Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders

(add)ventures president and ceo Steve Rosa always insists that the young people he mentors at City Year are actually mentoring him. He may be on to something, but don’t let his modesty fool you. Steve is more than a board member and mentor at City Year – he’s a believer. 

Steve believes in the power of great ideas to transform, and he puts not only his money, but also his time where his mouth is. His dedication to City Year and the young people who give a year of their lives to change the world is palpable. When he talks about the after school programs and tutoring, corps values, and leadership development, you can almost see him being enveloped by one of those City Year red jackets and joining the corps members in their work.

As a company, (add)ventures has given hundreds of hours to help share the magic of City Year’s work with the community and thank their family of corporate sponsors for making their work possible. Through his own efforts, Steve has made sure one corps member who lost everything in a house fire got back on her feet – then he helped empower her to share her story at last year’s annual event.

But it may be the small gestures Steve makes as a mentor that are the most meaningful examples of leadership. He always knows the right question to ask or when a hug or a joke are in order, and by example he shows others how to be their best selves no matter what path they choose.