Mentor Much?
In Her Shoes Home, Out About Town | 26 Apr 2010
Reaching a certain level in your career, being invited to all the hottest industry events, and having the financial freedom to cop all the designer apparel your heart desires is a beautiful thing, but let’s make one thing clear. All of this means nothing – I repeat – nothing if you’re not reaching back to nourish the career of a younger person who could benefit from your experience and wisdom.
We’ve all heard phrases like “each one teach one,” and “teach the babies” but can you honestly say you’re doing your part? Even if you don’t have time to become an actual mentor, consider sharing your expertise by speaking at schools in your community. The couple hours you take out of your day to build with the youth could provide an aspiring (insert your career here) with enough knowledge to last a lifetime!
Last Friday I had the honor of joining four other Fly Female Entrepreneurs on a trip Uptown to speak at the KIPP: Infinity Charter School’s career day. We were invited by the super sweet and beautiful Ms. Asiya Razvi and it was definitely one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve had in a while.
Five women following their dreams + over 50 students who were eager to learn more about our chosen professions = one amazing afternoon! Hope you enjoy these pics and are inspired to touch a young person’s life today!
Asiya Razvi of KIPP: Infinity Charter School Gets The Classroom Ready
Jewelry Designer & Illustrator, Lorraine Natasha West
Anjum Razvi, Interior Designer & Asiya’s Mom!
Kristen Tate, Public Relations Professional
Yours Truly: Renae Bluitt, Public Relations Professional & Founder, In Her Shoes
Ashaka Givens, Clothing Designer
Tags: Anjum Razvi, Ashaka Givens, Asiya Razvi, Kristen Tate, Lorraine West, Renae Bluitt
We appreciate SO much that all five of you… super-busy and super-fabulous and successful ladies took time out of YOUR day to spend a little time sharing your stories with our babies! They were inspired!
This is great. Kudos to these lovely ladies. Remember when you were an aspirant youth with big dreams but little to no idea on how to make them come true in a practical way? Well, that’s a dynamic that young people have to deal with in every generation. Every adult should set aside at least an hour a week from their lives to mentor the youth. Once you’ve had an enjoyable experience with mentorship, you realize that the act is actually mutually beneficial. So I encourage everyone out there to give back when they can, as much as they can!
Just awesome ladies!
I had such a blast. It was so magical and inspiring to present alongside such powerful women! Let’s do it again soon!
Great job on the post Renae!
Thanks again to Asiya for the opportunity. You have a fantastic, bright group of students at KIPP. What a pleasure spending time with them! They inspired me. And thanks, Renae for capturing it all and encouraging everyone to do their part.
It’s great to see such beautiful people inside and out giving back. It’s the little things that count in the long run. You ladies altogether are like the “fabulous five”
aka “fab 5″. Great article!!
That’s what i’m talking about! I teach but in between being that serious curriculum writing educator I was motivational speaking to youth all over nyc. There’s nothing like breaking down what you do and being like, “i do this now. You can do it. Matter of fact, take this job from me ’cause i am going to want to do something else in a few.”
teach the babies!
bring it!
Awesome! What a good way to give back!
I love this! What a great attitude to have
LOVE IT!!!!! Donating your time means more than you will ever know, and you all looked fly while doing it
As a young person who often feels like getting to where I want to be is mission impossible, I can’t emphasise enough how important mentoring is. Well done to the mentors and the young ladies, I hope that more people realise the importance of mentoring.
Everyone needs a good mentor! I love mine!! (wink wink)
Great article! I cannot wait to start back mentoring. My work hours have not allowed me the opportunity to do so.