We connected with long-time mentor, Malabika Biswas, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley in the Institutional Equity Division. She most recently mentored Stephanie, an SSP Alumna from the Class of 2021. Even though Stephanie has graduated high school, Malabika has continued to build a strong relationship to witness her successes and provide guidance along the way. Below is a conversation about her involvement with SSP and rewarding experience as a mentor since 2009.
How did you learn about SSP and what sealed the deal for you to become involved?
Malabika: I learned about SSP through Morgan Stanley where I work. Morgan Stanley has always had senior leaders in Equities who have been very involved, both in donating and in mentoring. I first learned about SSP through an informational session at work and I thought it would be a great way to give back as a young professional.
How long have you been a part of Student Sponsor Partners, and in what all ways have you contributed to the organization? Have you been involved beyond mentorship?
Malabika: Through SSP, I’ve had two mentees. I first got involved around 2009-2010 with my first mentee. A year or two after she graduated high school, I thought it would be great to have a new mentee and give back further. I believe that was the fall of 2016, and that’s when I met Stephanie.
Can you talk a little bit about your experience with your mentee? How have you seen Stephanie flourish and grow since you’ve been her mentor?
Malabika: I was really excited to meet Stephanie and see how I could help broaden her experiences and I loved how open she was to trying new things. I was also fairly sheltered growing up and there were a lot of experiences I’d never had before graduating college, so it was exciting for me as well to relive some things with her. Together, we tried a hip hop dance class, a cooking class at Eataly, a Japanese restaurants, and other restaurants. Many times, either her sister or father would join us since she was very young and we wanted to make sure she could get home safe, so I got to get to know her family fairly well too.
How was the college prep process, and how have you supported Stephanie to support her academic achievements?
Malabika: Stephanie is amazing, she has an innate drive and an interest in learning and bettering herself. I only helped her if she needed a letter of recommendation, wanted me to re-read something she had written or had questions about the corporate or finance world where I work. Stephanie's college prep and strong work ethic came from her.
Can you talk about your continued relationship with your mentee? How often do you stay in touch...?
Malabika: Stephanie has done an amazing job staying in touch with me through all the transitions that we’ve both been through over the past 7 years. Initially when I met her I didn’t have children and now I’m a mom of 2 and she’s been very patient with me through this process as well. We try to stay in touch every 4 months or so now. I’m so very excited about her future!
What fulfillment have you gained and what does mentorship mean to you?
Malabika: SSP is an amazing way to make a real impact in someone’s life at a very critical time when they may be needing support. It is a great way to broaden a young person’s world.
What would you say to people who want to get involved with SSP or aren’t aware of SSP?
Malabika: Try and get involved. If you are financially able and don’t have time, you can donate, and if you are able to give time and not money, mentor. I think giving the time is overall more impactful as you can make a real difference.
Can you tell us about a specific story from your mentorship experience that stands out?
Malabika: Honestly, it was so exciting to create new experiences for Stephanie when she was in high school like the hip hop and cooking class, and to experience new cuisines like sushi, was awesome. She would think of what she may want to do and we’d go for it once a quarter.
