Hello, Second Act Community!

We hope this message finds you well and that you’re having a lovely spring. It’s hard to believe how quickly time is flying this year— here at Second Act we have been busy growing our organization and fostering community development. In this newsletter, we are updating you on our mentorship program, recent network events, and our official partnerships!

Mentorship Program

We are currently supporting 11 mentees.

Backgrounds represented include current and former dancers at Ballet Hispanico, Ballet Tucson, Colorado Ballet, Eugene Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet, the John Cranko Schule, Madison Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet II, Minnesota Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Philadelphia Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

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

• Rina Takikawa: UX Design and tech within startups

• Ada Chung: Medicine

• Eun Bi Hahm: Acting

• Benjamin Goodly: Consumer packaged goods

• Sarah Lane: Wellness, fitness, and coaching

Current Mentors: If you would like a mentor profile featured on our website or need to update your current profile, please complete the Headshot and Bio Form.

Mentorship Network Requests

Have something you’d like to share with our community? Let us know by emailing us at admin@secondactnetwork.org

An Update to Our Mentor Matching Process:

• Going forward, when a mentee requests a one-off chat 15-30 minute chat or we recommend a single conversation, we will directly pair them with a mentor without reaching out to the mentor in advance to confirm availability. We assume that scheduling a 30-minute chat is manageable for all mentors on an occasional basis.

• If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.

Events

Spring 2025 Events

Have an event idea you’d like to see featured? Please let us know by emailing leah.singer@secondactnetwork.org 

Second Act’s First Headshot Event

On Saturday, January 25th, Second Act hosted its first FREE Headshot Event to the community! It was an incredible full day, providing free headshots to mentors and mentees. The professional photographer of the day was Zorrie Petrus, and she captured incredible pictures of nearly 20 individuals throughout the organization. We’re really grateful to everyone who came to this event on this cold January day and hope that you’re loving your beautiful pictures and that you enjoy updating your LinkedIn profile photo.

From Our Partners

LEAP

Summer Term applications are due May 15, 2025.

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!

Thank you so much for your continued support, and we’re excited for what the rest of the year has in store. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or just to say hello!

Sincerely,

Erika Pugh

Board Member, Second Act

erika.pugh@secondactnetwork.org