At Braven, our mission is powered by the passion and commitment of our volunteers—dedicated professionals who show up to support, guide, and uplift our Fellows as they work toward securing strong first jobs and becoming future leaders. We’re proud to launch our Volunteer of the Month series to celebrate these changemakers and share their stories.

We’re thrilled to introduce our very first volunteer spotlight: Tara Crosson. Tara is from New York City, is a Career & Life Coach who recently founded her own firm and currently serves as a communications consultant with The Listening People. She’s been a vital part of the Braven community since Fall 2023, volunteering across five consecutive semesters in all three of Braven’s virtual roles: as a Leadership Coach, Professional Mentor, and Mock Interviewer.

Tara was drawn to the opportunity to play a meaningful role in coaching primarily first-generation college students as they work to secure strong first jobs or graduate school. Her impact has been felt across multiple regions and programs: she has helped several Fellows grow their confidence and find their purpose.

When asked what has been the most meaningful part of her experience, Tara shared,

“To see Fellows succeed! There’s nothing more rewarding than mentoring a motivated Fellow who works hard, manages life’s inevitable challenges, and secures a strong first job. It never gets old.”

As we begin a new semester of the Braven Accelerator, Tara offers four key pieces of advice for incoming Fellows:
1. Focus. “The ability to focus effectively can change the trajectory of your career and life.”
2. Show up. “Come to each opportunity—classes, interviews, jobs—with an open heart and the mindset of ‘how can I contribute?’”
3. Support others. “As you grow, help others shine by listening, encouraging, and leading with empathy.”
4. Keep moving. “Incorporate physical activity into your life–your mind and body will thank you.”

Reflecting on her experience with Braven, Tara shared,

“I’ve been impressed with every Braven professional I’ve interacted with, from recruiting, program leaders, and tech teams. Braven puts Fellows, volunteers, and business partners at the center of what they do. It’s a joy to be part of this community.”

Thank you for your incredible commitment, Tara! You embody what it means to be a Braven volunteer–being deeply engaged and energized for what’s ahead. From attending every Professional Mentor workshop and office hours to sharing thoughtful feedback through Braven’s mentor advisory groups, your dedication has made a real and lasting impact.

Most notably, your mentee secured a strong first job in the Spring 2025 cycle, a powerful testament to the care and insights you bring to this work. We’re so grateful to have you in the Braven community.

Are you ready to join volunteers like Tara and play a meaningful role in Fellows’ journeys? Learn more at braven.org/volunteer to find the volunteer role that’s right for you.