The first ever Junior Achievement (JA) Mentor Circle took place on February 21, 2017, at Saginaw Valley State University in partnership with Women in Leadership.
At this event, 126 high school young ladies participated in roundtable discussions with professional women in a variety of industries. The mission was to offer support and guidance to the next generation of women leaders. When they succeed, we all succeed!
The day wrapped up with networking, lunch with ladies from Women in Leadership, and an inspiring presentation by Barbara Littles, Leadership Coach and CEO of Purpose by Design on The Power of Mentoring and Being Mentored.
JA Mentor Circle
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The girls and their mentors gathered at SVSU Curtiss Hall for the first session of the JA Mentor Circle Educational Program. Women from various industries including law, business, education, engineering, politics and more shared experiences, answered questions, and showed solidarity with the young ladies.
Here's what some of them had to say about their experience:
“I loved everything about the day. It was personal, yet empowering. I’ve realized how important it is to have a mentor. Today I am going home with more confidence and a better outlook on life. Thank you. I am proud to be a woman.”
“I would love to attend this event again. It was a great experience.”
“Thank you to both of my mentors. You really helped me to see a new point of view of life. I am not going to run away from fear, and to stay prepared for whatever comes my way.”
Women in Leadership and JA Mentor Circle Luncheon
After the morning discussion, the girls and their mentors joined the Women in Leadership luncheon.
Presentation: The Power of Mentoring and Being Mentored
During lunch, Barbara Littles shared how mentoring relationships can promote career and personal growth for everyone involved. Here's what Beth Bryce, Career Strategist and Women in Leadership member had to say about her presentation:
"Barbara is what everyone would hope to have in a mentor, truly. She inspires me to see bigger, dream bigger and do bigger, she asks tough questions and challenges me.
Homework from Barbara:
- What type of mentor do you need? Academic, career, personal, business
- Name 3 people who you would consider asking to mentor you
- What would you want to learn from each of those persons?
- Write how you will make those requests and when
I hope you have an awesome mentor, make that mentors, plural. And that you have the opportunity to pay it forward mentoring others, which is an honor and gift...both ways.
Women supporting women, always. "
