Breakthrough Stories
Highlighting bright spots in our Breakthrough community
Have a story to share? Email stories@btny.org

Women Are Not A Monolith
During Women’s History Month, Breakthrough New York is recognizing the issues that are important to our community surrounding women and gender. Penuela (Class of 2028) urges others to understand the multitude of identities and experiences of women when they consider...

Volunteer Spotlight: Roshan Chudhry
Hunter College graduate Roshan began volunteering as a college coach with Breakthrough New York in 2021, and is currently pulling double duties with two mentees! She shares how she found a kinship with Sadia and Srijani that went beyond traditional academic mentoring,...

Volunteer Spotlight: Stavros Anastasiou
Stavros joined Breakthrough New York as a college coach in 2021, when he was paired with Queens College freshman Breezy. He recently spoke to us about his motivation for volunteering, and how everyone has something to contribute as a mentor. Tell me more about...

Women Leaders for a Sustainable Future
Breakthrough New York’s Institutional Partnerships Manager Bianca Vinoya pens an essay about the importance of women’s role in fighting climate change. UN Women set the theme for International Women’s Day 2022 as “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.”...

Life with Breakthrough: The Lessons Continue
Ashira Mayers (Class of 2021) joined the Breakthrough New York community as a student, and upon graduating from Manhattanville College, transitioned into the role of Recruiting Coordinator as an AmeriCorps Civic Corps member. She shares her perspective on the benefits...

Celebrating Black History Month: An Essay by Penuela
In honor of Black History Month, we asked our students to write a piece that demonstrates the personal significance of the holiday. 10th grader Penuela (Class of 2028) penned an essay on how individuals and schools should reframe the month to focus on positive aspects...