Award-Winning Author and Educator Joins Open Doors, Ignite Possibility to Help Young People Shape Their Stories—and Their Futures

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — iMentor, a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding opportunity for first-generation college students through 1:1 human relationships, today announced the appointment of bestselling author, educator, actress, and model Tomi Adeyemi to its National Board of Directors.

A Hugo and Nebula Award-winning writer, three-time New York Times bestselling author, and member of TIME‘s Most Influential People list and Forbes 30 Under 30, Adeyemi has become one of the most influential storytellers of her generation. Her groundbreaking Legacy of Orïsha series has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

A graduate of Harvard University with an honors degree in English Literature, Adeyemi has built her career around empowering others through their own voices. She also teaches aspiring writers through The Writer’s Roadmap, an educational platform that helps emerging authors develop their craft, self-awareness, and creativity.

“Tomi is one of the most influential storytellers of her generation, and she understands how stories can shape identity, build confidence, and expand what’s possible,” said Dr. Heather D. Wathington, CEO of iMentor. “Her commitment to elevating underrepresented voices and creating meaningful connections makes her an extraordinary addition to our Board.”

Launched in April 2026, Open Doors. Ignite Possibility is iMentor’s multi-year effort to expand opportunity through mentorship and social capital. Adeyemi’s appointment is a natural extension of that vision, reflecting a shared belief that mentorship is a movement: it opens doors, broadens horizons, and creates opportunity across generations.

As a member of iMentor’s National Board of Directors, Adeyemi will help advance the organization’s vision by:

• Harnessing storytelling to open doors and ignite possibility, helping young people build confidence, self-advocacy, and authentic voice through workshops, curriculum, and experiences.
• Championing mentorship as a lifelong practice, elevating its role through her creative platforms—including her forthcoming book launch
• Leveraging her influence and network to expand opportunity, connecting young people to leaders, creators, and changemakers who can help shape their futures.

Earlier this year, Adeyemi represented iMentor’s National Board by leading an interactive storytelling workshop for students and headlining a fireside conversation on mentorship during iMentor Chicago’s 10th anniversary celebration. The event highlighted the power of personal narrative to build confidence and connection, while laying the foundation for similar experiences across iMentor communities nationwide.

“I have tremendous respect and admiration for the brilliant work iMentor does,” said Tomi Adeyemi. “It is an honor to serve on its Board of Directors. Mentorship is more than something you receive—it is a way of moving through the world, sharing knowledge, opening doors, and helping others recognize their potential. I’m excited to support iMentor’s work and help more young people build the relationships and confidence to pursue their ambitions.”

Together, iMentor and Adeyemi will build on a shared commitment to storytelling, mentorship, and human connection—bringing new voices, new networks, and new opportunities to young people nationwide.

From Proven Model to National Movement
What began as iMentor’s proven 1:1 mentoring model in high schools has expanded into a broader ecosystem of partnerships that harness the power of human relationships across schools, colleges, community organizations, and employers.

As traditional community support models recede, mentorship is a force for good—filling critical gaps in education and communities where young people lack access to the networks and guidance that shape opportunity.

With a 25+ year track record helping students from under-resourced communities access college and career pathways, iMentor leads a transformational shift—positioning mentoring as a solution in shaping the next generation’s role in the economy and workforce.

All individuals and corporations are encouraged to pledge their commitment and learn more about the power of mentorship through the Open Doors, Ignite Possibility campaign at opendoors.imentor.org.

About iMentor
iMentor was founded in 1999 by John Griffin, founder of Blue Ridge Capital, and two public-interest lawyers, Richard Buery, Jr. and Matt Klein, who believed in the power of mentoring and the impact of providing young people with equitable access to a college education. Over the past 25+ years, we’ve expanded to three regions, 23 partner programs, and served over 45,000 students. iMentor is a national 1:1 mentoring program whose model harnesses the power of long-term, trusting relationships to help first-generation college students from communities that have been historically and systemically under-resourced – navigate a path to college and beyond. A nonprofit on the move, iMentor receives praise from students, schools, mentors, and corporate partners as a powerful engine bringing about systemic change, charting new pathways for student success, and connecting US companies to a promising pipeline of next generation talent.

About Tomi Adeyemi
Tomi Adeyemi is an award winning and bestselling author, model, and screenwriter, based in New York City, New York. Her first trilogy (The Legacy Of Orïsha, Children Of Blood And Bone) has sold over 3 million copies worldwide and is published in over 33 languages. Tomi’s new trilogy (The Siren, Volume I) releases September 29th, 2026. You can find out more on tomiadeyemi.com and follow her on Instagram @tomiadeyemi.

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SOURCE iMentor