by StreetWise Partners
June 2, 2025

Shaquille, born in Kingston, Jamaica, moved to Queens, New York at the age of eight. From a young age, he dreamt of becoming an NBA superstar, writing this goal in his journal and yearbook. At BMCC, he made the Dean’s List and balanced academics with caring for his younger sister in a single-parent household. Playing basketball growing up was a passion that helped instill discipline and a drive to reach higher. 

While attending a meeting for BMCC’s Urban Male Leadership Academy (UMLA) he heard about the StreetWise program and immediately felt a spark. “When I heard the presentation about StreetWise, I thought, ‘This is what I was looking for.’ I thought it could help me to understand what I did not know, and I knew there was something there that would be beneficial for me in the future.” So, he joined. 

At StreetWise, he was paired with mentor Thomas Muhn. Thomas understood Shaquille’s nature and patiently guided him, building a relationship grounded in trust and commitment. After graduating from the program, Shaquille’s career took off. He reflects,

"StreetWise gave me the confidence to know that step by step, I could achieve my goals. It wasn’t just having the tools—it was knowing how to use them."  

He took this same mindset to secure internships with the FDNY Commissioner’s Office, NYC’s TLC, and Morgan Stanley, all while staying grounded in the support of those closest to him. 

That preparation, combined with his drive, launched a career in finance. At Fidelity Investments, he channels that same care and patience he once showed teaching his younger sister to read at age three-- now in service to his clients. 

This year Shaquille returned to StreetWise as a mentor. For him, mentorship is about commitment and teaching others how to use the tools to succeed. His story shows how mentorship can transform lives and inspire others. 

He shares, “Even more rewarding has been witnessing how the program itself has grown, expanding opportunities through partnerships, greater access to technology, and adding new ways for participants and graduates to thrive. It is a reminder that growth doesn’t stop, and neither does Streetwise. “ 

Are you ready to make an impact? Join us as a Volunteer for our upcoming Fall Program.