Grand Rapids, Godfrey-Lee — A local nonprofit that provides one-on-one mentoring relationships for schools in Godfrey-Lee and Grand Rapids Public Schools has a new executive director.
Sharalle Ankrah takes on the head post at Affinity Mentoring after previously serving at West Michigan Partnership for Children, as the founder of Mirror Me Images and as a GRPS educator.
She’s eager to take on her new challenge at Affinity Mentoring.
“Affinity Mentoring is right in line with my life’s purpose,” she told SNN. “I sincerely enjoy seeing people go from where they are to where they want to be. Doing the continued work together with the community, our partners, staff, families and students is exciting.”
Affinity currently matches mentors with K-8 students at Burton Elementary, Burton Middle and Southwest Elementary in GRPS, as well as at the Early Childhood Center, Godfrey Elementary and Lee Middle in Godfrey-Lee.
Ankrah is a Grand Valley State graduate and has a degree in English for secondary education. The Detroit native said she has always had a heart for community development and believes mentoring can help create opportunities for growth and community impact among students and families who are often left in the margins.
She replaces Cassandra Kiger, who announced her retirement in January 2022 ahead of an upcoming move to Israel, where she will be studying human rights and transitional justice.
