About - Mentor Seattle
Our Story
Why Mentor Seattle Was Created
Mentor Seattle was founded to address systemic barriers disproportionately impacting Black, Latino, and tribal communities. Our founders, shaped by lived experience and a deep commitment to justice, saw the need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed mentorship that empowers individuals to thrive. We believe healing and growth begin with honoring every person’s story, creating safe spaces for connection, and building strong community networks rooted in compassion and equity.
Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by providing transformative mentorship programs that foster personal growth, healing, and social equity. We aim to dismantle systemic inequities and build resilient, thriving communities where everyone can achieve their fullest potential with dignity and confidence.
What we do
What Sets Our Mentorsip Apart
At Mentor Seattle, our mentorship is grounded in cultural responsiveness, ensuring that every program respects and honors the cultural identities of participants. By integrating cultural understanding, we foster deeper trust, engagement, and meaningful transformation within Black, Latino, and tribal communities.
We recognize the impact of trauma on individuals and communities. Our trauma-informed mentorship creates safe spaces where participants feel seen, heard, and supported, empowering them to heal, build resilience, and reach their goals with confidence.
Our programs are designed with communities, not just for them. By listening to community voices, we ensure our mentorship services address real needs and foster lasting change, strengthening networks of support and building equitable futures together.
Changing Lives Through Mentorship
Through culturally responsive mentorship, Mentor Seattle transforms lives and strengthens communities. Participants gain confidence, resilience, and skills to overcome barriers and build thriving futures. Our programs reduce recidivism, foster leadership, and empower individuals to create positive change in their families, communities, and careers.
WHAT WE OFFER
Our Mentorship Programs
Mentor Seattle’s mentorship programs empower individuals with culturally responsive guidance that fosters healing, resilience, and equity. From barbershop gatherings to school programs and criminal defense support, our initiatives break down barriers and build thriving communities rooted in compassion, justice, and the belief in each person’s fullest potential.
Breathe. Heal. Thrive.
Mentor Seattle’s stress management services offer culturally responsive support that helps reduce anxiety, build resilience, and empower individuals to face life’s challenges with confidence and calm.
Inspiring Futures Through Mentorship
Mentor Seattle’s school programs empower youth through culturally responsive mentorship that builds confidence, enhances academic success, develops leadership skills, and strengthens resilience for thriving futures.
Where Conversations Create Change
The Barbershop program empowers Black men and boys by providing mentorship, fostering cultural connections, and creating healing conversations that build confidence, resilience, and meaningful community bonds.
Advocacy Rooted in Understanding
Mentor Seattle’s Criminal Defense Mitigation program offers culturally responsive mentorship and support that empower clients, lower recidivism, and promote fair, equitable outcomes in the justice system.
Building Bridges for Safer Communities
Mentor Seattle’s Law Enforcement Event builds understanding and trust through mentorship-based dialogue, strengthening relationships between officers and communities to create safer, more connected neighborhoods for all.
Transforming Communities Through Expert Guidance
Mentor Seattle’s consultants deliver culturally responsive strategies that foster healing, growth, and equity within organizations, empowering communities, building resilience, and driving meaningful, lasting change.
Meet Our Team
If you can laugh together, you can work together.
Bishop Ivy Gaines
Founder
Bishop Ivy Gaines was released from federal custody in 2021 after serving 20 years of a 183-year sentence. Since then, he has dedicated his life to bringing his transformational journey to the world by founding Mentor Seattle, Inc. His mission is to leverage the power of mentorship, education, and mindfulness to address the root causes of violence and distrust in society. While inside, he faced numerous challenges and setbacks, including 19 unsuccessful attempts at parole. Despite these obstacles, he never lost hope. He devoted himself to studying law, spending 18 years honing his legal knowledge and advocating for his freedom. During this time, he also recognized the profound impact of mentorship and education on reducing violence and fostering positive behavioral change. Drawing from his own experiences, he created programs for the inmate population at six institutions for over 20 years, focusing on mindfulness training, independent thinking, and conflict resolution. These programs achieved remarkable success, leading to a 17% reduction in violence, including inmate-on-staff and inmate-on-inmate incidents. Inspired by this transformative work, he realized that the same principles could be applied to rebuilding trust and fostering positive relationships in the broader community. With over 23 years of active service in creating, delivering, designing, and facilitating programs, Mentor Seattle now stands as a beacon of hope and progress, committed to reimagining the future of law enforcement and community engagement.
Craig Means
Chief Strategy Officer
mentorseattlecso@gmail.com
Craig Means is a distinguished entrepreneur with extensive experience in business development, negotiations, and conflict resolution. He earned his MBA summa cum laude from the Forbes School of Business and Technology at the University of Arizona, Global Campus. Craig is renowned for his commitment to excellence and his belief that diligence and persistence are fundamental to success. His leadership has been pivotal in building successful ventures across both startups and established firms. Craig’s dedication to transformative impact aligns seamlessly with his passion for fostering personal growth, social equity, and community resilience.
Joan Trower
mentorseattleops@gmail.com
Joan Trower brings a wealth of experience and resilience to her role. Having served two prison sentences, she has successfully overcome substance use disorder and navigated the complex journey of reunifying with her children and family. Joan's expertise spans a wide array of operational, accounting, administrative, and business management areas. Her strengths lie in her broad understanding, ability to translate data into actionable insights, and her reliability in delivering desired outcomes. A collaborative team player with an ownership mentality, Joan has a proven track record of delivering high-quality strategic solutions and driving business growth. Her international and cross-functional experience provides her with a unique perspective, enabling her to fully understand problems and propose creative solutions. Joan is an analytical, organized, and detail-oriented professional with senior-level experience across various industries. Drawing on her lived experiences, she is committed to meaningful work, using an authentic and mindful approach that balances personal well-being with community impact.
Alyesha Villalobos
Vice President, Business Development
mentorseattlebizdev@gmail.com
Alyesha Villalobos graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Social Services from Central Washington University. She has worked over the last 10 years in the health care and social service industry, providing direct services to the most vulnerable members of our community. Alyesha has held many roles within social justice organizations, such as a social service coordinator for re-entry facilities assisting individuals who were previously incarcerated assimilate back into their communities. She has first-hand experience with supporting humans in finding their way forward in life to thrive. Alyesha’s compassion for people allows her to support and guide clients to finding a healthy balance within their everyday lives.
Mauriceo Dawson
Mentoring Lead
Mauriceo Dawson serves as the Mentoring Lead at Mentor Seattle Inc., bringing over 21 years of experience with the City of Seattle. Raised with strong morals by a father who was a respected corrections officer in King County, Mauriceo grew up with a deep understanding of discipline and service to the community. This foundation has fueled his passion for mentoring youth, particularly those in challenging circumstances. He connects with youth through shared interests in sports and music, and his lived experience provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges they face. As a mentor, Mauriceo leverages his professional background and personal insights to support incarcerated youth, helping them develop resilience and a positive outlook for their future. He is also a former member of the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative Change Team, reflecting his commitment to equity and social justice in his work and mentorship.