MentorPRO Co-Founder Delivers Keynote Address at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ania Sanchez
MentorPRO
Amsterdam, Netherlands—January 10, 2025—Dr. Jean Rhodes, an expert in mentoring research and co-founder of MentorPRO, delivered a keynote address at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, inspiring an audience of policymakers, educators, trainers, and program directors with her insights into evidence-based mentoring practices. The address was a centerpiece of the university’s recent conference on youth development, underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering social impact through education and research.
Drawing on decades of mentorship research and MentorPRO’s innovative digital platform, Dr. Rhodes presented a compelling vision for how technology and data can drive more effective support for young people across diverse communities. MentorPRO, a platform designed to enhance and scale mentoring relationships, leverages cutting-edge research and best practices to deliver measurable results for youth programs worldwide.
Professor Therese Onderdenwijngaard, the conference organizer, remarked on the keynote’s profound impact:“I’ve received so many positive reactions to it—from policymakers, teachers, trainers, and program directors. We had a mixed group in the room, listening attentively and taking notes. Mentoring is now on the agenda, and you greatly contributed to this achievement. Thank you!”
Dr. Rhodes’s keynote focused on the intersection of empathy, flexibility, and rigorous research, demonstrating how these principles are embedded in MentorPRO’s approach to supporting mentors and mentees. With interactive features, training modules, and data-driven insights, the platform empowers users to maximize the potential of their mentoring relationships. The evidence base underpinning MentorPRO is rooted in Dr. Rhodes’s pioneering research, including her contributions to the mentoring field as a distinguished professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston and author of several acclaimed books.
Onderdenwijngaard continued, “Dr. Rhodes’ balance of empathy and flexibility on the one hand, and rigorous research on the other, was evident throughout her presentation.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, known for its interdisciplinary approach to societal challenges, proved the ideal setting for the keynote. Founded in 1880, the university’s emphasis on fostering innovation and collaboration aligns seamlessly with MentorPRO’s mission to create positive outcomes for young people through mentorship.
About MentorPRO
MentorPRO is a state-of-the-art platform designed to optimize mentoring relationships by integrating cutting-edge research with practical tools. Co-founded by Dr. Jean Rhodes, MentorPRO enables organizations to scale their mentoring programs effectively, providing training, matching, and evaluation tools grounded in rigorous evidence. Learn more at mentorpro.com.
About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is an internationally renowned research university dedicated to addressing global and societal challenges. With a commitment to diversity and innovation, the university fosters collaboration across disciplines and countries to create meaningful impact.
For more information or interview requests, please contact Ania Sanchez moc.orprotnem@ezehcnaS.ainA
