Lorenzo McCleese

Project

Brotherhood Initiative Peer Mentor

My leadership project centers around my focused and intentional mentorship of first-year underrepresented men of color at UW. I aim to use my experiences as an Undergraduate Research Leader and research assistant to help my mentees secure internships and research opportunities in their chosen fields. Additionally, I intend to leverage the Brotherhood as a library of professional expertise, connecting with other members and applying techniques I gained from last year’s Brothers in Research class to provide my mentees with vital information. Ultimately, I hope to cultivate a supportive network between upper-class and first-year BI students, which is essential for their success. Additionally, having my mentees interact with upper-level students of color will increase their comfort at UW socially, professionally, and academically; seeing others succeed from similar backgrounds serves as a powerful motivator.

What I learned

My project has taught me a lot about what it takes to be an effective leader, particularly in balancing multiple mentees’ diverse interests, preferences, and experiences. It has refined my ability to support fellow students with a strong emphasis on inclusion and equity—an approach I am committed to carrying into future leadership roles and my career.

Advice for future applicants

Make sure you meet with your mentor often when drafting your essay! Another important aspect, especially if you are applying through a pre-existing program, is to identify a way you are going above and beyond the minimum requirements of that position.

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