What Eight Years of Being an Asian American Mentor in NYC Look Like 

For the past eight years, Kristen Hom has been a cornerstone of the Apex for Youth community, first as a mentor and then as a member of the Associate Board. This summer, as she rolls off the Associate Board, we celebrate her journey of mentorship, leadership, and service.

Mentorship at Apex

In 2017, Kristen joined Apex’s Middle School Mentoring Program, where she was matched with her mentee, Priscilla. Their bond quickly grew, and Kristen continued mentoring Priscilla through high school until her graduation in 2024.

Being a mentor taught Kristen the importance of listening closely to what young people need. As Priscilla entered her junior year, Kristen asked directly how she could best support her. “She told me she didn’t need more tutoring; she had that already. What she wanted was emotional support, someone fun, a distraction from the stress of high school and college prep.” That conversation reshaped Kristen’s approach. “Sometimes the most impactful thing you can do is simply show up consistently and be present,” she says.

Kristen also found that mentorship deepened her connection to her own identity. Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, she often felt disconnected from her cultural heritage and Asian background. Through Apex, she not only supported a younger generation of Asian American youth but reclaimed a sense of connection to her family’s immigrant story. “Apex filled a missing piece for me,” she shares. “It created a community I didn’t have when I was growing up.”

Leadership on the Associate Board

Two years into Apex, Kristen joined the Associate Board, looking for ways to strengthen her impact. “The Associate Board enriches the volunteer experience, connects with staff and the Board of Directors, and brings in new voices to support Apex’s mission,” she explains.

Her six-year journey on the board included organizing events, fundraising, and building partnerships with local businesses as chair. One of her proudest achievements was co-leading Trailblazers, a virtual event launched in 2021 during the height of the pandemic.

The event brought together prominent Asian American voices, including actor Ally Maki, Helen Lo from Lo & Sons, and MasterChef champion Christine Ha. It also partnered with the Asian American Girl Club to design custom T-shirts, creating both visibility and funding for Apex. In the end, the event raised more than $65,000.

“That event was one of my favorite memories,” Kristen reflects. “Everyone was so generous with their time, and it was incredible to see our ideas come to life during such a challenging moment. It showed me how creative and resilient the Apex community can be.” Kristen spent months on Zoom calls planning the event, doing cold outreach to speakers and partners, making its success all the more rewarding.

Beyond major events, Kristen valued the board’s role in community-building. “I’m proud of the environment I helped create on the Associate Board, one where people felt comfortable contributing ideas, trying new things, and feeling supported,” she says. “The friendships I made through Apex have been the most meaningful part of this journey.”

Looking Ahead

As Kristen concludes her time on the Associate Board, she is grateful for the growth, relationships, and impact she has experienced. She looks forward to seeing her mentee, Priscilla, stay connected as an Apex alum and is excited to watch Apex expand its programs for future generations.

Her hope for Apex youth is simple yet powerful: “That Apex is always a place they can come back to; whether for advice, community, or simply a safe space.”

For new volunteers, her advice is clear: “Being a mentor is like being a window. You’re showing young people new possibilities for their lives. The more time you give, the more you get out of it.”

A Lasting Legacy

Kristen’s eight years with Apex for Youth demonstrate the lasting impact one volunteer can have – not only on youth, but on the broader community. From mentoring middle school students to raising critical funds during a global pandemic, she leaves a legacy of mentorship, leadership, and connection.

Her story reminds us that giving back is not just about what you provide, it’s also about the community you build and the growth you experience along the way. Thank you so much, Kristen, for being part of the Apex community and for sharing your time and heart over the past eight years. Your mentorship, leadership, and creativity have left a lasting mark on Apex, and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll continue to make in the world.

Inspired by Kristen’s story? You too can make a difference. Become a volunteer with Apex for Youth and help open doors for the next generation.