The Opportunity Network

OppNet’s 2024 Summer Institute was one for the books! Through career exposure trips, resume workshops, professional communication training, and outlets for creative expression, 200 OppNet Fellows dove deep into building their professional and networking skills while forming lasting bonds. From touring the United Federation Of Teachers headquarters to insightful visits at the American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Museum, and New York Hall of Science, these future leaders learned to own their stories, showcase their artistic sides, and reflect on their accomplishments and strengths.

Exciting news! The Opportunity Network has been featured on PIX11 News for Hispanic Heritage Month! 🎉📺 Watch as 6x Emmy-Winning Host and Reporter MONICA MORALES spotlights OppNet's transformative work, featuring our inspiring President & CEO Lucria Ortiz and outstanding OppNet Fellow and New York University Senior Casey Rivera, who provide a window into their powerful journeys through life, college, and career. Filmed at NYU Stern School of Business, this story showcases the far-reaching impact of OppNet's mission empowering more than 1,000 NYC students annually to turn their college aspirations into reality. Don't miss this special segment highlighting how we're opening doors and creating opportunities!

#ThrowbackThursday! This #WorldMentalHealthDay, we're throwing it back to our convening on youth mental health in Washington, D.C. last year. As part of our mission to serve our young people holistically, OppNet acknowledges and celebrates World Mental Health Day. We know that mental wellness is just as important as physical health, and through our programming, we strive to create communities where mental health is not only normalized but prioritized, too. As part of this effort, we encourage you to comment below your favorite stress-busting tips for our high school and college Fellows! #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #WellnessForAll #MindfulnessMatters #SelfCareForStudents

“Hispanic Heritage Month is more than just tacos at the workplace or decorations. It’s about celebrating, reflecting, and lifting the voices of our community.” – Esther Nuñez, OppNet alum and proud Gen Zer During last night’s OpportuniTea Instagram Live event, Esther shared her perspective on what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her as she enters the workforce and how Gen Z is creating a more advocacy-driven future. Her insights remind us that true celebration goes beyond surface-level recognition — it’s about amplifying and supporting the voices within our communities. Watch this clip to hear Esther’s inspiring words. Follow us on Instagram to join the conversation! https://lnkd.in/exYnJvJH #HispanicHeritageMonth #GenZLeadership #LatinxHeritage #CommunityAdvocacy #InclusiveWorkplaces #NextGenLeaders #TheOpportuniTea #CareerJourney

We’re excited to announce The OpportuniTea, a new Instagram Live series that showcases The Opportunity Network’s work and elevates the voices of our community! Our first event kicks off tomorrow, October 8, at 6pm ET as part of our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. OppNet President & CEO Lucria Ortiz will speak live with OppNet alum Esther Nuñez about her career journey and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her. Join us for what promises to be an insightful conversation on culture, identity, and the career paths of the next generation of leaders! Follow us on Instagram: https://lnkd.in/exYnJvJH #TheOpportuniTea #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinxHeritage #GenZLeadership #CommunityVoices #CareerGrowth #Diversityandinclusion

As OppNet continues our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're proud to highlight Joseph Hernandez, our dedicated Operations Coordinator and OppNet alum! As a first-generation Dominican American who grew up in the vibrant Latinx community of Queens, New York, Joseph’s journey from a culturally rich upbringing to his current role at OppNet exemplifies the diverse perspectives that enrich our organization and the broader professional landscape. It also demonstrates the valuable contributions of Hispanic professionals in today's workforce. On the importance of cultural observances in the workplace, Joseph shares: “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and other cultural observances in the workplace is important because it encourages inclusion and understanding. When we take the time to recognize and appreciate the diverse backgrounds of our colleagues, it creates a sense of belonging and unity. Sharing my story and learning from others strengthens our organizational chemistry and enhances collaboration. These celebrations remind us that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.” At OppNet, we believe that embracing diversity leads to innovation, better decision-making, and better workplaces and communities in which everyone has the chance to thrive and prosper. Joseph's insights remind us how essential it is to intentionally create spaces for cultural expression and understanding in all facets of our lives and careers.

OppNet is thrilled to announce the expansion of our Fellows program into Queens! Partnering with Sunnyside Community Services, we’re now providing after-school programming for our Fellows in Queens, a collaboration that will enhance our college access and guidance work, with potential future DEIB training through our Opportunity Ignited program. Additionally, we are excited to be entering our second year of borough-based programming in the Bronx, where we’ve joined forces with DREAM Charter High School to expand career exposure opportunities for students. Of course, we also continue to deliver Fellows programming in Manhattan. We're grateful for the opportunity to impact these bright young people where they live and look forward to the incredible journeys ahead.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Inclusion and Impact! 🎉 Recently, OppNet President & CEO Lucria Ortiz had the pleasure of serving as guest speaker at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey's (HBCBSNJ) HR Town Hall in commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Invited to speak by OppNet Board Vice Chair and HBCBSNJ Chief Human Resources Officer Aisha Thomas-Petit, Lucria shared her personal journey and the impactful work happening here at OppNet. She also had the valuable chance to learn about the organization's strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A heartfelt thank you to Aisha and the entire HBCBSNJ team for this enriching opportunity to share our vision for a more inclusive future. Together, we're breaking barriers and fostering future leaders! 💪🌟

Today, the U.S. Department of Education released a white paper summarizing key issues & coming improvements to the #FAFSA. Early & predictable timelines, greater transparency, more resources for students, counselors, & colleges, enhanced call center capacity, & more. To date, more than 500,000 more students are eligible for Pell Grants than last year. https://bit.ly/4euG16f

We had a fantastic time presenting and exhibiting at this year's National College Attainment Network (NCAN) Conference in Anaheim, CA! Led by OppNet's Assistant Director of Partnership Development Wanufi T. and Assistant Director of Partnerships & Advocacy Samantha Alcalá, we discussed the concept of best-fit careers; explored how passions, values, and skills drive student career exploration; and built connections with peers to share ideas, resources, and best practices. Thank you to everyone who joined and engaged with us in meaningful conversations about empowering students' career journeys. See you next year!