A Season of Growth: Fiver Alumni Shine This Summer
Fiver x Allianz: Two Fivers Continue Growing Their Careers
Claudette Paredes (Class of 2024) and Muslimat Sunmonu (Class of 2024) were nominated and selected to participate in the Allianz Foundation for North America (AZFNA) Summer Internship Program. Claudette had previously served as an Allianz Fellow at Fiver working with our program team, making this her second opportunity to engage with the organization.
The AZFNA program empowers young people to shape a secure future by connecting interns with professionals across the U.S. and Europe in departments such as Global Sustainability, Communications and Reputation, and Government and Public Affairs. Through regular virtual meetings, participants gain professional insights, candid career advice, and build lasting networks.
Reflecting on her experience, Claudette shared:
“The Allianz internship allowed me to strengthen skills such as adaptability, teamwork, professional communication, and writing. I learned a great deal about the grant writing process and the behind-the-scenes work involved, while also experiencing the value of communication and collaboration in group projects. Most importantly, I had the chance to connect with highly skilled professionals who expanded my perspective and my network. I am extremely grateful for this stimulating internship, where I was able to learn something new every day.”
Muslimat echoed this sentiment, highlighting the professional growth she gained:
“From this internship, I’m taking away invaluable skills in grant writing and financial management, as well as a deeper understanding of collaboration in a professional setting. This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and open communication, which are essential in any workplace. For future interns, I’d encourage embracing every opportunity to learn, ask questions, and build relationships—each task, no matter how small, contributes to your growth. This internship has been a transformative stepping stone in my career journey, and I’m grateful for the knowledge and connections I’ve gained.”
Brianna Fuentes at Cortec Group through Fiver Partnership
Fiver partnered with Cortec Group, a private investment firm, to provide a paid internship for alumni interested in business and finance for the summer of 2025. When the opportunity was shared, Brianna Fuentes (Class of 2022), a business management major in college, jumped at the chance. After interviewing, she was selected to join the program.
At Cortec, Brianna gained a broad introduction to the world of private equity. Her internship included hands-on experience reading CIMs, conducting write-ups and research, and organizing data using PowerPoint and Excel. She also participated in dedicated sessions with the Cortec team, learning directly from professionals in areas such as Accounting, Marketing, Investor Relations, Consumer Products, and Healthcare Investing.
Reflecting on her summer, Brianna shared:
“During my time at Cortec, I embraced the opportunity to be a sponge, soaking up as much information and insight as possible. I learned the fundamentals of private equity, developed technical skills, and saw firsthand the value of collaboration in a professional environment. This internship gave me knowledge, confidence, and clarity as I continue on my career journey.”
Fiver is proud to connect alumni with real-world opportunities like this one. Thank you to Cortec Group for investing in the future of Fiver alumni through mentorship, exposure, and career exploration.
Welcoming Our New Alumni Board Members
The Fiver Alumni Board is a leadership body of dedicated Fiver graduates who serve as ambassadors and advocates for the Alumni Network. Its purpose is to strengthen connections among alumni, create opportunities for engagement, and ensure that the voices of Fiver graduates help shape the future of the organization.
In partnership with Fiver staff, the Alumni Board plans events, fosters mentorship, and mobilizes alumni to stay engaged as leaders, volunteers, and supporters. The Board also plays a vital role in bridging alumni with current Fivers, offering guidance, inspiration, and encouragement to the next generation.
The Alumni Board recently welcomed three new members: Marissa Geier (Class of 2015), who brings an important Central NY perspective, Paul Contreras (Class of 2017), and Britni Jefferson (Class of 2008). Having alumni from a range of graduating classes ensures that the Board reflects the diversity of Fiver experiences across different eras and provides a stronger, more representative voice for the alumni community.
The current leadership includes Co-Chair Taylor Butts (Class of 2022) and Co-Chair Roberto Vazquez Perez (Class of 2016), along with members Helen Weissbach (Class of 2015), Kaya Henderson (Class of 2015), and Camilo Duque (Class of 2011). Together, this group works to build a vibrant, connected alumni network that uplifts both alumni and current Fivers.
Alumni Directly Supporting Current Fivers through Programming
This summer, we were thrilled to have Zailie Diaz (Class of 2022) return to Fiver as a volunteer during Job Training 2025. Zailie generously dedicated her time at the Fiver Office, supporting career readiness workshops, lessons, and one-on-one sessions with participants as they explored their post-secondary plans.
She worked closely with Fiver’s Educational Program Associate, Anthony Silvera, co-facilitating one-on-one sessions with youth. This was especially meaningful for our graduating seniors, many of whom are preparing to take their next steps after high school. As a QuestBridge Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania who recently studied abroad in Spain, Zailie leveraged her experiences to support the success of our current participants aspiring to pursue college and other post-secondary opportunities. Having a recent alum like Zailie share her story and offer encouragement provided seniors with relatable guidance and reinforced the sense of community that Fiver strives to build.
This summer, 15 proud Fiver alumni returned to Camp Fiver as staff, with many stepping into leadership roles and mentoring the next generation of campers. Their presence embodied the full-circle power of Fiver’s 10-year commitment — young adults who once grew up in the program now guiding those who follow in their footsteps. They were joined by an inspiring team of staff from across the U.S. and around the world — including South Africa, Jamaica, Mexico, Hungary, England, and Senegal — whose diverse perspectives and energy made this summer one to remember.
CNY Fiver Highlight - Alumni Brunch at Camp & Apollo at Fall Fest
This summer, we were thrilled to host an Alumni Brunch at Camp Fiver in Central New York — a meaningful opportunity to strengthen connections with our growing CNY alumni community. The Fiver Alumni Board has made it a priority to expand engagement in this region, ensuring that every graduate continues to feel part of the larger Fiver family.
Fourteen alumni joined us for brunch during an active camp session, filling the dining hall with laughter, memories, and reflection. For many, it was a nostalgic return to the place that shaped their summers, friendships, and growth. Sharing a meal together allowed alumni to celebrate their journeys, reconnect with one another, and reflect on the lasting impact of the community they helped build.
In the fall, our annual Fall Festival brought together families, supporters, and friends to celebrate and raise funds for Central New York youth. This year’s student testimonial came from Apollo, a proud member of the Fiver Class of 2025, who shared their story of growth and belonging. Now a first-year student at Le Moyne College — a school they first discovered through Fiver — Apollo reminded us all of the power of mentorship, opportunity, and community.
As Apollo shared, “Fiver was and still is wholeheartedly a home to everyone… No one judged me, and the acceptance I experienced at camp was what I really needed at that moment.
