mentors magnify
No matter your position in life or career, we all have the ability to mentor someone. To expand our influence and build our community, it’s critical we take every opportunity we can to share our experiences to potentially elevate those around us. Mentorship stands as a cornerstone of personal and professional growth, offering a transformative journey guided by experience and wisdom. The importance of mentorship lies in its capacity to bridge knowledge gaps, provide invaluable insights, and nurture skills that go beyond textbooks or formal education. A mentor's guidance, gained through years of trial, error, and success, empowers mentees to navigate challenges with more confidence and efficacy. Through mentorship, individuals gain access to a wealth of practical knowledge, unlocking a deeper understanding of industry nuances and unwritten rules. Moreover, mentorship fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie, creating a support system that encourages ambition and resilience. As mentors share their stories of both triumphs and failures, mentees are inspired to dream big while learning from the lessons of their mentors' past. Ultimately, mentorship serves as a two-way street, where mentors find fulfillment in giving back, while mentees embark on a transformative journey toward realizing their full potential, magnifying their presence to become more visible to opportunities.
I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for my mentors. When founding the Utah Black Chamber, the Utah Hispanic Chamber’s leadership was instrumental in guiding me through the process of setting up the organization, how to get members and sponsors, and the responsibility of amplifying the voice of a diverse community. I followed their advice, attended their events and took notes of how they put them on. I started my network with their network, as they were happy to make introductions to essential influencers and organizations to get the Black Chamber growing in the right direction. From the Hispanic chamber to the Calvary Baptist Church congregation, I have had a consistent village around me to to help find my passion and my purpose.
allies amplify
Allies are just as important as mentors. They play a pivotal role in driving positive change, fostering inclusivity, and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. The importance of allies lies in their ability to use their privilege, influence, and resources to advocate for marginalized individuals or groups. Allies actively challenge systemic biases and work towards creating environments where everyone can thrive. Their support not only helps dismantle barriers but also creates a sense of safety and belonging for those facing discrimination. By standing alongside those in need, allies contribute to a more diverse and equitable society, promoting collaboration and understanding across different backgrounds. Their actions serve as a catalyst for progress, reminding us that we are all interconnected in the journey towards a fairer and more just world. After the murder of George Floyd, the Utah Black Chamber had a member joining everyday for nearly the entire summer of 2020. The majority of the new members were not Black small businesses, however. They were individuals and organizations who wanted to better support the Black community. These allies were offering their resources, skills and abilities and their network to support the chamber’s mission. The chamber was already experiencing exponential growth and the social injustice movement of 2020 further accelerated the growth of the chamber. It grew not only in membership and revenue, but the chamber has since been serving as one of the strongest voices of the diverse community.
Mentors magnify and allies amplify. To achieve your purpose, these people are critical to your village.