Meet the Staff: Introducing MENTOR’s new Policy Manager, Alex Turney
April 29, 2025
Get to know the individuals behind MENTOR’s work, helping MENTOR continue to lead the mentoring movement. Through our “Meet the Staff” series, MENTOR introduces the newest members of the MENTOR team. Today, we are introducing you to Alex Turney, who recently joined our policy and advocacy team at MENTOR.
Could you introduce yourself to our audience and include a little about your personal and professional background?
My name is Alex Turney, and I am the new policy manager on the policy and advocacy team at MENTOR. I have worked in the federal policy-making space for three years working at both the U.S. Department of Education and with the U.S. House of Representatives. Previously, I studied economics and public policy at the University of Virginia (go hoos!) before moving to D.C. where I have lived for the last three years.
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia where I grew up playing sports and loving the outdoors. As I grew up, I was lucky enough to have strong mentors who developed my interest in both service and community.
What brought you to MENTOR?
I came to MENTOR because I was excited about the opportunity to advocate for young people. Increasing economic mobility and expanding opportunities for young people from all backgrounds have been the driving forces of why I work in public policy. Finding an organization that shares my belief in the potential of all young people showed me that I had found my new home.
What does your new role entail? What are you most looking forward to?
In my new role, I will support MENTOR’s federal policy agenda by analyzing legislation, developing working relationships with congressional offices, and identifying opportunities to expand youth mentoring programs via federal policy and funding. I am looking forward to engaging with our Affiliates and other local, state, and federal partners to better understand the impact mentoring has.
I recognize that to be an effective advocate for the mentoring movement, I will need to listen to and learn from our partners who are doing this work daily. I am excited about this opportunity to learn more about the stories that show us why mentoring matters.
What gives you hope for young people in America?
Young people in America are resilient and are driven to build a future that is better than the world they entered. Young people also show us how to find joy in small moments. I’m hopeful that we can listen to and learn from young people as they constantly evaluate and adapt to the world they’ve come into.