Friends-Seattle Alum, Dakari, Interns at Fenwick & West

Community engagement manager and former longtime mentor at Friends-Seattle, Stefan Hauser, vividly remembers how Dakari loved to watch a good movie and share a meal together. Their strong bond showed Stefan, time and again, how very respectful, driven, and responsible Dakari was throughout his time in our program.

Their relationship began at Friends-Seattle when Stefan started mentoring Dakari when he was in third grade. Now, a Friends-Seattle alum and junior at Morehouse College, Dakari continues his close relationship with Stefan.

"Stefan has always been supportive and has my best interests at heart," said Dakari, "so I have always trusted his wisdom."

Dakari worked with Stefan to secure an internship with the law firm, Fenwick & West, earlier this year.

After completing his summer internship, the firm’s partners took Dakari out to lunch to learn more about his experience since this was the first time Fenwick had offered this opportunity to someone connected to Friends-Seattle.

We’re excited to share that plans are now underway for Fenwick to expand their internship program nationally, so that youth from other Friends of the Children chapters may have a similar opportunity to explore a career within the legal profession.

"By making an excellent impression on certain individuals and the firm," said Dakari, a Friends-Seattle alum. "I have been able to open doors for others to join Fenwick who are often overlooked. It is truly a blessing and a calling for me to be able to do this."

Dakari's achievement is an example of the transformative impact that mentorship, collaboration, and partnerships can have on the lives of young people. Whether it’s preparing for interviews or building the confidence to work in a professional setting, we want each of our youth to realize their power to pursue their passions.

Please join us by supporting post-secondary opportunities for Friends-Seattle youth by making a gift today!