Our PEARi Fellows Program

Equity, Social Justice, and Belonging to dismantling racism and other systems of oppression is stronger than ever.

What is the PEARi Fellows program?

The PEARi Fellows program is a transformative initiative offered by the Pro-Equity Anti-Racism Institute or PEARi for short. reflecting our core focus is to eradicate racism and all other systems of oppression through equitable actions that drive outcomes of Equity, Social Justice, and Belonging. Our program is designed to drive equity by investing where the needs are greatest. Young adults, particularly many BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) have the greatest need.


Our PEARi Fellowship Initiative purposefully closes the gap.

Through our PEARi Fellows program, participants engage in comprehensive learning and workforce development experiences. We emphasize the development of both soft skills and technical capabilities, fostering growth in areas such as communication, teamwork, positive intelligence, design, multimedia, GIS (geographic information system), and project management. By doing so, it equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for personal, professional, and leadership growth for work and life.
The program operates within a remote learning model, offering flexibility and accessibility to participants. This approach imparts valuable skills and guides young adults in effectively managing the balance between virtual work commitments and personal life. The internship includes mentorship, hands-on experiences, exposure to real-world challenges, and opportunities to collaborate with a remote agile team. PEARi Fellows also benefit from the Positive Intelligence program, which focuses on enhancing mental fitness, resilience, and a positive mindset.

This holistic approach nurtures participants' personal and professional development, helping them become advocates for Pro-Equity Anti-Racism and contribute to creating Equity, Social Justice, and Belonging.

Mental Fitness Development

Virtual Agile Teamwork

Professional Skills Development

Technical Skills Development

Pro-Equity Anti-Racism Institute -

Embracing Mental Fitness:

Mental fitness pertains to an individual's state of psychological and emotional well-being. It encompasses a spectrum of practices and strategies aimed at fostering resilience, stress management, enhanced focus, and a positive perspective. The development of mental fitness entails engaging in activities such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, regular physical activity, prioritizing proper sleep, seeking expert assistance when needed, and participating in joy-inducing hobbies.


Forging Virtual Agile Teamwork:

Virtual agile teamwork involves the application of Agile methodologies within remote or virtual work environments. Agile, recognized for its iterative approach to project management and software development, underscores collaboration, adaptability, and a customer-centric approach. In virtual contexts, team members leverage digital tools and technologies to synchronize tasks, conduct daily stand-up meetings, strategize sprints, and promptly accommodate changes. Effective communication and adept utilization of suitable software tools emerge as pivotal components for fruitful virtual agile teamwork.


Cultivating Proficiency in Professional Skills:

Professional skills encompass a diverse array of competencies contributing to success within professional realms. Communication, problem-solving, time management, leadership, and adaptability are some examples. The enhancement of professional skills mandates continuous learning and refinement to elevate efficacy within one's role and make positive organizational contributions. This process unfolds through workshops, courses, experiential learning on the job, mentorship, and actively seeking constructive input.


Nurturing Technical Skills Advancement:

Technical skills pertain to specialized proficiencies linked to specific fields, industries, or job roles. They often entail adept utilization of tools, software, equipment, and methodologies pertinent to the profession. Given the relentless evolution of technology, maintaining current technical skills is pivotal for career progression. Nurturing technical skills development involves enrolling in courses, participating in workshops, undertaking personal projects, and staying attuned to industry trends.


Holistic Growth Approach:

Each of these domains—mental fitness, virtual agile teamwork, professional skills, and technical skills—is integral for both personal and professional development. Crafting a comprehensive growth plan that attends to mental well-being alongside proficiency in these areas is paramount for achieving career aspirations. Whether one is fortifying mental resilience, excelling in virtual collaboration, refining professional prowess, or staying abreast of technical advancements, the investment in personal development is instrumental in cultivating a gratifying and triumphant life journey.

What our PEARi Fellows have experienced

Lessons Learned: "Be Agile--in a work setting"; Draft are helpful to get you closer to your end goal; Ask what the client wants (or needs) --and do that first.

— Marlon

I was challenged to try to animate the PEARi logo despite me having no experience in trying to do so. It was a turning point for me because I no longer feel limited to my current skill set. and I felt encouraged learn through my failures in the process.

 — Cedric

During my time within the internship, I found myself stuck on the idea that whatever I create I could always make it better. Not realizing that I am working with the idea of perfectionism. Positive Intelligence helped me step out of that mindset. Which helped my level of productivity improve and less stressful.

— Cory

The biggest lesson I'm learning from this internship is not being too hard on myself. Allowing to be open to critique and not take it critically. Being more conscious of time on task and how to construct a work schedule.

— Leland

"Each One, Teach One" Philosophy:

Central to our values is the principle of sharing knowledge. We are committed to providing a transformative experience that nurtures knowledge, cultivates skills, and enhances abilities in Race & Social Justice leadership, career & business development for young adults associated with our organization.

Our dynamic internship offers a blend of education and experiential learning, catering to individuals who embrace continuous improvement, agile learning, and a willingness to explore new horizons. 

Adobe Premier Pro 

  • Mastering Interface & Navigation: Proficiency in layout - Project, Timeline, Source Monitor, and Program Monitor. Expertise in media import, sequence creation, and project navigation.
  • Media Import & Organization: Skill in importing diverse media (videos, images, audio) and effective asset organization using bins and folders.
  • Seamless Sequence Creation: Mastery in sequence setup - resolution, frame rate, and aspect ratio tailored to project needs.

Adobe Illustrator 

  • Adobe Illustrator Proficiency: Command tools, interface, artboards.
  • Creative Shape Handling: Craft paths, shapes, Pen Tool finesse.
  • Expert Pen Tool Use: Master curves, points, intricate designs.
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.

Articulate Rise 360

  • Recording and Editing Audio: learned how to record and edit audio directly within the software. Explore editing options such as trimming, adjusting volume, and syncing audio with visuals.
  • Applying Animations and Transitions: Enhance the visual appeal of your e-learning course by adding animations and transitions.
  • Gained an Understanding of the Interface: Become familiar with the Articulate interface, encompassing various tabs, panels, and features. 

Canva for Social Media Marketing 

  • Visual Content Creation: created eye-catching infographics using Canva's pre-designed templates, fonts, and images.
  • Branding Consistency: developed templates on Canva that incorporate uniform color schemes, logos, and fonts for all the companies posts.
  • Content Planning: Learned the art of planning my social media content strategically through the creation of content calendars. 



The PEARi Fellows program is a unique opportunity for young adults to immerse themselves in a supportive and empowering learning journey that not only builds skills but also instills a sense of purpose and leadership in the realm of Equity, Social Justice, and Belonging.


Fall 2023 - Winter 2024 PEARi Fellow Program

At PEARi, we are committed to empowering young adults, particularly those from BIPOC backgrounds, to become advocates for positive change. Our PEARi Fellows Program is more than just an internship; it's an immersive journey of personal and professional growth.

Through our Fall 2023 - Winter 2024 program, participants will delve into the world of GIS technology, exploring its capabilities and applications in advancing social justice and equity initiatives. Our aim is to cultivate a deep understanding of GIS as a tool for change, enabling participants to contribute meaningfully to projects that drive progress in society. The internship embraces a holistic approach, combining technical skill development with the nurturing of soft skills. Alongside GIS training, participants will engage in mentorship, hands-on experiences, and exposure to real-world challenges. The remote learning model ensures flexibility, enabling individuals to balance their commitments while developing crucial skills.

Moreover, we integrate the Positive Intelligence program, fostering mental resilience and a positive mindset. This combination of technical expertise and personal development equips PEARi Fellows with the tools needed to become change-makers and leaders in the realms of Pro-Equity Anti-Racism initiatives. As we move forward, we invite you to explore the potential of GIS technology in shaping a more just and inclusive society. Stay tuned for updates on our Fall 2023 - Winter 2024 PEARi Fellows Program, where we will provide an enriching environment for learning, growth, and meaningful contribution.

Together, we can harness the power of GIS to make a lasting impact on Equity, Social Justice, and Belonging.

- PEARi Fellows Program: Nurturing Minds, Igniting Change.