Meet Antoinette Mendez | Education Consultant & Certified School Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Antoinette Mendez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antoinette, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My decision to launch Mission 2 Transition™ was deeply rooted in my personal background as a 3rd generation Arizona native and product of underrepresented communities and Title I school districts. Having spent a decade as a certified Arizona School counselor, I intimately understood the challenges faced by students in accessing higher education opportunities, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. This firsthand experience, combined with my passion for youth development and education, drove me to create a solution that would provide tailored college and career planning support to students and families. Mission 2 Transition™ reflects my commitment to collaboration, empowerment, and equity, ensuring that every student has the resources and guidance needed to achieve their post-secondary goals.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply committed to empowering students to navigate their path to success in higher education and beyond. As a certified Arizona School counselor with over a decade of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse student populations, particularly in underrepresented communities and Title I school districts. What sets Mission 2 Transition™ apart is our unwavering dedication to providing tailored college and career planning solutions that prioritize equity, accessibility, and empowerment.

My journey to where I am today has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. While it hasn’t always been easy, I’ve learned to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Through perseverance and resilience, I’ve overcome obstacles and forged ahead, fueled by my passion for making a meaningful impact in the lives of students.

One of the proudest moments of my career is the founding of Mission 2 Transition™, a platform that reflects my values and aspirations. I’ve learned invaluable lessons along the way – the importance of collaboration, the power of empathy, and the significance of staying true to one’s vision.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that Mission 2 Transition™ is more than just a business – it’s a mission-driven endeavor rooted in compassion, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to empowering all students to achieve their fullest potential. Through our work, we strive to create a future where every student has the resources and support they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d whisk them away to Sedona for a picturesque fall or early winter getaway. We’d kick off the day with a delightful breakfast at Coffee Pot, followed by strolls through the charming downtown shops. Upon returning to Phoenix, we’d indulge in a delectable dinner experience at Steak 44, relishing in the exquisite ambiance and culinary delights it offers. To cap off the evening, venture downtown to CityScape promises a lively and memorable night out. And of course, no visit would be complete without indulging in a leisurely brunch the following day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In the entrepreneurial journey, support and collaboration are paramount. I owe much of the success of Mission 2 Transition™ to the invaluable guidance and encouragement from business mentors at the Small Business Development Center and SCORE, as well as to my cherished business confidante and accountability partner. I’d like to extend a heartfelt shoutout to Zybrena Porter of Zybrena Fine Art, whose artistic prowess and alignment with our vision have been instrumental. Our collaboration, forged through the We, Rise business accelerator program, has infused our work with fresh energy and creativity, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of empowerment we aim to instill in underrepresented students through our activity book

Website: https://themission2transition.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themission2transition/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themission2transition

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themission2transition/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mission-2-transition-phoenix

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh0dO2DxoPgBb9nQeMl1E8A