Chicago Scholars 2025 May Mentor of the Month
Kylie Kio, Mentor since 2022
Over the past several months, we’ve introduced you to some of our current incredible mentors, gave you a special look at what called them to take on this responsibility, and shared stories of connection with their Scholar cohorts – and maybe inspired you to become a mentor too!
Our 2025 May Mentor of the Month is Kiley Kio, who has been working with our Scholars since 2022. Read on to hear about her experience being a Mentor, and why others should consider mentoring with Chicago Scholars!
What has been the best part of being a CS Mentor?
“The best part of being a CS Mentor has been the profound interpersonal relationships I have fostered with the organization. From supporting my Scholars to working with other Co-Mentors and CS Staff – I will be forever grateful to have longstanding friendships with diverse, like-minded individuals who also want to positively impact the Chicago community and world beyond. It is especially rewarding to watch my Scholars, who are understandably shy on New Scholar Orientation Day, gradually leverage our small-knit cohorts as a means to grow their self-confidence and truly shine as young individuals.”
Why should others get involved with Chicago Scholars’ work?
“I would strongly everyone – at any age or stage of life – to get involved with the revolutionary work brewing at Chicago Scholars. The students in this program are not only incredibly bright and insightful, but their eagerness to grow ensures that they soak up any and all pieces of advice offered. I would encourage others to volunteer with Chicago Scholars because grabbing lunch with my Scholars before a workshop on a sunny Saturday is oftentimes one of the most grounding hours in my month and provides Scholars with an unparalleled opportunity to tap into a wealth of knowledge and experiences that each person could diversely contribute. Chicago Scholars is an organization where people are seen, heard, and deeply valued.”
What is something you learned from our Scholars or from being a CS Mentor?
“As a CS Mentor, I have learned more about what it means to be an empathetic leader. I am a firm believer that kindness is often circular. In an effort to emulate the sincerity that my own mentors gave me, I’ve tried to facilitate this same ambience when interacting with my Scholars. The impact that this has had is palpable. Not only have I witnessed my Scholars uphold and tend to this atmosphere when interacting with each other, I’ve noticed that they also take greater accountability over their futures and life choices. Leading with empathy validates the journey that people have made to get to a particular place and fuels motivation towards a just goal. Empathetic leadership acts as a driver for behavior in a way that other leadership styles cannot, and I have witnessed this firsthand through my work with Chicago Scholars.”