Elevate+ Elects Jeff Kaufman to Board of Trustees

Andrew Walker • February 25, 2026

Elevate to Even Plus (Elevate+) is proud to announce the election of Jeff Kaufman to its Board of Trustees.

Jeff brings more than four decades of global business leadership and a lifelong commitment to mentoring. He spent 44 years with PwC, including a 30-year active career as a Partner specializing in International Tax and Business Development before retiring in 2011. Shortly thereafter, he returned to the firm as a consultant, leading the development and global rollout of PwC’s sales methodology across more than 35 countries. His work included a year based in Singapore supporting teams throughout Southeast Asia, as well as decades of coaching teams pursuing complex client engagements.

Mentorship has been a defining theme of Jeff’s career. During his 22 years as an active Partner, he mentored 20 professionals who went on to become Partners themselves. Over the past 20 years, he has volunteered extensively as a career mentor, coaching hundreds of job seekers across industries and age groups, with a particular focus on practical, effective networking strategies that help job seekers open doors, stand out in interviews, and turn opportunities into job offers. He has served for six years as an active coach with the Fountain Baptist Church Networking Ministry and is currently completing a book on mentoring, distilling decades of experience to help others engage more intentionally and effectively in the mentoring process — both as mentors and mentees.

Jeff has already made a meaningful impact at Elevate+. Over the past several years, he has been a highly engaged volunteer, creating and delivering the Elevate+ Intern Masterclass on Communication, leading the Mentor Workshop last summer, serving on the Career Journey Mentor (CJM) Steering Committee, and stepping forward to lead onboarding training for CJM volunteer mentors.

“I am thrilled and honored to join the board of Elevate+,” said Jeff Kaufman. “The organization is driving change that improves the lives of each student it supports. I am excited to work alongside the rest of the board to continue growing its programs. The Elevate+ mission is my personal passion, and I look forward to contributing my skills and expertise to help expand its impact.”

Andrew Walker, Founder and Executive Director of Elevate+, shared his enthusiasm about Jeff’s election:

“I am absolutely delighted that Jeff has stepped forward to join the Elevate+ Board of Trustees. I’ve known Jeff for decades as a leader in the mobility industry, where he built a remarkable career in expatriate tax and consulting. Throughout that time, what always stood out was his deep commitment to mentoring and developing others. We are fortunate to continue working together in this new capacity. Jeff has already been an extraordinary contributor to Elevate+, and I know his experience, wisdom, and heart for our mission will strengthen our board and help us scale our impact.”

Founded in 2020, Elevate+ advances economic mobility by ensuring equitable access to paid internships and professional development for students from underserved backgrounds. By funding wages and pairing each internship with structured career-readiness programming and mentorship, Elevate+ equips students with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to thrive.

Jeff’s election reflects Elevate+’s continued investment in leadership that blends global expertise with hands-on commitment to students’ success.

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Showing Up Is Only the First Step

By Aguie Barrantes • July 8, 2026

Walking into a networking event alone is not exactly comfortable. I didn't know anyone, and I wasn't sure I belonged there. But somewhere between the first conversation and the second, that feeling changed. This summer, as the Marketing & Communications Intern at Elevate+ , I've learned that internships are about much more than completing projects. Managing and developing the Intern Spotlight posts, creating social media content, and building a content calendar and other marketing materials, including this blog post, have strengthened my organization, creativity, and communication skills. My biggest takeaway has been that building a personal brand starts before anyone is watching . Outside of Elevate+, one of my professors from Seton Hall introduced me to the opportunity to attend a two-day networking event at Next League. While I was nervous at first, I reminded myself that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone . Connecting with students and professionals across the sports industry showed there isn't one path to success. Alongside Elevate+, I’ve also balanced two other part-time jobs with FC Motown and Momento. Whether it’s working long hours in the summer heat or adjusting to unexpected changes during a live event, I’ve learned that success comes from being adaptable and thinking on the fly. These experiences have shown me that the most valuable growth happens when you’re willing to step up and show up , regardless of the circumstances. Looking back on the first half of the summer, I’ve realized that my biggest growth hasn't come from checking projects off a list. It's come from putting myself in unfamiliar situations, asking questions, and embracing opportunities that once felt intimidating . As I head into the second half of the summer, my goal is to be more intentional about following up with the professionals I meet. I've had the opportunity to connect with many people, but I want those conversations to turn into meaningful, lasting relationships. Showing up is only the first step; following up is what makes a connection memorable .