Some people leave an indelible mark on the lives they touch. Brian Kohn was one such individual. Brian was a dedicated mentor at Riverside whose impact continues to resonate with those he guided.
Brian became a mentor in December 2021. During that time, he generously shared his time and wisdom with four mentees, working with them on career and educational advancement needs.
His impact is evident in the heartfelt testimonials from his mentees:
Feruza Kassimova described Brian as having "a beautiful heart," praising his caring and empathetic nature. She highlighted how Brian went above and beyond, not only helping her build a resume building and offering career advice but also sharing valuable insights about life in the city.
Marta Buktyuk fondly remembered Brian as "a very intelligent person," recounting their wide-ranging conversations on numerous topics. She appreciated his unique perspective on American culture and life.
Nastassia Zharnouskaya credited Brian with helping her navigate job interviews, noting the significant difference his assistance made in her preparation and practice.
His mentorship extended beyond professional guidance. Brian shared personal stories, offered useful ‘life hacks,’ and even introduced one mentee to his grandfather via Zoom, creating connections that transcended the typical mentor-mentee relationship.
Sadly, on August 20, 2022, Brian passed away. His all-too-brief but profound impact on our mentoring program exemplifies the power of volunteerism and the far-reaching effects of genuine care and dedication. His approach—personal, empathetic, and holistic—brought immeasurable value to our community and organization.
To honor Brian’s commitment and dedication, Brian’s family is making a contribution to Riverside that will support ongoing programs and services for new immigrants and refugees. They have given us permission to share this story with our community so that his memory can continue to inspire our volunteers, encouraging them to approach each interaction with the same level of care, wisdom, and openness that Brian so naturally embodied.
We are so grateful for Brian Kohn's service and express our condolences to his family.