Ingrid Bran - Super Mentor

We've been highlighting several of our mentors on Instragram this National Mentoring Month. We end the month, recognizing Ingrid Bran, a retired economist and a super-mentor!  Since starting with Oakland Serves, she has recorded over 100 sessions working with high school students.   

Over the past six years, she has mentored at several Oakland high schools. Supporting students on their journey to graduation has proven both rewarding and challenging. During that time she has worked with several students struggling to stay in school while pulled many ways by family issues and social presures. 

Ingrid Bran, super-mentor

Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg, South Africa

Ingrid told us about one of the students, Isabel (not her real name), who showed remarkable dedication, working diligently to complete all the coursework and finally to graduate. Ingrid remembers the day that she helped Isabel order her cap and gown for graduation. Isabel was truly excited and talked about the pride her family felt at her accomplishment. She hoped to continue her education, and dreamed of becoming a nurse.  Isabel understood how important having a mentor was at this critical time in her education and left a final word, “Many thanks and muchas gracias for helping me turn in my assignments."

Thank you Ingrid for your support of Oakland’s students!