Bridges of Norman, Inc.
Mentee: Chynessey
Years Matched: Two
Shavonne Evans is a real estate agent with Keller Williams-Mullinix in Norman who serves as a mentor to recent Norman High School graduate Chynessey. The two were matched by Bridges when Chynessey was interested in doing a job shadow with a real estate agent. That initial meeting led to a formal mentoring match.
“Shavonne deserves to be honored for her open heart and her understanding of the positive impact of mentoring” said Bridges associate executive director Bianca Gordon. “Shavonne and Chynessey have become close, even bringing their families together for holidays. They are both mothers, and Shavonne has been able to share parenting insights with Chynessey as well.”
Evans and Chynessey are both busy mothers but have prioritized time to deepen their mentoring relationship and committed to learning more about each other and their families. Evans was there to cheer and congratulate Chynessey when she graduated from high school last year.
“Shavonne didn’t stop her efforts with hosting job shadows or mentoring. She has also donated dinners for Bridges’ life skills groups and agreed to talk with other students interested in real estate careers” said Gordon. “In her role as board chair for Norman Next, a young professionals organization, she has been willing to reach into her valuable network of business people to connect them with needs at Bridges.”
About the Program: Bridges is a nonprofit providing housing and support to homeless teens in Norman. Program mentors support Bridges students as they navigate through school and make important life decisions. The mentoring program pairs students and mentors based on common interests. Mentors commit to connecting at least once a week with students for lunch, dinner, an activity or a phone call.
