Ms. Kam began to work with me during my junior year of high school, through a teen leadership program. She helped me develop networking and public speaking

skills. Also, she's helped me secure multiple scholarships and gave me professional development opportunites. 

Ms. Kam has always been one of my biggest supporters, encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, and challenge myself in every situation. I can do nothing but thank her for what she has done for me. I believe that I along with all of her other mentees can say that Ms. Kam is certainly one of the most passionate and driven people you could ever come across. 

My expierience working with Kamrin began with her as my direct supervisor, and she will forever be my favorite boss! She and I worked closely together on many community projects - including summer camp/after school programming, family fun events, committees, fundraising, and expos (to name just a few). 

She has been a support system and inspiration since the day we began working together and has continued to be a resource even after working together. Kamrin brings incredible passion and commitment to every project she works on, and I have learned a great deal from her. I will always be proud to call her a colleague and friend!

Kamrin has been a beaming light in my life and plays the most crucial role as my mentor throughout the vital stages in my education and career path. Meeting her at the age of 15, I joined her teen leadership program where I got involved in the community and learned how to make lasting connections through networking. I also became a program staff for the after school program that she supervised and this experience helped guide me to my passion of education. 

Kamrin is a person that saw the drive in me and helped enhance my skills that will develop for a lifetime.  Now I have the ability to spread the same energy to my students and be an example of success in our community.

I had the privilege of meeting Kamrin during my sophomore year of high school when she served as my advisor at Washington Park Community Center through the UKUU program. From the very beginning, Kamrin became more than a mentor—she became family, a trusted guide during one of the darkest periods of my life. At a time when I struggled with depression, new environments, and overwhelming expectations, Kamrin saw potential in me. She encouraged me to step into leadership roles such as public speaking and debates, helping me find my voice. 

Her empathy, expertise, and unwavering

support were instrumental in my growth and healing. Even after pursuing new opportunities, Kamrin continued to invest in my development following me in my endeavors in early college, providing new experiences and challenges that helped me grow alongside her. Her impact on youth is profound—her creativity, compassion, and dedication to community and mental wellness truly set her apart.

Without Kamrin’s influence, I would not have achieved many of the accomplishments and recognition I have today. She embodies the essence of true leadership: accountability, adaptability, relatability, and authenticity. I am honored to have been mentored by her and will

forever be inspired by the example she sets.

One of my favorite memories with Ms. Kam was when I attended my first HBCU college tour that she organized. We toured HBCUs and even some African American museums including the Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, TN. This opportunity alone was impactful, but to be able to tour places that hadn’t crossed my mind before was a blessing. 

Another great opportunity that Ms.Kam offered me was mentorship through the Youth and Government program. We got the chance to create bills that we would like to see passed and engaged with other delegations of teens to discuss different social issues. My group created a bill to compensate African Americans reparations for their past traumas and continuous discrimination that they still experience. Before this experience I had never imagined doing anything with legislation.  But this program was an eye-opener that helped me see my ability to make a change for the better. 

I couldn’t have done any of these things without Ms.Kam, she was the best mentor anyone could ever ask for. She brought me out of my shell in ways my teachers, coaches, and other adults couldn’t.  I will always be grateful for that. Kudos to Ms.Kam!

I first met Kamrin when I was a sophomore in high school. Not long after, I joined a teen leadership group that she supervised called UKUU. Through UKUU, I deepened my understanding of my history, spoke on teen panels, volunteered throughout my city, and built meaningful connections that shaped who I am today. 

One thing that has always stood out is Kamrin’s unwavering support—she’s consistently had my best interest at heart. She recognized strengths in me that I didn’t even see in myself. She spent countless hours with me and other students, guiding us through conversations on microaggressions, self-advocacy, college prep, mental health, and more—including college visits that broadened our perspectives.

Today, I’m a junior at Rockford University and a proud Rockford Promise Scholar. Ironically, I didn’t even want to apply for the Rockford Promise scholarship because I was determined to leave home—but Kamrin encouraged me to apply anyway. Not long after, a tragic event in my life made me realize how important it was to stay close to home. Looking back, I’m so grateful she pushed me to keep my options open.