The MentIE program, hosted by The Center for Academics, Success, and Equity (CASE), connects world-class alumni with students, offering more than guidance — it builds life changing relationships that open doors to new career opportunities.  

At the recent semester kickoff event, students and alumni shared inspiring stories of how mentorship influenced their journeys. 

For Andrew Fong (IE '10), Senior Director of Engineering at DataBricks, the power of mentorship was set in motion by an uncommon gesture: a personal note.  

A Career Sparked by Gratitude 

“It all started with a handwritten thank-you note during the holidays,” Fong recalled. 

Years before he became a mentor himself, Andrew was a student with big dreams but uncertain means.  

A Publix grocery bagger through high school, he’d saved what he could, piecing together his future one shift at a time. Georgia Tech’s top-ranked ISyE program felt like the perfect place to realize those dreams, but even with the HOPE scholarship, he still faced a financial gap. 

When Andrew was awarded the Michael Tenenbaum Graduate Fellowship, he received not just funding but the final piece he needed to become a successful student.  

It was a gift that transformed his path—and he knew he had to reach out to thank the person who’d made it possible. 

So during the holidays, Andrew took the time to write a personal, handwritten note to Michael Tenenbaum (IE '58, HON Ph.D. '16), the fund’s namesake. The gesture wasn’t just a formality; it was an earnest expression of the gratitude he felt for this opportunity. 

That one heartfelt note set off a life-changing chain of events.  

Tenenbaum replied and soon invited Andrew to intern at his firm, a summer opportunity that grew beyond his imagination.  

By the end of that internship, Tenenbaum’s words made an indelible impact: “You are part of the family. Call me anytime.”  

Shortly after Tenenbaum extended another invitation, asking Andrew to join him as a co-founder of Caribbean Capital & Consultancy Corp in Puerto Rico, a venture that launched Andrew’s career to new heights. 

Fong’s experience demonstrates how mentorship and expressions of gratitude can contribute to the development of professional relationships. 

Today, Andrew has come full circle, giving back through the MentIE program to offer students the same support that once shaped his own path. 

“These relationships go beyond professional guidance — they’re about feeling seen and valued,” Fong emphasizes, capturing the heart of mentorship. 

Join the MentIE Program 

The MentIE program thrives on the reciprocal exchange of guidance, growth, and camaraderie, empowering both mentors and mentees to reach their full potential.  

Whether you're looking to gain industry insights, build lasting relationships, or give back by mentoring future leaders, the MentIE program offers a gateway to personal and professional growth. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to make an impact, join the MentIE community today. 

For more information, contact Nicoly Myles, Director of the Center for Academics, Success, and Equity (CASE): nicoly.myles@gatech.edu