Hello, Second Act Community!

It is such a pleasure to be writing to you as we usher in a new season. I hope that the remaining two months of the year (!!!) bring you renewed energy, meaningful change, and continued growth—personally, professionally, or both.

This year has been one of incredible transformation here at Second Act. We’ve expanded our team, grown our reach, and set bold new goals; none of which would have been possible without your ongoing support, enthusiasm, and commitment. Thank you for being such an essential part of our journey.

Following the success of our unforgettable Summer Soirée, I am excited to share that we raised over $10,000, all of which will help with operational needs to continue to provide the best possible programming - including funding for the Encore Fund Scholarship, our most exciting endeavor to date.

Thank you again for being part of this community. Your belief in our mission continues to inspire and sustain us. Here's to a strong, purposeful close to the year!

Onward,

Carolyn Bakich
Executive Director

Mentorship Program

We are currently supporting 12 active mentorships.

In the last quarter, we’ve also welcomed several new Mentors to the program, including:

• Jackie Callahan – law

• Sela Dougherty – law

• Joanna Wozniak – AI and data science

• Keri Sweet Zavaglia – law

• Therese Brown – medical research

• Brianna Zamechansky – physical therapy

• Angelina Hahn – business operations

• Madi Skaggs – law

• Ashley Chenery – psychology

• Christopher Mondoux – financial services

• Jessica Martinez-Ocasio – life coach

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Events

Thank you all for joining us for an unforgettable evening on Thursday, August 8, 2025 at Penthouse45 in New York City. We are grateful for nearly 100 attendees who shared in Second Act’s mission and celebrated our special community. Check out all of the photos here! All credits go to Zorrie Petrus.

Special thanks to the evening’s Keynote Speaker, Eleena Melamed, for her insightful and poised remarks. We are endlessly grateful to her for her positive mark on our community as a mentor and advocate for Second Act. 

Additional thanks to Rosalie O’Connor, who provided an incredible flash-auction item: a beautiful performance image of Eleena. Huge congratulations to the auction winner, Julian Rosenblum!

Thank you to the evening’s sponsors:

We’re also closing out the year with an exciting lineup of events designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate our community:

October 29, 7 PM ET - Fireside Chat with Jordan Key, Writer of “Pursuit of Curiosity”  A thoughtful discussion about creativity, purpose, and finding your fire. Sign up here.

November - Finance Panel [TBD]

December - Community Fitness Class [TBD]

Scholarships

The Encore Fund application opens on November 1st! Watch our website and look out for emails regarding office hours for application help and other important updates! 

Applicant Requirements: 

• Professional or pre-professional dance experience (including paid work or participation in accredited training programs)

• Minimum 3.0 GPA

• U.S. citizenship

• Age 18 or older

• Enrollment or planned enrollment in a post-secondary program by Fall 2026

From Our Community

Murmure Skincare

Murmure Skincare aims to make a real difference by offering safer and more effective skincare options that align with your values. Founded by two former ABT Dancers, Jonathan Klein and Emily Hayes, Second Act is thrilled to champion these two incredibly smart and impactful entrepreneurs who are paving the way for dancers to launch creative ventures beyond the dance studio.

We’re excited to share a discount code with you all: Use promo code “SECONDACT” for 15% off your entire purchase!

Só Dança

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Só Dança through the Encore Fund! Use promo code “SDPLUSEF10” for 10% off your entire purchase!

Count 9

Check out Count 9, a podcast created and hosted by Second Act mentor Ben Goodly!