Mentor Spotlight

Featured Mentor

Featured Mentor highlights coming soon…We call upon more individuals to step forward, follow in his footsteps, and become champions of the noble mission of Take Stock Manatee as a mentor, sign-up today! Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for these deserving students, empowering them to unleash their full potential and achieve their dreams.

Ivory Matthews - August

Ivory Matthews, a remarkable local community member and businesswoman, stands as a beacon of leadership with an impressive legacy of over 12 years of dedicated service as the Vice President of Community & Governmental Affairs at Neal Communities of Southwest Florida, Inc. Her steadfast commitment to community development has been nothing short of inspiring. In her role, Ivory has tirelessly worked to bridge the gap between the community and the government, fostering collaborations that have significantly enhanced the quality of life for countless residents in Southwest Florida.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ivory Matthews is a compassionate mentor who has devoted her time and expertise to shaping the future of aspiring young minds. Her pivotal role as a mentor and past board member for Take Stock in Children – Manatee underscores her deep commitment to education. Through her guidance, she has not only provided invaluable support to students but has also empowered them with the tools necessary to achieve their dreams, creating a lasting impact on their lives and the community as a whole.

Ivory’s recognition is a testament to her outstanding contributions to the community, mentorship, and education. Her unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the transformative power of leadership, mentorship, and community engagement. Congratulations to Ms. Matthews for this well-deserved acknowledgment, and here’s to her continued success in shaping a brighter future for our community. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future become a Take Stock Manatee mentor, sign-up today!

Raymond Vicks - May

Congratulations to Take Stock Manatee mentor, Ray Vicks, for being selected as this year’s featured mentor. Ray Vicks has been an exceptional mentor, dedicating his time and expertise to support and guide Take Stock students in their academic and personal growth. His commitment to making a difference in their lives is truly inspiring. 

Ray Vicks has exemplified what it truly means to be an exceptional mentor. With unwavering dedication, he has selflessly invested his time and expertise to support and guide the students of Take Stock, fostering their academic and personal growth. His commitment to making a difference in their lives is nothing short of inspiring, and his impact on their journey towards success is immeasurable.

When asked about his motivation and message for potential mentors or anyone interested in supporting Take Stock Manatee’s mission, Ray shared profound insights that resonate with the core values of the organization. He expressed, “The greatest form of capital with the highest possible returns is ‘human capital.’ Within these young, talented individuals lies boundless potential to contribute to society. With the right financial resources and careful guidance, we can be the catalysts for change, both as mentors and as financial contributors. By joining forces with their parents and caregivers, we can empower these promising first-generation college graduates to reach for their dreams and achieve significant milestones in life.”

Take Stock in Children – Manatee is fortunate to have exemplary mentors like Ray Vicks, who vividly exemplifies the transformative power of compassion, mentorship, and philanthropy. As we celebrate his remarkable contributions to the program, his dedication serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that a single individual can have on the lives of many. With Ray Vicks as our example, let us draw inspiration from his selflessness and commitment. We call upon more individuals to step forward, follow in his footsteps, and become champions of the noble mission of Take Stock Manatee as a mentor, sign-up today! Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for these deserving students, empowering them to unleash their full potential and achieve their dreams.

Congratulations once again to Mr. Ray Vicks – a true beacon of hope and an embodiment of the positive change that can be brought about by one person’s unwavering support and belief in the potential of others. With each new mentor and supporter, we reinforce the foundation of success for the students in our program, fostering a community of upliftment and empowerment. Together, let us create a legacy of positive change that will ripple through generations to come.