ensure StreetWise’s long-term viability by enhancing fundraising and communications, welcoming new corporate partners, and attracting and retaining top talent.
Together, we are forging a community where mentorship thrives, careers flourish, and dreams become reality. As more job seekers gain access to an accelerated pathway to employment with the highest possible earning potential, we’re driving greater economic mobility at the individual, family, and community levels, ultimately breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
“Through StreetWise, I’ve experienced exclusive access to professionals of the greatest character. I say greatest because they’ve sacrificed their time to help me, and others grow. And that growth is going to last the rest of our professional careers.”
Olivia-Jay, Mentee
We owe our incredible journey to the passionate mentors, mentees, partners, volunteers, and donors who have stood alongside us, fueling our mission and championing the transformative power of mentorship. Your unwavering support has played an integral role in the countless lives we have touched and the communities we have uplifted.
Thank you for being with us on this journey and supporting the next 25 years of work.
This is
Your
Time.
Todd Greenbarg
Board Chair,
Avenue Capital
Meet the Board
Tazia Smith
Board Vice Chair,
Closed Loop Partners
Padma Elmgart
Board Treasurer,
Global Atlantic
Nadja Marcoz
Board Secretary,
Napier Park
Rahul Advani
StreetWise Partners Founder, Ser Capital Partners
Matt Gorin
StreetWise Partners Founder, Contour Venture Partners
Monica Aggarwal
Fitch Ratings
Puneet Arora
PwC
Neil Barua
Service Max
Vipula Gandhi
Gallup
Alex Kaplan
Sidley Austin LLP
Steve Kezirian
Full Potential Solutions
Swellbox
Brian Korb
David Kurzweil
Latham & Watkins LLP
Laurence Lederer
Branford Castle
Anton Levy
General Atlantic
Bethany Menzies
The Ready Foundation
Ajit Naidu
TIAA
Maya Pochiraju
Payability
Fred Strobel
Tradeweb Markets
Samantha Vega
Verizon
Gitanjali Workman
Soros Capital Management LLC
OUR VALUED DONORS
$50,000 +
Carrol and Milton Petrie Foundation
The Ready Foundation
Blackstone Foundation
Fitch Group
Global Atlantic Financial Group
Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
LinkedIn Foundation
Mizuho Americas
Napier Park
Neil Barua and Bayan Ali Barua
Piper Sandler Companies, Inc.
$25,000 - $49,999
Ajit Naidu
Ally Financials Inc.
Nadja Marcoz and Adrian Chalk
Deutsche Bank Foundation
Padma Elmgart
First Republic Bank
The Gallup Foundation
General Atlantic
John Havens
HSBC Foundation
Insight Partners
Brian and Vanessa Korb
David and Tracey Kurzweil
Tradeweb Markets
$10,000 - $24,999
Rahul Advani
Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Apollo Global Management LLC
Puneet Arora
The Asia Group
Barnes & Thornburg
Bank of America
BBR Partners LLC
Jordan Broome
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
CAPCO
Citco
Clarion Partners
Jim and Susan Clifton
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
DTE Energy Foundation
Deloitte
EAB
EagleTree Capital
Echo Energy Group
Erickson Immigration Group
Fidelity Title Insurance
First Eagle Investments
Matt and Jen Gorin
Todd and Karen Greenbarg
Guggenheim Partners
Houlihan Lokey Financial Advisors, Inc.
Indus Valley Partners Corporation
Alex and Jennifer Kaplan
Stephen and Elizabeth Kezirian
Kirkland & Ellis
Latham & Watkins LLP
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Morgan Stanley Foundation
The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
OnDemand Agility Solutions, Inc.
Maya Pochiraju
Purrington Moody Weil, LLP
Red Oak Partners
Jeffrey Ross
Sculptor Capital Management
Seton Hall University
Sidley Austin LLP
Silver Lake Technology
Vonetta Young and Rustin Brown
WE THANK YOU.
OUR VALUED DONORS
$5,000 - $9,999
Monica Aggarwal
Allen & Overy LLP
Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP
Capital One
Centerbridge Partners
Colm Kelleher
Herrick, Feinstein LLP
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Laurence B. Lederer
Mark and Rebecca Oline
Northwestern Mutual
Porskauer Rose LLP
Pryor Cashman LLP
Rohan Rai
Schulte Roth & Zabell LLP
Sher Tremonte LLP
SHRM
Tazia Smith
Sproutlogix Solutions Inc.
Starwood Capital Group
Starwood Property Trust
Viking Global Foundation, Inc.
Jessie Zhu
$1,000 - $4,999
A& L Goodbody
Gertrudis Achecar
Kira and Bob Almeida
Alvarez & Marsal
Laura and John Arnold
Rashmi Badwe
Seavron Banus
Hugo Barreca
Erik Barrios
Bloomberg
Branford Castle Partners
Charles River Associates
Clark Construction Group
Courtney Carson
Compass Foundation
EisnerAmper LLP
John Faber
Oren Gertner
Thomas Ghegan
Timothy Greatorex
Growth Seed, Inc.
HSBC
Gregg Hamerschlag
Cindi Hamm
Hargis Family Foundation
IBM
Jane and Coley Hoffman
Abigail Johnson
Sarah Jones
Davis Kaufman
Kleinberg, Kaplan, Wolff & Cohen, PC
Lisa Keitges
Benjamin Kinet
Donna and Michael Lashendock
LikeMind
Maverick Search Consulting
Chris and Henry McEntee
Emily Minkow
Evan Odim
Mourant Ozannes
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
Jenn Pastarnack
Pew Charitable Trust
Ralph Poore
John Randolph
Christine Roux
S. Renee Smith
Sandler, Reiff, Lamb, Rosenstein & Birkenstock PC
Fred Strobel
Oscar Teunissan
Samantha Vega
Verizon
Walkers Global
Michael and Caroline Weisser
Brian Yano
WE THANK YOU.