Can mentors be different sex and race

Hi Latinosincollege, i really like your site!
I want to know, if mentors have to be Hispanic and your same sex. Like I have a professor i really like in one of my classes (I'm a freshman) and he's a black man. He's smart and inspires me. Would it be ok to approach him and find out if he could be my mentor? I'd like him to guide me in my career decisions, choosing my major, etc.
I hope you can answer me soon.
thanks,
Maria Luz

Hi Maria,

Mentors can absolutely be a different sex and race. The most important part of choosing a mentor is choosing someone who will inspire you and help guide you to accomplish your goals. Look for someone you admire and who has accomplished a lot of things you wish to accomplish yourself, regardless of their race or sex.

If you have found someone you want to be your mentor, definitely go ahead and ask them. I'm sure they will be honored that you think so highly of them.

Best,
Amber George

Maria Luz,
In addition to Amber's advice, I'd suggest that you need to develop a good rapport with someone before you ask them to be your mentor. People need to like you and what you stand for in order to invest their time and energy in you. It helps if you can offer them support for their own initiatives and goals. Take a look at the Vlog I did about this topic.
Saludos,
Mariela Dabbah