Thank You!

Thank you to EVERYONE that contributed to Great Expectations record-breaking event. Whether you donated, sponsored, bought an auction item, ticket or table or otherwise supported the event effort, your support of our youth mentoring programs will be a powerful investment in the future of our youth. It was a spectacular evening showcasing our students' talents, the generosity of the LEAP community and the power and magic of mentoring.

2025 Partner Honoree

Mass Mentoring Partnership

Mass Mentoring Partnership is committed to ensuring that all young people in Massachusetts have the mentoring relationships they need to develop into thriving, engaged adults, resulting in vibrant communities. To learn more about this organization, click here.

Accepting the Award

Cynthia K. Orellana, Ph.D.

Dr. Cynthia Orellana has been a long-term friend of LEAP for Education, going back over 10 years when she was with the Department of Higher Education funding the expansion of LEAP's College Success Program. Last year Dr. Orellana joined Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP) as its CEO, bringing with her a passion and commitment to inclusive and collaborative practices, bridging the opportunity divide and driving systemic change.

Dr. Orellana received a BA in Political Science from Northeastern University, a MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University and a PhD in Higher Education Leadership from UMASS Boston. To learn more about Dr. Orellana's work serving our Commonwealth's students, click here.

2025 Emcee

Idekelly "Kelly" Santana King

Principal Automation Engineer, Raytheon

LEAP Alumna (2007 - 2017)

King received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2017 from Northeastern University, which she attended on a full scholarship. In 2021, she completed her Masters degree in Computer Science, also from Northeastern.

Ms. King came to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2007 and attended Collins Middle School in Salem and Salem High School from 8th grade through 11th grade before moving to Lynn, transferring to Lynn English High School, and graduating in 2012.

Today, Ms. King still lives in Lynn with her husband, her grandmother and her five-month-old baby boy. Prior to the birth of her son, Ms. King also mentored young girls at Big Sisters and was a children’s ministry leader at her church. She hopes to continue this work after her leave and when her life achieves some normalcy.