What Is Palmetto Mentors?

Palmetto Mentors is a mentorship and professional development service that offers tailored support and guidance to first-year students at the College of Charleston. We connect incoming and current first-year students with experienced student leaders through peer mentorship, providing tailored guidance and support. Our goal is to reduce dropout rates and ease the transition from high school to college for first-year students, fostering both professional and social success.

FOUNDER & CEO

MJ Biener

MJ is a junior at the College of Charleston, where he is studying Entrepreneurship and Hospitality. He serves as the Co-President of the Founders Club and is also a member of the CHAT Club. He is an intern for Ward Mungo Companies, a real estate development company based in South Carolina. Previously, MJ gained experience as an intern at the Calvary Fund in Saddle River, New Jersey, and served as the Vice President of Communications for the IFC. Currently, he holds the role of Director of Content Development for Greeks Doing Good. In his free time, MJ enjoys going to the beach, reading, and biking around Charleston, SC.

Meet MJ

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Brian Grazzini

Brian Grazzini is a rising senior from Washington DC. He is studying Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship. He is actively involved in Pi Kappa Phi and has served as Vice President, Philanthropy Chairman, Recruitment Chair, and Warden. He's also played a key role in the Interfraternity Council as Vice President of Recruitment. Beyond campus, Brian works as a caddy at Kiawah Island Club and serves as a Board member for the Benjamin Bowling Wills Foundation. Brian enjoys playing guitar, listening to music, and playing golf in his free time.

Meet Brian

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Rosie Brayshaw

Rosie Brayshaw is a rising senior at the College of Charleston, majoring in Communication with a minor in Spanish. Rosie hopes to enter a sales career and is passionate about traveling the world. Rosie is in the sorority Alpha Delta Pi and has held leadership roles in helping with recruitment and social media. Currently, she works as an Extended Day Aide for Blessed Sacrament Catholic School preschoolers. In her free time, Rosie loves exploring Charleston, trying new restaurants, and going to the beach.

Meet Rosie

Meet The Team

Our network of mentors includes student leaders from various majors, Division 1 athletics, clubs, businesses, Greek life, and more. We aim to build a network of qualified student mentors to ensure all first-year students feel supported throughout their time at the College of Charleston. 

Our Mentors

Grace Pfaelzer

Grace is a Senior at the College of Charleston studying Commercial Real Estate Finance. She is a member of the Real Estate club, ImpactX Spring 2024 Cohort, Project Destined Spring 2024 Virtual Internship and works at Lois Lane Properties. Her outgoing personality and academic involvement has made her well-connected throughout the School of Business and College of Charleston as a whole. In her free time Grace enjoys exploring Charleston, spending time on the water, and traveling.

Meet Grace

Our Mentors

Jeriel Adejobi

Jeriel, a Rising Senior at the College of Charleston, is majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration. He aspires to become an entrepreneur and is passionate about forging meaningful connections and strong relationships. Jeriel serves as the Secretary on the Executive Board of Phi Chi Theta, the Business Fraternity on campus. He is engaged in research concerning the retention and graduation rates among minority groups in science and engineering fields, Jeriel is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. He will intern with Beemok Hospitality Collection this summer, working alongside their Information Technology team. They enjoy sports, beach outings, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Meet Jeriel

Our Mentors

Lexi Holmes

Lexi is a Senior at the College of Charleston studying Communications and Marketing. She was the Director of Primary Recruitment for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, and President of the Economics Club. Last summer, Lexi was the Sales Intern at Charles River Laboratories and is the current eCommerce Intern for Black Drum LLC. In her free time, she loves to hang out with her friends and enjoy Charleston's food scene.

Meet Lexi

Our Mentors

Abigail Barnes

Abby is a senior at The College of Charleston majoring in Communication and minoring in Entrepreneurship, as well as a student-athlete on our Division 1 equestrian team. She’s a member of Cougar Launch, which is a women’s leadership program in the athletic department, as well as a mentor in the Reach Program and a member of the Founders Club. For work, Abby is a Charleston pedicab driver and enjoys getting to work out, talking to people, and showing people the beautiful city of Charleston she gets to call home.

Meet Abby

Our Mentors

Vincent Wilcox

Vincent is a Senior at the College of Charleston studying Commercial Real Estate Finance. This past summer, Vincent interned with Beach Commercial, a Division of The Beach Company, where he shadowed the brokers during transactions, sat in on various meetings, attended showings, and assisted with marketing. Currently, he works at Freedom Boat Club, helping members get on and off boats, performing daily maintenance, and managing reservations online. Vincent enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending time with friends when he is not working or studying. He is a Pi Kappa Phi fraternity member and plans to stay in Charleston after graduation to become a commercial broker.

Meet Vincent

Our Mentors

Olivia Lombardo

Olivia, a junior at the College of Charleston, is pursuing a major in Finance. She is an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha, where she previously served as the Vice President. Additionally, Olivia works as a waitress in downtown Charleston. Her passions include helping others and forging new connections. During her free time, she enjoys working out, exploring new restaurants, and unwinding at the beach.

Meet Olivia

Our Mentors

Lindsey Johnson

Lindsey is a senior at the College of Charleston, majoring in Sociology and Environmental Studies. She serves as the Captain of the NCAA D1 Equestrian Team and is actively involved in various campus organizations, including the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Student Sustainability Collaborative. Lindsey is currently interning with both the Charleston Climate Coalition and the Director of Sustainability for the City of Charleston. During her junior year, she participated in a Semester at Sea program, allowing her to visit 11 countries and attend classes on board the ship. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys traveling, strolling along the Battery, and exploring new restaurants in Charleston.

Meet Lindsey

Our Mentors

Claire Lane

Claire is a senior at the College of Charleston, where she is majoring in environmental geosciences with a minor in environmental sustainability studies. Alongside her academic pursuits, she excels as a member of the NCAA Division 1 equestrian team and serves as a mentor in the REACH program, guiding fellow students. Claire's passion for oceanography is evident through her involvement in the Benthic Acoustic Mapping and Survey Program (BEAMs), preparing her for a future career in ocean mapping and research. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active with running and lifting weights, as well as spending quality time with friends. Looking ahead, Claire plans to further her education by attending graduate school to specialize in oceanography, solidifying her commitment to environmental science and exploration.

Meet Claire

Our Mentors

Colton Green

Colton Green is a Junior at the College of Charleston from Boston, Massachusetts. He is pursuing a degree in Finance with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Alongside his academic pursuits, Colton co-founded The Confident Cane, a walking cane company aimed at empowering users, which secured an investment from the judges of Impact X. Additionally, he played a crucial role in launching a successful window cleaning business catering to the Charleston area, where he excelled in sales and technical operations. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Colton has also gained experience in the service industry, working as a barback at various downtown bars and restaurants. He's an active member of Greek life and proudly represents Pi Kappa Phi. During his free time, Colton enjoys various activities, including golfing, playing pickleball, making trips to the beach, and avidly following sports.

Meet Colton

Our Mentors

Lily Sailer

Lily is a Senior at the College of Charleston. Studying Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy. This past summer, she interned at Ernst & Young, where she prepared client presentations, collaboratively participated in brainstorming sessions, conducted research, analyzed data, and assisted in developing strategic plans. Lily will begin working there full-time in September 2024. In the Spring of her Junior year, Lily took the opportunity to do a study abroad program called Semester at Sea, where she had the privilege of visiting 11 different countries while continuing her studies on the ship. In her free time, Lily enjoys spending time outside and seeing friends.

Meet Lily

Our Mentors

Blake Silber

Blake Silber is a junior at the College of Charleston, majoring in International Business and Spanish. He has been a student at the college for the past two years, having transferred from Gettysburg College, where he was a member of the wrestling team. Currently, he is an active member of Pi Kappa Phi and holds the position of Chaplain on the executive council. Blake is also deeply involved in the large Jewish community on campus. Blake enjoys playing golf, trying new restaurants, and spending time outside.

Meet Blake

Our Mentors

Summer Wolcott

Summer, a Junior at the College of Charleston studying Communications and Studio Art, has been extensively involved on campus throughout her years at CofC. Last year, she accepted a job at the campus gym, the George Street Fitness Center, as a cycling instructor. Additionally, she recently served on the executive board of her sorority, Chi Omega, as the Panhellenic Delegate, maintaining effective communication between Chi Omega and the Panhellenic Executive Board. Last summer, she interned as a DEI Intern for Merck KGaA, a German multinational science and technology company. With DEI, campus engagement, and personal development at the forefront, Summer looks forward to another opportunity to share the skills she's gathered over the years and get involved. In her free time, she enjoys art, spending time with friends, and experiencing all that the city of Charleston has to offer.

Meet Summer

Our Mentors

Cole Chambers

Cole Chambers is a Junior at the College of Charleston, studying Commercial Real-Estate Finance. He started a sustainable couch-flipping company called CC Couches, which targets college rental houses needing quality, affordable furniture. Cole also works at Freedom Boat Club, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring members have a seamless and enjoyable boating experience, managing operational aspects, and handling all logistic operations. Cole is a member of Pi Kappa Phi and in his free time, enjoys playing golf, being on the water, and exploring the city of Charleston.

Meet Cole

Our Mentors

Ella Eyster

Ella is a Junior at the College of Charleston studying Marketing. She is an intern for Shenk’s Fine Jewelry, a private Jewelry company where she focuses on digital marketing. Through this she has had the opportunity to shadow buying meetings, visit the diamond district in NYC, assist in conventions, and take meetings with clients. Currently she is a sever at Victors Seafood & Steaks in Downtown Charleston. She has also gained experience as a social media marketing intern for a country club and event venue. In her free time Ella enjoys exploring Charleston, running, and spending time with her friends.

Meet Ella

Our Mentors

Dawson Bell

Dawson is a junior at the College of Charleston, studying Marketing and Communications. He has embraced diverse roles, each offering invaluable lessons and growth opportunities. Whether leading as Philanthropy Chair for his fraternity, volunteering with Best Buddies, or founding his own company, he has eagerly explored different paths and learned from each experience along the way. Currently serving as a Marketing Intern for CityGuide, an online platform for local businesses to expand their market, Dawson enjoys working out, playing sports, and exploring the city of Charleston in his free time.

Meet Dawson

Our Mentors

Nadelie Rosen

Nadelie is a sophomore at the College of Charleston, studying Marketing and Real Estate. She is the Director of Membership for the American Marketing Association, the Ronald McDonald House Charities Chair for Alpha Delta Pi, and she is also a member of the business fraternity on campus Phi Chi Theta. Nadelie has also obtained a social media marketing internship with Carolina Creative Co this past winter. In her free time, Nadelie loves working out, going to the beach, and traveling.

Meet Nadelie

Our Mentors

Rory Kyle

Rory Kyle is a rising junior at the College of Charleston, majoring in Finance with a minor in Commercial Real Estate. As a Senator in student government, he enjoys networking and assisting others in realizing their visions. Rory has been actively involved with the Simons Heart foundation, organizing two fundraisers and raising over $12,000. Additionally, he serves as the Philanthropy Chairman for Pi Kappa Phi, where he aims to impart the valuable leadership lessons he has learned to others.

Meet Rory

Our Mentors

Lindsay White

Lindsay is a Junior at the College of Charleston majoring in Communication and minoring in Marketing and Studio Art. She is passionate about mentoring relationships and has been involved as a mentee in mentorship programs for the Communication department and her sorority’s professional department Chi Omega & Co. Since moving to Charleston she has had job experience in retail, social media, restaurants, and child care. She is interning with an out-of-home Advertising company at Charleston’s Verde Outdoor office this upcoming summer.  She is passionate about art, fashion, yoga and cooking.

Meet Lindsay

Our Mentors

Spencer Hinton

Spencer Hinton, a junior from Camden, SC, serves as President of Pi Kappa Phi and an SGA Senator, embodying dedication to campus leadership and community betterment. He is currently developing a product called the "CommotionClip," a visionary project created through his Impact X class. Spencer aims to revolutionize women's safety with a fashionable bracelet equipped with ear-piercing sounds, flashing lights, and live tracking capabilities synced to an app. Beyond his academic and entrepreneurial pursuits, Spencer enjoys golfing, boating, and hunting. Professionally, he excels as a project manager for a marine construction company, showcasing his diverse skill set and unwavering commitment to excellence.

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Our Mentors

Lauren Arata

Lauren is a rising senior at the College of Charleston, where she is studying Marketing and Business Administration. She is an active member of Phi Chi Theta and holds a position on the fundraising committee. Currently, she is interning for the Charleston Harbor Marina’s events and marketing team. She also holds an intern position for College of Charleston’s Athletic Fund. Lauren loves the beach, meeting new people and exploring Charleston. She is looking forward to entering the world of sports marketing following graduation.

Meet Lauren

Our Mentors

Natalie Matthews

Natalie is a senior at the College of Charleston studying Communications and Leadership for Sustainability. She has held numerous positions in Alpha Delta Pi sorority, such as Panhellenic Relations Specialist, Chaplain, and on the Recruitment Analyze team. Natalie is currently an intern for Paycom, a payroll software sales company. She loves exploring Charleston and the beach and enjoying health and wellness.

Meet Natalie

Our Mentors

KyLee Bales

KyLee is a senior at the College of Charleston from Morristown, Tennessee. She is majoring in Exercise Science with a Pre-med focus and is a member of the Honors College. During her academic journey, KyLee interned at Phillips Healthcare Group, gaining invaluable experience in the healthcare industry. She currently works at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital and aspires to pursue a career as an osteopathic pediatrician. Driven by her passion for health and wellness, she is currently researching the significant impacts of exercise and nutrition on mental and physical well-being. KyLee is deeply involved in the Charleston community. She actively volunteers at the children's hospital and teaches Sunday school at a local church. She enjoys working out, dancing, and spending quality time with her friends.

Meet KyLee

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we believe in Peer Mentoring?

 Palmetto Mentors harnesses the power of peer mentoring because we believe in the strength of connections between students sharing similar experiences and aspirations. Two minds is always better than one and our approach fosters trust, empathy, and mutual understanding, creating an environment where first-year students feel empowered to achieve their goals with the support of their peers.

Why is Peer Mentoring so Effective? 

Peer Mentoring is a relationship between students at the same career stage or age in which one person has more experience than the other in a particular domain. This allows for support to be provided, as well as knowledge and skills transfer. It is a form of mentorship that usually occurs between a person who has lived through an experience and someone new to that experience

How do you match mentors with younger students, and what criteria are considered in the pairing process?

We carefully match mentors with first-year students, considering shared experiences, goals, majors, and more to ensure a personalized connection. 

How can students sign up to become mentors, and what qualifications or experiences are sought in potential mentors at Palmetto Mentorship?

Individuals interested in becoming mentors at Palmetto Mentorship can contact us through our website, providing details on their qualifications and experiences. They then go through an interview and vetting process to find qualified mentors. Mentors receive compensation for their role and valuable experience, which can demonstrate leadership, communication skills, and a commitment to supporting the academic journey of younger students, which looks great on a resume.