Rutgers School of Public Health assistant professor in the Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Pamela Valera, PhD, MSW, was honored with the Mentor of the Year Award by Mentor U Connect. This esteemed recognition celebrates Valera's dedication to guiding and nurturing New Jersey's youth and young adults, preparing them for future success.
Mentor U Connect is a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization that empowers high school and college students by fostering mentoring opportunities that enrich students' social capital and resilience. The organization’s mission is to increase the academic and health professional pipeline of underrepresented racial and ethnic students in Newark.
"I am deeply honored to receive the Mentoring Award and grateful for the opportunity to support and inspire the next generation of underrepresented health professionals," says Valera. "I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Rutgers School of Public Health for their support and encouragement in making this mentoring award possible."
Mentor U Connect board members and the Newark Municipal Council members nominated Valera for the award. Newark Municipal Council’s Member-At-Large, Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree, shared a congratulatory message for Valera’s achievements.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank [Valera] for [her] ongoing service, leadership, hard work, and determination to assist the surrounding communities as we move forward improving the quality of life for others,” shared Scott-Rountree. “I am excited to see [Valera] reap the fruits of [her] efforts, and I have no doubt that [her] impact will leave a lasting legacy."
Valera received the Mentor of the Year Award from the Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, at the Mentor U Connect Annual Award & Scholarship Gala held earlier this month. This event celebrated the achievements and contributions of mentees and community leaders in ensuring students thrive in school and beyond.
