National Mentoring Month Spotlight: Kareem Simpson

For Kareem Simpson, mentoring has never been about having all the answers—it’s about showing up.

Growing up in Covington, Kareem saw firsthand how powerful it could be when someone chose to truly see you, listen to you, and invest in your potential. That belief in the power of presence is what inspired him to become a mentor with Partners For Change (formerly Covington Partners) at the beginning of 2023. What has kept him engaged ever since is the authenticity of the relationships at the heart of the program.

“Partners For Change isn’t about quick fixes or checking boxes,” Kareem shares. “It’s about walking alongside people as they navigate their own paths forward.” Rooted in trust, consistency, and mutual respect, mentoring has become a space where growth flows both ways. Over the years, Kareem has found himself just as changed by the experience as the students he supports—challenged, grounded, and continually reminded why community matters.

Rather than pointing to a single defining moment, Kareem describes mentorship as a series of quiet shifts over time. Working with the same students across multiple years has allowed him to witness growth that might otherwise go unnoticed. He recalls early conversations when students’ goals felt distant and confidence was fragile. Months later, after collaborating on a project curating an exhibition with the Behringer-Crawford Museum, those same students spoke about their goals differently. Their language had changed. There was ownership, confidence, and belief in what they were capable of achieving.

As the mentoring relationships evolved, so did the conversations. What began as tentative exchanges grew into open, honest, and reflective dialogue rooted in mutual respect. Kareem credits this growth to intentional listening and a willingness to meet students where they are—an approach that has shaped his perspective not only as a mentor, but also as an author and community enthusiast.

When asked what he hopes others understand about mentoring, Kareem is clear: the impact extends far beyond what we often imagine. For students, mentoring can be the difference between feeling invisible and feeling truly seen. For mentors, it is equally transformative. “Mentoring keeps you grounded,” he says. “It challenges you to listen more deeply, to lead with empathy, and to stay accountable to the values you say you believe in.”

During National Mentoring Month, Kareem’s story is a powerful reminder that real change happens when we commit to one another—showing up, listening, and growing together over time.