Unleashing potential: WALPA launches second annual mentorship program for aspiring environmental leaders!

Based on feedback from the 2023-2024 matches, the first annual mentorship program made a splash for mentees and mentors alike! WALPA’s DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Committee is pleased to announce that WALPA will continue to host a Student and Early Career Mentor Program for its members. Mentees will receive valuable professional advice and networking opportunities, while mentors will gain useful skills in mentorship and a chance to give back. Matches will be made in December, so sign up today if you are interested in either role. If you are interested in being a mentor or mentee, complete this survey to let us know:  https://forms.gle/2g7LZSKrunwmceuSA Mentorship program expectations:

• Establish a meeting schedule (format, times, etc) and frequency that both parties agree to 
• Commit to the role for at least one year
• Mentor: Provide career and professional advice, encourage growth of mentee’s network, connect mentee with opportunities
• Mentee: Be prepared for the meeting, have questions or an agenda, be open to discussions about career opportunities

If you would like to meet fellow mentors and mentees or learn more about the program, join us for lunch at this year’s combined OLA/WALPA conference in Portland, OR! Questions? Reach out to Clark (tclark@herrerainc.com ) or Wafa Tafesh (wtafesh@kingcounty.gov ) Here’s what last year’s participants had to say: Mentee: “I have really been enjoying getting to know [my mentor] better and have appreciated [their] time and advice! I did not really know what to expect coming into this program, so this has been a great experience.” Mentor: “I have really enjoyed connecting with [my mentee] and learning more about them and [their] graduate school experience. It has been especially educational for me to have consistent conversations with someone from [their] community. I appreciate the ease of our conversations and [their] preparedness. I feel like I am able to provide useful perspectives without needing to operate as an employer/supervisor (which I have done in other mentorship roles).” Mentor: “It’s been fun! I’m very proud that my mentee has found a job that seems to suit her well… I’ve learned a lot too!”