Individual Mentorship Programs

• Figuring out who you are can be tricky when you come from more than one racial background. We get it—it’s a mix of many stories.
• Do you ever feel stuck between different sides of your family and not sure where you belong? You’re not alone. 
• Have you ever been asked ‘What are you?’ and found it hard to answer? At Individual Affinity Programs, we celebrate the unique mix that makes you, you. 

It’s completely fine if you’re still trying to figure out all the different parts of your background. Our programs are here to guide and support you as you learn more about yourself and grow into who you want to be. We’re here to help you understand and love every part of your unique identity.”

Individual Affinity Programs at Mixed Identity Initiative are a one-on-one mentorship program to help kids, teens, and young adults grow in identity development. These programs are different from regular groups because they focus on each person and their personal identity. This means they pay attention to what each participant needs, what problems they might have, and their journey of identity formation.

These programs can help children, teens, and young adults who are trying to figure out who they are and develop a healthy identity. It’s like having a personal coach as a role model for racial identity development.

This mentor is a wise friend who listens and gives good sage advice. They share their experiences with multiracial identity and help participants figure out how to handle tough situations.

But it’s not just about fixing problems. These programs also focus on feeling good about who we are. They teach self-care and encourage creativity, helping participants from many racial backgrounds grow and feel confident.

We do this by giving personalized help and celebrating everyone’s unique ethnic identity. It’s a guiding light to help you become the best version of yourself.

The seeds for Individual Affinity Programs were planted in the experience of Hannah Liu, who founded the Mixed Identity Initiative and works as a diversity, equality, and inclusion specialist and educator.

She is the daughter of a Taiwanese father and a Jewish mother. Growing up Hannah often felt she was two halves that didn’t always align. As a young girl, she found pride and joy in parts of her Jewish heritage but often identified as Asian in the world outside her home. During college at Brown University, Hannah joined and then started mixed-race affinity groups and found camaraderie and fellowship with other multiracial people.

That experience was a great time of growth for Hannah, and that is the driving motivation behind the Mixed Identity Initiative and Individual Affinity Programs. She knows firsthand how important it is to find mentors, friends, and support as a multiracial person.

Growing up can be tough, especially in today’s complex world. Multiracial students often feel like they’re trying to figure things out on their own, dealing with who they are and how they fit in. Individual Affinity Programs are here to support kids and teens aged 11-17 and young adults aged 18-21.

Meetings happen every two weeks, talking one-on-one on Zoom, which makes it easy to join in. Participants talk about what’s on their minds and what’s happening in their lives.

They get to chat with adult mentors who come from multiracial backgrounds, helping to explore their mental health, racial heritage, self-esteem, racial identification, and well-being.

Plus, it’s not just the young people who are part of these programs. Parents and family members get invited, too. There are special sessions just for them to learn how to support their multiracial adolescents and young adults.

Individual Affinity Programs help kids, teens, and young adults feel confident and strong as they figure out their mixed-race identity. These programs are moving away from a monoracial culture and embracing an America with multiracial people.

As you start your journey with the Individual Affinity Program, you’ll receive a special welcome box filled with important stuff to help you grow and learn. This box shows how much the program cares about diversity, being creative, and discovering yourself.

Inside the welcome box, the main thing is a journal called Mixed, made just for people from multiracial backgrounds. This journal is like a blank canvas where you can explore who you are, write down your thoughts, and celebrate your cultural heritage. It’s got questions and ideas to help you think and be creative.

Along with the journal, you’ll find art supplies and writing tools. These let you express yourself in different ways, like drawing or writing stories. It’s all about bringing out your creativity and connecting with your feelings.

The welcome box isn’t just about being creative—it’s also about taking care of yourself. It contains things to help you relax and focus on self-care. It’s a reminder to take care of your whole self—body and mind. 

By celebrating diversity and giving you tools to discover who you are, the program wants everyone to feel accepted and part of the group.

Your welcome box is like starting a new adventure. With Mixed as your guide and lots of tools to help you, you’re ready to discover more about yourself and grow along the way.