Braven

Braven Fellows nationwide recently wrapped up their Braven Accelerator course with their final project: the Capstone Challenge. Over five weeks, Fellows used design thinking to prototype and pitch solutions to real-world challenges that leading organizations are tackling today.

Fellows addressed problem statements spanning Gen Z financial independence, early-career development, pilot training access, alumni engagement, brand visibility, and more.

A special thank you to our incredible Capstone Challenge partners
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We’re thrilled to spotlight Megan Potts, M.Ed as our December Volunteer of the Month! A proud first-generation graduate, doctoral student, and Manager of Post-Secondary Success at KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools, Megan’s own professional journey resurfaced memories of the doubts and worries that once defined her path.

“I am a first-gen scholar, and now navigating a doctoral program, I was reminded how much that part of my identity I had suppressed. I wanted to find a way to reconnect with that community,” Megan reflects.

Braven’s mission immediately resonated with her. Megan saw an organization that didn’t just focus on academic success, but on developing skills such as leadership and collaboration, while exposing students to professional networks and non-linear career pathways.

As a Leadership Coach at San Francisco State University, the most meaningful moments came during one-on-one coaching, especially with one particular Fellow, Emma.

“She is such a bright and insightful student. We explored her passions, interests, and goals. I affirmed that what she hopes for is achievable and that it’s important to have both a strategy and a community,” Megan reflects. Together, they mapped a plan that allowed Emma to start where she was, build community, and continue developing leadership skills.

Megan’s advice to the next generation of leaders is simple: show up. “It will be challenging. You’ll get tired. You might even consider quitting. But show up for yourself in whatever way that looks like, whether it’s an early morning study session, a therapy call, skipping brunch for a course, or submitting something late rather than not at all.”

Volunteering with Braven has shaped Megan both personally and professionally. She’s strengthened her ability to give feedback rooted in students’ existing strengths while creating a welcoming sense of community, and has learned to meet Fellows where they are through creative and innovative approaches to engagement.

Thank you, Megan, for showing up, leading with care, and reminding us the impact that mentorship can have on the next generation of leaders.

Braven seniors, it’s go-time! ⏰ If you’re ready to work with a mentor as you navigate your job search, the Professional Mentor Program is your moment.

From February to May 2026, you’ll grow your confidence and career skills alongside a mentor who will help you:
✨ Expand your network
💼 Get interview-ready
🚀 Navigate your path with expert guidance

“My mentor John helped me not only be more confident in my interviews, but also to be more concise with my responses, especially when asked more technical questions on positions I haven’t had much experience in. He also gave me resources to use so that I can prepare myself for my most desired roles in working in the automotive engineering fields.” - Anthony Francis, Braven Fellow and Summer 2025 PM Program participant

The December 19th deadline is right around the corner. Secure your spot today at the link in our bio!

Today is ! 🎁 We’re on a mission to recruit 500 Leadership Coaches to support our next cohort of 3,000 college students, and we need your help to get us to the finish line.

Leadership Coaches guide a cohort of 5 to 8 students virtually through Braven’s semester-long leadership and career development course, helping them build confidence, sharpen their professional skills, and tackle real-world challenges.

Interested in making a difference? Apply to become a Leadership Coach today (or send to someone who would be a great fit!).

The deadline to apply is tomorrow, December 3.

We’re just two days away from the Leadership Coach deadline.

Interested in making a real impact? As a Leadership Coach, you’ll guide a cohort of 5 to 8 promising undergraduates through Braven’s virtual, credit-bearing Accelerator course from late January to early May. From polishing portfolios to shaping career roadmaps, you’ll help students build confidence, sharpen their professional tools, and tackle a real-world business challenge–all while building community along the way.

And don’t worry about “having enough experience.” You’ll receive training, curriculum, and ongoing support from Braven staff and veteran Leadership Coaches so you feel prepared every step of the way.

Apply by December 3rd at the link in our bio!

As the holiday season unfolds, the Braven team sends our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May this time of year fill your heart with gratitude, joy, and moments of true togetherness. Here’s to a season of light, love, and connection!

One of the ways our Fellows gain experience and confidence with interviewing is through practice. This semester, 1,230+ volunteers participated in our Mock Interview events, stimulating an interview experience and providing Fellows with valuable feedback.

We are immensely grateful to all the volunteers who participated, many of whom are employees of our valued employer partners. A special thank you to the following companies with the highest number of employee volunteers:

→ Provided 90+ employees
→ Provided 50+ employees
→ Provided 50+ employees

Interested in volunteering with Braven? We are currently accepting applications for our high-demand Leadership Coach volunteer opportunity. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, December 3. Visit the link in the bio to apply today!

🎉 Braven is partnering with in a five-year collaboration to help students land strong first jobs and/or graduate school opportunities.

Starting Spring 2026, an estimated 1,275–2,700 students will benefit from the Braven experience, starting with a credit-bearing course plus post-course career support including an optional Professional Mentor Program. This milestone partnership marks our first higher education partner in the Greater Boston region!

Chancellor Julie Chen shared: “UMass Lowell is deeply committed to ensuring that each of our undergraduate students has the opportunity to participate in at least one high-quality, career-connected experience by the time they graduate. We are always looking for new ways to expand access to these internships, fellowships, and other opportunities, and our partnership with Braven greatly enhances the portfolio of options. This collaboration will provide essential mentorship, skill-building, and professional networks that will empower our students to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce”

🔗 Read more in the link in our bio!

Photo courtesy of

We are thrilled to spotlight Denny Brandt, Head of Digital at , as our November Volunteer of the Month! This year, he has generously supported our Fellows as a Spring ’25 Capstone Challenge Judge and a Summer ‘25 Professional Mentor.

According to Denny, volunteering with Braven provides him with the opportunity to practice servant leadership and continue the chain of mentorship that shaped his own career.

Reflecting on his time as a mentor, Denny shares that helping students build confidence during pivotal moments in their lives is extremely rewarding. “I want to be a catalyst for students to believe in themselves in the midst of the uncertainty that goes with finishing school and searching for the right career role,” he shares.

“Consistently showing up for students really does make the most difference,” he adds. “More than giving the ‘best’ advice or making the perfect network connection, consistency in being there and a commitment to making students a priority and focus speaks volumes.”

As a mentor, he focuses on helping Fellows develop their own problem-solving skills rather than giving them the “right” answers. His approach is rooted in one of his favorite guiding principles: “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand.”

Denny also encourages Fellows to embrace their unique journeys: “Play the long game and be content with your situation—the ups and the downs—at every step.”

Denny is extremely proud of the Fellows he has coached and the progress they’ve made. He’s grateful to those who introduced him to Braven—Shanice Griffith (Braven), Jennifer Cho (Barclays), and Sean Murray (Barclays)—and credits the Barclays Citizenship program for supporting his involvement.

If you’re inspired by Denny’s journey, you too can support the next generation of leaders. Braven is currently recruiting Leadership Coaches and Professional Mentors for Spring 2026. Learn more and apply at braven.org/volunteer by the December deadlines.

🎓 Hey Braven seniors! Ready to level up before graduation? There’s still time to apply for Braven’s Professional Mentor Program! 🙌

This 12-week virtual experience (February–May) pairs you with a mentor in your dream career field to help you:

✨ Build your professional network
💼 Get interview-ready for full-time jobs
🚀 Gain real-world advice and career confidence

The next chapter is yours for the taking—and with your professional mentor and Braven by your side, you’ve got this!

🗓️ Deadline to apply is December 19th!

Head to link.braven.org/mentee-application in our bio to secure your spot today.

✨Remember a mentor who’s had an impact on your career? Pay it forward, like they did for you, by volunteering as a Leadership Coach. With your support and guidance, our incoming cohort of Braven Fellows will be equipped with the skills, networks, confidence, and experience to launch successfully from college to career.

Learn more about the Leadership Coach opportunity and apply by Wednesday, December 3 at braven.org/volunteer.