This spring, we’re proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of four Philadelphia board members who have brought their full selves to their service (left to right): Imtiaz Alam, Ravone Cornish, Justin Pascale, and Jen Mantini. In their first year, each has brought unique perspective, energy, and a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for the next generation.

 

What stands out most? A throughline of mentorship and a belief in what’s possible when young people are given the support, space, and experiences to grow.

 

For Justin Pascale, joining the board felt like a natural extension of his lifelong commitment to students.

 

“As a former classroom teacher and school leader, I so deeply appreciate Summer Search’s commitment to students and alumni – offering deep mentorship, experiential learning opportunities, and college and career support. My first year at Summer Search has been filled with highlights – most of all the chance to hear directly from students and alumni about how the program changed their lives.”

 

Jen Mantini similarly values her opportunities to engage directly with students.

 

“I was first drawn to Summer Search by its deep commitment to mentorship… seeing this work in action at Summer Search and getting to hear its impact directly from students has only strengthened my passion for the organization.”

 

For Imtiaz Alam, the most meaningful moments have come from directly supporting Summer Searchers with coaching and career exposure.

 

“I’m most proud of contributing to areas where I could interact directly with our incredible Summer Search students. Activities like mock interviews, the career coaching program, and ParetoHealth’s career exploration trip were all highlights for me this year.”

 

That proximity has also shaped how Imtiaz thinks about leadership beyond the boardroom. His board service has deepened his sense of responsibility to use his corporate experience to open doors for students who have historically been underrepresented. It’s also reinforced what makes Summer Search distinct: a commitment to going deep with young people, building meaningful relationships that lead to lasting impact. That philosophy continues to guide our growth in Philadelphia, as we expand our reach while staying grounded in connection.

 

For Ravone Cornish, a Summer Search alum, serving on the board has been both a return and a reinvestment.

 

“One rewarding moment while serving on the board was sharing my story with donors after a long day of golf with my brothers… it was full circle, connecting the opportunity with the catalyst and it amplified my desire to increase access to this special program”

 

That sense of continuity, of past participants becoming present-day leaders, is a big part of the Summer Search story. Ravone has also helped strengthen partnerships that create more opportunities for current students, including reconnecting with Syracuse University to expand access to transformative summer experiences.

 

And for fellow alumni considering getting involved, his message is simple:

 

“If you are considering, I’d say DO IT! … there’s fulfillment in playing a small part in ensuring that someone else gets a similar experience.”

 

Across all four board members, there’s a shared excitement about where Summer Search is headed. From expanding partnerships to deepening mentorship, from supporting students through critical transitions to navigating a rapidly changing world, the momentum in Philadelphia is real and growing.

 

As Jen Mantini puts it:

 

“Summer Search opens up pathways for so many talented young people… I’ve loved serving alongside so many other dedicated leaders… to help expand our reach to serve more students.”

 

And as we look to the future, that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do—together.

 

To Imtiaz, Ravone, Justin, and Jen: thank you for an incredible first year. We’re so grateful for your leadership, your partnership, and your belief in our students.

 

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If you are interested in learning more about board service or other engagement opportunities in Philadelphia, please reach out to Theo Molloy at tmolloy@summersearch.org