Swinging for Success: City Tutors Kicks Off 2025 in Style

When Imtiaz Choudhury attended The City Tutors’ first social event of 2025 at Five Iron Golf – Flatiron, he didn’t expect how quickly it would help him build his professional network.

“What an amazing initiative!” Imtiaz shared. “After the evening meetup, I applied as a mentee on your portal, and I’ve already been matched with my mentor. Events like this are immensely helpful for people like me who are new to the city and looking for a supportive network. Thank you for having me on board!”

With years of experience in his field, Imtiaz didn’t stop at joining as a mentee—he also applied to become a mentor, eager to give back to others. Imtiaz’s experience is exactly why The City Tutors organizes events like these—to break down formal barriers, build new connections, and foster a sense of community in an otherwise overwhelming city. For many attendees, it was more than just a fun afternoon—it was a chance to learn, grow, and be inspired by peers and mentors alike.

The January 18 event, held at Five Iron Golf – Flatiron, was the brainchild of Morgan Rankey, a member of The City Tutors’ Young Leaders Council (YLC) made up of mentors. With Morgan’s leadership and the support of the entire YLC team, the event brought together over 30 mentors, mentees, and program partners for an afternoon of golf and meaningful conversations. After the event, attendees continued connecting at the nearby Grey bar, extending the conversations and relationships sparked earlier in the day.

Building Connections, Strengthening Community

For Noah Ibasitas, a City Tutor, the event reinforced the importance of mentorship and the value of self-belief.
“The best part of Grey Bar was the atmosphere,” Noah reflected. “The mentors were approachable, insightful, and willing to share their stories, advice, and laughs. Most importantly, they showed me the value of self-belief. Even when I face career obstacles, I know I have the mentors at City Tutors to guide me through.”

Mohammad Mahmud found the event to be an inspiring mix of fun and networking.
“Attending this event was such an inspiring experience,” he shared. “Playing golf as an icebreaker was a fun way to connect with mentors and mentees alike. I left with great advice on job searching and even met peers in my field. It was the perfect mix of fun and networking.”

For others, the event was a reminder of the power of community and shared experiences.
“This event was eye-opening,” said Rosilveri Estevez. “It was incredible to meet mentors and mentees who shared similar experiences. It reminded me that I’m part of a supportive community that understands me and inspires me to keep pushing forward.”

Britnie Walsh added, “What I enjoyed most about the event was connecting with like-minded individuals and gaining new perspectives. I even learned a sport I’d never tried before! Events like this remind me that growth happens when we connect, learn, and step outside our comfort zones.”

Cenk Cafer captured the energy of the event: "The atmosphere was fantastic. It was easy to bond with others while soaking in the positive energy. I left feeling motivated and inspired by the stories and journeys shared by mentors and peers alike."

Mentors Weigh In

Shreyans Sheth, Bloomberg Software Engineer, saw the event as a chance to give back:
"As a mentor, it’s a great way for me to pay forward all the guidance and direction I’ve received in the past! The students and mentees in the community are driven and talented. Events like these are perfect opportunities to help them understand industry trends and navigate a rapidly changing landscape."

For Samuel Wu, Google Engineer, the event was a refreshing break from the virtual world:
“It’s so rewarding as a mentor to talk to students face-to-face, share advice, and connect with them on a personal level. Indoor golf was the perfect icebreaker for the cold weather—a great venue for meaningful conversations!”

The Vision Behind the Event

Event organizer Morgan Rankey, a passionate advocate for mentorship and community-building, reflected on what inspired this gathering.
“I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who became friends,” Morgan said. “Meeting in person breaks down formal barriers and fosters deeper mentoring relationships. That’s why I continue to volunteer and organize these events—I want others to experience these meaningful connections.”

These gatherings not only build relationships but also accelerate personal and professional growth. As Morgan said, “Your network is your net worth.”

The event would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of The City Tutors’ Young Leaders Council, who worked tirelessly to create an experience that left attendees energized, inspired, and connected.

Looking Ahead

The City Tutors will continue to host events that bring mentors, mentees, and partners together to build stronger connections and create opportunities for growth.

For Imtiaz and the many others who joined the community that afternoon, this is just the beginning. Events like these help transform New York City into a more accessible and supportive place—where building a career starts with building relationships.