by StreetWise Partners
July 8, 2025

“I am the first college graduate in my family. I was uncertain about my career path and lacked clarity about
my future beyond graduation.” 

Demi grew up in Brooklyn as the youngest of eight children in a proud immigrant household. Her mother came from Trinidad, and her father from Jamaica. “I’ve seen my parents work really hard to give us the best life possible,” she said. “I wanted to give back to them for making those sacrifices and make sure they were proud of me.” 

When Demi started Brooklyn College in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, she felt uncertain about her future. “What exactly can I do to start my career development in HR?” she recalled asking herself. 

She first heard about StreetWise Partners through a college newsletter. Knowing the program could help her take that first professional step, she joined the StreetWise Bridge Program in Spring 2022. The mentorship proved to be the launchpad for her HR career. 

Through the program, Demi refined her resume, practiced mock interviews, and learned how to present herself with clarity and confidence. She was matched with Aicha Randolph, a seasoned HR leader.

“Aicha was not only my mentor, but a guiding force in shaping my career journey”

A pivotal moment came when Demi attended a StreetWise networking event with corporate partner Symphony. That connection led directly to her internship at the global tech company in 2023. Afterward, she worked with the Talent Services team to secure a temporary HR role at NYU, and later earned a full-time HR Associate position at Acumen, a global nonprofit, a role that brings her joy and makes her family proud. 

“Joining StreetWise Partners opened my eyes to a world of possibilities and knowledge that have profoundly shaped my career trajectory. I am immensely grateful for the support and guidance I received throughout the program, which has been instrumental in my personal and professional development. Through StreetWise Partners, I not only gained practical skills but also found a community that believed in my potential and supported my aspirations.” 

Now a rising HR professional, Demi hopes to explore different areas of the field and give back by mentoring others. 

You can help someone like Demi find their path. Become a mentor today.