Paramount & The City Tutors Empower CUNY Students Through Mentorship
Paramount and The City Tutors Foster Career Connections Through Mentorship
During December’s Season of Giving, CUNY students and professionals united for two virtual mentorship sessions organized by Paramount and The City Tutors. With support from Paramount’s senior leadership—including Naveen Chopra, EVP and Chief Financial Officer of Paramount Global—and the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, the event highlighted a commitment to nurturing meaningful relationships and supporting NYC’s diverse talent in media, technology, and finance.
Despite the busy holiday season and finals period, nearly 130 participants attended, eager for a rare opportunity to engage directly with Paramount professionals who shape the industry. The event underscored Paramount’s dedication to fostering mentorship, bridging gaps for aspiring professionals, and making industries more accessible to students from all backgrounds.
A Four-Year Collaboration Creating Career Pathways
For the past four years, Paramount and The City Tutors have collaborated to open doors in marketing, human resources, technology, finance, and media. This partnership has deepened over time, with increasing engagement from specific teams and senior leadership to ensure impactful experiences for participants.
Naveen Chopra’s involvement, alongside his team, reflected Paramount’s holistic approach to supporting nonprofit initiatives—not just through volunteer efforts but by embedding corporate resources into the process. He noted:
"Whenever our Finance and Technology teams collaborate with The City Tutors, it’s a privilege. The media industry offers countless career paths, and our goal is to help students leave these mentorship sessions with new perspectives and actionable steps for their careers. I’m always impressed by the insightful questions and perspectives students bring to the conversation."
Adam Robinson, VP of Global Social Impact, echoed this sentiment:
"Strategic partnerships are at the core of Paramount’s approach to driving positive change. By working with organizations like The City Tutors, which identified a need for mentorship in entertainment-related fields, we create valuable opportunities for both students and employees. Many of our mentors are New Yorkers themselves, and through this initiative, they can guide the next generation of storytellers and industry leaders."
Students Share Their Experiences
For many CUNY students who lack traditional career pipelines, the mentorship event provided crucial access to industry professionals. One participant shared:
"This experience connected me with professionals I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Learning directly from experts in tech and media helped me understand how my skills apply and where I need to grow. It’s given me the motivation to take the next steps in my career."
Mentors Reflect on the Power of Guidance
Paramount mentors shared valuable insights in breakout sessions, emphasizing key lessons such as developing transferable skills, navigating career transitions, and staying resilient in the job search process.
Oliver Delgado, Senior Director of Global Strategic Sourcing at Paramount, addressed a common concern among students:
"Many students worry about not coming from traditional ‘target schools.’ But attending events like this proves they have the drive and ambition to succeed. The key is to focus on their unique strengths and the opportunities ahead rather than on which schools companies prioritize."
Building a More Inclusive Workforce
By collaborating with organizations like The City Tutors, Paramount is doing more than offering mentorship—it is actively working to build a workforce that mirrors the diversity of New York City. Each mentorship event strengthens a growing pipeline of opportunities, helping students expand their networks and envision career paths they may not have previously considered.
Garri Rivkin, Executive Director of The City Tutors, highlighted the impact of Paramount’s involvement:
"What sets Paramount apart is their intentional approach. They don’t just host events—they bring in leaders who can provide real, actionable guidance. This is how meaningful access is created and lasting impact is achieved."
Through these efforts, Paramount continues to uplift NYC’s diverse talent and create ripple effects throughout the industry. By fostering career connections and professional growth, this partnership exemplifies how corporate social responsibility can drive meaningful change.
During December’s Season of Giving, CUNY students and professionals united for two virtual mentorship sessions organized by Paramount and The City Tutors. With support from Paramount’s senior leadership—including Naveen Chopra, EVP and Chief Financial Officer of Paramount Global—and the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, the event highlighted a commitment to nurturing meaningful relationships and supporting NYC’s diverse talent in media, technology, and finance.
Despite the busy holiday season and finals period, nearly 130 participants attended, eager for a rare opportunity to engage directly with Paramount professionals who shape the industry. The event underscored Paramount’s dedication to fostering mentorship, bridging gaps for aspiring professionals, and making industries more accessible to students from all backgrounds.
A Four-Year Collaboration Creating Career Pathways
For the past four years, Paramount and The City Tutors have collaborated to open doors in marketing, human resources, technology, finance, and media. This partnership has deepened over time, with increasing engagement from specific teams and senior leadership to ensure impactful experiences for participants.
Naveen Chopra’s involvement, alongside his team, reflected Paramount’s holistic approach to supporting nonprofit initiatives—not just through volunteer efforts but by embedding corporate resources into the process. He noted:
"Whenever our Finance and Technology teams collaborate with The City Tutors, it’s a privilege. The media industry offers countless career paths, and our goal is to help students leave these mentorship sessions with new perspectives and actionable steps for their careers. I’m always impressed by the insightful questions and perspectives students bring to the conversation."
Adam Robinson, VP of Global Social Impact, echoed this sentiment:
"Strategic partnerships are at the core of Paramount’s approach to driving positive change. By working with organizations like The City Tutors, which identified a need for mentorship in entertainment-related fields, we create valuable opportunities for both students and employees. Many of our mentors are New Yorkers themselves, and through this initiative, they can guide the next generation of storytellers and industry leaders."
Students Share Their Experiences
For many CUNY students who lack traditional career pipelines, the mentorship event provided crucial access to industry professionals. One participant shared:
"This experience connected me with professionals I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Learning directly from experts in tech and media helped me understand how my skills apply and where I need to grow. It’s given me the motivation to take the next steps in my career."
Mentors Reflect on the Power of Guidance
Paramount mentors shared valuable insights in breakout sessions, emphasizing key lessons such as developing transferable skills, navigating career transitions, and staying resilient in the job search process.
Oliver Delgado, Senior Director of Global Strategic Sourcing at Paramount, addressed a common concern among students:
"Many students worry about not coming from traditional ‘target schools.’ But attending events like this proves they have the drive and ambition to succeed. The key is to focus on their unique strengths and the opportunities ahead rather than on which schools companies prioritize."
Building a More Inclusive Workforce
By collaborating with organizations like The City Tutors, Paramount is doing more than offering mentorship—it is actively working to build a workforce that mirrors the diversity of New York City. Each mentorship event strengthens a growing pipeline of opportunities, helping students expand their networks and envision career paths they may not have previously considered.
Garri Rivkin, Executive Director of The City Tutors, highlighted the impact of Paramount’s involvement:
"What sets Paramount apart is their intentional approach. They don’t just host events—they bring in leaders who can provide real, actionable guidance. This is how meaningful access is created and lasting impact is achieved."
Through these efforts, Paramount continues to uplift NYC’s diverse talent and create ripple effects throughout the industry. By fostering career connections and professional growth, this partnership exemplifies how corporate social responsibility can drive meaningful change.
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