“Voices from Our Community”
“I was inspired to become a coach for M.U.S.T. because of how well the mentoring model they use paired with an aspect of my job I’m very passionate about; building a meaningful impact.”
-Grant Leep, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Basketball at SPU
“M.U.S.T. has taught me so much and given me so many new
experiences. It’s surrounded me with people who look like me and given me the confidence in who I am.”
- Loren Lewis, Former M.U.S.T. Mentee
“Seeing all these Black men caring and mentoring over young men trying to give them a better future and lead them toward the right path, it’s making a change in the community and changing the culture.”
- BuJoyez “Bubba”- former M.U.S.T. Mentee
“M.U.S.T. has helped me become a better individual. Being around people who look like me, who have gone to college and made it, made me realize I can do it.”
Ricco Graves- Former M.U.S.T. Mentee
“I have loved the camaraderie of the program and meeting other Black males trying to grow as a community and individually. I gained the most from my coach, it helped me career-wise and I used it to keep me motivated to follow my path.”
Andre- Former M.U.S.T. Mentor
“M.U.S.T. has given me the opportunity to be a part of the lives of amazing young men who are on the way to doing great things. M.U.S.T. has given me another family that takes care of me, and genuinely cares about the work that I put in. I am beyond grateful for what M.U.S.T. has done for me and allowed me to do for my Mentees.”
Elijah- M.U.S.T. Community Mentor
“The biggest impact M.U.S.T. had on me was seeing young Black mennbeing groomed for success. A lot of Mentors and Metees come from different walks of life, but we are all coming together to do something positive. That’s very powerful and from my experience, rare. Being able to give game to the Mentees reminded me of where I was at their age and was motivation to strive for excellence.”
Israel- M.U.S.T. Community Mentor
“My experience with working with the M.U.S.T. program has been such a wonderful collaboration. I have much respect for the program and the excellent work that they do to support our young Black men to be the best versions of themselves. The M.U.S.T. program allows these young men to see life through different lenses that they might not have otherwise had the opportunity to do so. I love the mentorship and trusting relationships… built with our youth. It takes a village.”
Porcia, Secretary, Homeless Program/McKinney Vento Program Building Contact, RNNF Liaison- Garfield Highschool
“Problem-solving human resource issues or mitigating potential
employment liabilities for the benefit of M.U.S.T. is rewarding, but what brings me “Joy” is seeing a young Black man renew his mind, choose to believe has worth, and take the steps to pursue his dreams through continued education.”
Robert Fulton- M.U.S.T. Board Member and Attorney at Fulton Law PLLC
“M.U.S.T shaped my understanding of the power of mentorship and community in fostering internal growth and liberation. Guiding my mentees through their journeys of liberation made me aware of systemic challenges faced in marginalized communities and also showed the resiliency of these communities. My experience in M.U.S.T gave me a deeper sense of purpose by showing the importance of supporting others in breaking their limitations whether it be physical or mental and how the smallest interactions lead to big opportunities.”
- Davanand, MS2 at Medical School at UW / Mentor Alumni
“Mentoring with M.U.S.T. has been a transformative experience, deeply influencing my understanding of leadership, compassion, and empathy. It taught me that meaningful impact is not achieved in a single day, but rather through a series of moments – some challenging, some rewarding – that require patience and persistence. M.U.S.T. helped me appreciate the value of small wins, encouraging me to view life’s challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to demonstrate resilience and growth. Through this journey, I learned to hold myself accountable, consistently striving to be the best version of myself for both my Mentees and my own personal development. Each interaction
with my Mentees shaped my perspective and reinforced the importance of perseverance, a lesson I know will serve me well in my future healthcare career. M.U.S.T. not only challenged me but also empowered me to embrace my own path toward liberation by fostering a mindset of continuous growth and learning. The lessons of persistence, empathy, and resilience I’ve gained from M.U.S.T. will remain pivotal as I move forward in life and medicine.”
-Donovan, MA at Allegro Pediatrics / Soon-to-be: MS1 at one of 3 College of Medicines (WSU, UW, UCSD) / Mentor Alumni
Transformative. As a mentor, this program has offered me the
opportunity to be an agent of transformation in the lives of the youth. M.U.S.T. is a core part of my life and provides an outlet through which I can make positive changes in the lives of my mentees. It has given me a sense of purpose to which I am committed.
-Felix, Mentor and Alumni Coordinator
Commitment – The M.U.S.T. mentor was keeping in touch with the probation counselor and seeing the client in person every week. M.U.S.T. provides updates to probation, attending ALL court hearings and letting the youth know that they have another person to talk to about positive solutions.
Karla, Lead Juvenile Probation Counselor, King County Juvenile Court