CCI Volunteers to Help Advisees Build Confidence and Tell Their Story

Every year, our New York City team collaborates with Computer Science for All (CS4All), an initiative that offers programs focused on helping schools expand computer science exposure, offer access to computer science-related experiences, and foster a sense of belonging in computer science for students. Their Pathfinders Program offers high school the opportunity to gain over 60 hours of on-the-job tech experience through an internship. The Pathfinders Program supports over 100 NYC-based students and CareerSpring is offered to all participants. 

As a part of their professional development programming, CareerSpring runs a ‘Knowing Your Story and Telling It Well’ workshop. During the workshop, attendees were onboarded on to our Career Platform and then the focus shifted to a working session to develop their personal elevator pitch. This year, CareerSpring was delighted to bring in volunteers from long-time Employer Partner and Sponsor, Castleton Commodities International (CCI) to facilitate breakout sessions where students received hands-on practice in a small group setting.

These sessions gave students the opportunity to apply their learning in real time while receiving direct feedback from industry professionals. Bringing our Employer Partners into the room adds a critical dimension to their experience, connecting skill-building with real-world expectations and insight.

Lauren Haymond, CCI’s Global Head of Talent Strategy shared,

“One of the most valuable skills students can develop early is the ability to articulate their story—who they are, what drives them, and what they bring to the table. CareerSpring's focus on helping students craft and practice their personal pitch gives them a foundation that supports them throughout their careers. Whether they're networking at a college fair or interviewing for their first internship, that confidence in communicating their strengths sets them apart. Our CCI talent team was honored to facilitate breakout rooms for the CS4All Pathfinders Program and support this critical work.”

Together, these moments help students translate practice into confidence—bridging the gap between preparation and real-world application

"It was a great working session to help students get comfortable and build confidence when talking about their experiences. Having the incredibly knowledgeable Talent Acquisition Team from CCI joining offered a huge value add to give them exposure.” CareerSpring’s Director of Marketing and Engagement (New York), Eliane Abou-Assi, who has led the workshop for the last three years, shared. “It’s also a powerful example of what’s possible when partners come together around a shared mission—by working alongside organizations like CCI, we’re able to create more meaningful, hands-on experiences and expand our reach to support even more FGLI students.” That impact was tangible throughout the session, particularly in how students grew more confident in sharing their stories.

Amber Laspina, the Program Manager from CS4ALL, shared,

“We were grateful to have volunteers who partnered with CareerSpring. As I floated between breakout rooms, I saw firsthand how patient and supportive the volunteers were, especially with our more shy young adults… By the end of the session, students were noticeably more confident in sharing who they are and how they present themselves. Their support made a meaningful difference, and meant a lot to our small team, and we hope to partner again in the future.”

Together, this partnership reflects the power of our Network in action—where Community and Employer Partners come together through CareerSpring to create meaningful opportunities for FGLI students. By combining hands-on experience, professional guidance, and a supportive environment, we are helping FGLI students build the confidence and skills they need to navigate their career journeys.

CareerSpring is proud to work alongside partners like CS4All and CCI to expand access, deepen impact, and continue opening doors for the next generation of talent. Click here to learn more about partnering with CareerSpring.