“Having been adopted and briefly spending time in foster care I knew that I had something to offer youth also in foster care or who had been adopted. I also knew that as a minority; I could add even more value,” says Donna Hardwick, who is running the Boston Marathon for AFC Mentoring. Donna mentions the importance of mentors of color for her as she was growing up, saying, “I have met so many amazing people of color who have helped mentor me through the years. Each has a special place in my heart.”
As one of AFC’s first mentors from 2001 through 2006, Donna says “I have always dreamed about running the Boston Marathon. It is an honor to run for AFC.” Donna speaks eagerly about her admiration for AFC Mentoring, saying, “I learned and grew so much during my time with AFC Mentoring and I’m so impressed at where the organization is today.”
Although Donna no longer lives in Boston, she remains committed to mentoring young people of color, particularly in her field of communications. Donna, the Founder of On and On Marketing and PR, says, “Anytime we can help minority youth understand the possibilities, I consider that an important part of being part of the larger community. I continue to mentor students of color interested in pursuing a career in communications.”
