January 30, 2014
A celebration at 25 Science Park on January 30 marked the conclusion of the pilot Finance & Business Operations (FBO) Minority Mentorship Program.
Launched in February 2013, the program was a collaboration between Deborah Stanley-McAulay, Chief Diversity Officer for Yale Human Resources, and the FBO Diversity Champion Team, led by Karen Polhemus of the Office of the CIO.
The program paired 25 mentees with an equal number of mentors. Typically mentees and mentors met each month and discussed personal and professional development. Comments from participants include:
- “My mentee was highly motivated and energized, and required me to be thoughtful and to stretch as we explored challenges in the workplace. The experience was very positive for me and I believe that we made a connection that could be mutually beneficial in the future. I became aware of some minority-related issues which could help me to be more effective.”
- “Participating in the FBO mentoring program has expanded my views on what mentoring can accomplish (for both mentees and mentors) and how to incorporate these traits in my professional life.”
- “I am learning more about other areas of my organization and learning specifically how my mentee’s department operates. It is very valuable that I am getting to know someone very well that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise.”
- “The program is invaluable. In fact, this program has changed my behavior—I now try to mentor others that come to me with challenges.”
- “This has been a great experience. I would want to participate again!”
A big thanks to all, especially to Deborah for her the support and leadership!
Elizabeth Famodimu and Paul DiBello
John Mays and Magaly Cabrera
Grace Hao and Shirley Chock