Katerynne Patiño is the Director of Operations at Project LEARN, an education nonprofit where she oversees day-to-day operations in Lowell, Massachusetts. Originally from Medellín, Colombia, Katerynne became a mentor for EforAll’s Spanish language program (EparaTodos) in 2024.
What made you want to become a mentor?
I have benefited from great advice throughout my career, and I have many experienced friends/colleagues who have become mentors. I truly believe that anyone can succeed in any business with the right guidance and resources.
What is your favorite part of being an EforAll mentor?
Watching the ‘lightbulb moment’ that second when an entrepreneur masters a concept they were struggling with and realizes they can do this. It is amazing to see the difference between the first time we met and their final presentations.
What do you think makes EforAll special?
It is the ecosystem. EforAll doesn’t just provide a workshop; it provides a permanent community of peers and supporters. When you learn the basics of how to operate a business, the rest becomes much easier.
What advice would you have for entrepreneurs?
Always dream big, but remember to start with small steps. Most importantly, you must believe in yourself, trust the process, and believe in your dream. That is the key to reaching your goals.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a mentor with EforAll?
Do it! You do not need to have all the answers. You just need to be a consistent, encouraging human being. You will find that you learn just as much from the entrepreneurs as they learn from you.
How has being a mentor impacted you personally or professionally?
Personally, it has helped my leadership skills. Seeing the entrepreneurs trust me gives me the power to believe in myself even more.