“There are many opportunities today for mentoring. We can work with the very young, boys, girls, those new to the country or, truthfully, any other sub section of the population we wish to, if we are willing to work hard enough to find the right resource. I know, I think I’ve done it all. But what seems to be missing is the full circle connection: does the program target a population with a population of leaders to accomplish a goal that is interesting to them both? Often, not.
What drew me to the idea of Women Mentor Atlanta is the full circle. This was women who were reaching out to women to fill a need that had real affects in the corporate community. It is about support, yes, but a specific support that men have that, even today, women lack in the workplace. It is about exploring getting from here to there and navigating the very real pitfalls that come with pursuing a career with balance.
It is also hard work. Putting the program together was hard work. But it should be, it is so vitally important. And truthfully, I didn’t really know how important until I met my protégé, because the world is the same as it was when I started out, and very different. All the concerns are there. ‘What if I miss an opportunity, what if I make the wrong choices? How do I get into the conversations that matter without appearing pushy or bossy?’ and to complicate all of this ‘How do I do it when the world is moving so fast I don’t even have time to think?’ Anyone can offer advice here but the most valued viewpoint is that of someone who has, and still is, asking the same questions.”
Elizabeth Labbe-Webb
“Mentors are a valuable resource for any young professional – offering advice, experience, and focus, but it is Women Mentor Atlanta who take this to the next level among women. WMA matched me with an excellent person who I have been able to not only seek advice from professionally, but personally, from a woman’s perspective. This has benefited me greatly as a new MBA graduate re-entering the workforce. Prior to our ‘match’ I had specific qualities I wanted to enhance within myself, and my mentor has been a key person in helping me grow in these areas. I am excited to be a part of such a phenomenal idea and program!”
Nirvana Archer
“Sometimes all you need is for someone to tell you, it’s going to be okay, this is just a part of your journey. That’s all I needed to hear. I’ve always been told about the importance of having a mentor. However, along my journey it seems as though I could never find one. Oddly enough even when I asked people to guide me either they had little to no interest or simply not enough time. Still I found this to be strange. Even though my own schedule grew more and more productive, I always found time to serve when younger people asked me for my guidance. I began to think maybe I just wasn’t meant to have a mentor. As I hit roadblocks, setbacks, and diverged paths, I began to grow more anxious and uncertain. Then I met the creators of Women Mentor Atlanta. I thought to myself why not? After I was matched, my mentor and I exchanged calls simply learning about each other. One day while at my business school internship, I had a moment, some might call this a panic attack. Out of nowhere I began to question everything I was doing. Did I make the right choice to resign from my job and go to business school? Did my personal mission make sense? Would I even be successful in this path I had chosen? In that panic I text my mentor. Almost immediately she told to me to step outside and call her. She talked me through the entire process, reassured me, and even gave me some tough love but she reminded me that it’s going to be okay, and this was all a part of my journey. A simple phrase, a simple reminder, created a lasting impact. When women come together to support each other something great happens and for that I am grateful. Thank you!”
Jewel Thompson
