Free Career mentorship for youth/jr

From a former swimmer/coach helping others out

Hi Meraquas!

My name is Vanessa Liu, and I'm a former swimmer of MQI (and coached for a bit too!). Alongside my friend Skyla, we are excited to share PAIR, a free career mentorship and networking event for middle and high school girls!

The goal of PAIR is to create an empowering space for young women to explore career paths & develop practical skills by connecting with older women mentors from a variety of professional backgrounds. 

As undergrads, we quickly realized how unprepared we were for the professional world—whether it was awkward handshakes, cold-sweat-ridden coffee chats, or stumbling through interviews. These challenges inspired us to start PAIR and help younger girls gain the career prep and confidence we wish we’d had. 

Professional skills are just as important as academic ones—and should be learned and practiced early. 

PAIR Details: 

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025 

Time: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM (lunch provided!) 

Location: Colab Space in Irvine 

18952 MacArthur Blvd Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92612

Cost: FREE! 

Who: Middle and high school girls of all career interests

RSVP through the flyer or with this link!

Please feel free to email v.vanessaliu@gmail.com with any questions or comments/concerns! 

Best,

Vanessa Liu (WashU Premed ‘27) 

Skyla Cui (Barnard Columbia CS ‘26)

DETAILS SATURDAY, AUGUST 16 TH 11AM - 1PM (LUNCH INC.) COLAB SPACE IN IRVINE 18952 MacArthur Blvd Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92612

P L E A S E F E E L F R E E TO EM A I L V. VANE S S A L I U@GM A I L. COM WI TH ANY QU E S T IONS MINI CAREER SEMINAR

Learn about “pitching yourself,” handshake basics, email etiquette, & more MENTOR Q&A PANEL From “what’s business casual” to “what’s a coffee chat,” ask all your burning career questions SPEED NETWORKING

Put what you’ve learned to practice in a low stakes environment

CATERED LUNCH Deliciously well-earned

MENTOR-MENTEE BONDING Learn from mentors and mentees alike while working together on a hands-on project

WRAP-UP & TAKEAWAYS Reflect on the day’s events and what you’ll carry into the future