Each year during our annual Global Symposium on Racing, students are encouraged to participate in the Mentor Lunch. This event brings students together with the industry professional of their choice to absorb the information and experiences that they have to offer. The Mentor Lunch provides a critical link for students, as the real-life information provided by the mentors often puts scholastic knowledge into context.
The opportunities to be in a one-on-one situation with industry leaders (often alumni) allow the students to gain insights and narrow in on their personal goals. From the student's perspective, the Mentor Lunch can often be pinpointed as the highlight of their Symposium experience.
RTIP'er Aldo Zamora Pedroza and Aidan Butler
2023 Mentor Luncheon
RTIP'er Eric DeCoster and Lisa Lazarus
Najja Thompson, RTIP'er Rylin Medcoff, and Dr. Mary Scollay
Gemma Freeman and RTIP'er Ali Evans
Kirsten Green and RTIP'er Olivia Tashlein
2023 Mentor Luncheon
RTIP'er Ben Atkinson and Matt Feig
Keith Doleshel and RTIP'er Mohanad Almokhadm
RTIP'er Alonso Pena and Janet VanBebber
RTIP'er Nathan Klein and Jessica Paquette
Thank you to our 2023 Mentors
- Aiden Butler – President, 1/ST Racing
- Keith Doleshel – Racing Secretary, NYRA (Aqueduct , Saratoga and Belmont Park)
- Matt Feig – General Manager, NYRA Bets
- Gemma Freeman – Industry Relations Manager, Stonestreet Farm
- Kristen Green – Executive Director, Retired Racehorse Project
- Lisa Lazarus – CEO, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit
- Bill Nader – EPresident & CEO, Thoroughbred Owners of California
- Jessica Paquette – Announcer, Parx Racing
- Najja Thompson – Executive Director, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.
- Dr. Mary Scollay – Chief of Science, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit
- Janet VanBebber – Chief Racing Officer, AQHA