Since joining Youth Villages as a career mentor for the Job Prep program in the spring of 2025, one volunteer is using her own experiences to inspire and empower young adults as they navigate the transition to independence.

Heather Salerno’s path to mentorship was shaped long before she ever stepped into a Job Prep classroom. At just 16, she left home and began navigating life on her own.

By the age of 26, Heather was a single mother raising two young daughters, facing life without income, work experience or family support nearby. Determined to create a better future for herself and her children, she persevered through countless obstacles and earned her bachelor’s degree after a 12-year journey.

These lived experiences are what inspired her to become a mentor.

“I know exactly how profoundly isolating it can feel to try to figure out adulthood without a safety net,” she shared. “I wanted to be the supportive resource for these young adults that I so desperately needed when I was in their shoes.”

Today, through her volunteerism at Youth Villages, Heather brings that perspective to every interaction. She enjoys helping young adults discover their potential, build confidence and take meaningful steps toward their futures.

“My favorite part is watching them realize their starting line doesn’t dictate their finish line,” she said. “The professional world can feel incredibly intimidating at first, but seeing them engage with the workshops, practice their interview skills and learn how to confidently navigate their transition to independence is amazing.”

For Heather, the most rewarding moments come when young adults begin to believe in themselves.

“There is nothing quite like the moment when a young adult recognizes their own worth,” she said. “Or, when they walk into an interview room, finally believing they deserve to be there.”

She encourages anyone considering becoming a career mentor to remember that mentorship isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.

“Don’t let the fear of not having a ‘perfect’ or traditional career path stop you,” she advises. “Your own life experiences, struggles and resilience are often your greatest assets because they make you relatable. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need to show up, listen and be a consistent presence. “

Through her dedication, compassion and authenticity, Heather is doing more than mentoring – she’s helping young adults rewrite their stories. Every conversation, every workshop and every moment of encouragement move them one step closer to confidence, independence and a brighter future.

“Being a mentor means helping transform social capital into real opportunity by being a steady, empowering advocate for a young adult’s future,” she said.

Feeling inspired by Heather’s story? Connect with Karlah Paul, New England Youth Villages Scholars initiative supervisor, to learn how you can become a career mentor and help shape brighter futures for the young adults we serve.

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