Why Mentorship Matters: Growing Ties Beyond the Corps

May 2025
Elizabeth Warner

The mentorship program, run by Deputy Director of Program Implementation Richard Denor, supports the development of our Fellows beyond their year of service. The program pairs Fellows with professionals in fields they are looking to pursue after their year of service. We source mentors from our wide professional network who work in various fields, like medicine, tech, government, education, and law. 

Richard has this to say about the program: “One of the simple joys of my job is watching the relationships between mentors and mentees blossom. There is a beautiful melding that happens when the right mentor meets an ambitious Fellow. Both parties receive so much from the program and the success comes from the service mindset that our alumni and network have.”  

Because of the program, GO Fellow Kira was able to confidently start her job search with the guidance of her mentor Stefanie, who is the deputy director of programs at LEAP in New Haven. Kira was thrilled to have a mentor to help her navigate the interview process and all the other little things that come along with major career decisions. 

Stefanie also had a rewarding experience: “Our relationship is one that is transparent, mutually beneficial, and truly fosters growth for both of us. It has been a wonderful experience to be a part of someone’s professional journey.”  

Earlier this year, Kira and Stefanie did a lot of prep work together before Kira started the job search. Kira researched museums that hire costumed interpreters, refined her resume, drafted multiple versions of her cover letter, and applied to lower-stakes jobs for practice. And then once January hit, Kira felt ready to apply for jobs with confidence.

Later that month, Kira spotted a posting for an interpreter position at Colonial Williamsburg—her dream job. Kira applied and a week later was requested for an interview. She immediately emailed Stefanie and they met and discussed how to prepare for the interview. This gave Kira a lot of confidence: “I felt very confident about it and passed the first interview with flying colors.”

Now, after an in-person interview, Kira is eagerly awaiting a final decision. Stefanie is helping Kira with the potential logistics of moving to Virginia: “She’s been so helpful with every new wrinkle in this process, and I couldn’t think of a better mentor for me.” 

Stefanie attributes their successful partnership to a mix of professionalism, accountability, and honest communication. “We do not dwell on the challenges of service and remain very focused and goal-oriented. We also hold each other accountable, setting deadlines for deliverables on both ends,” she explains. “Even if we do not have set times to speak, Kira still updates me by email.”

As a former Fellow, Stefanie is able to connect with Kira easily. Stephanie shares: “I enjoy being able to help someone in this professional journey. Thinking back to my own time in the Fellowship, I would’ve appreciated someone to bounce ideas with, someone to help guide me, and someone outside the Fellowship as a support in general.”

Stefanie adds: “Kira helps fill my cup, helps me ground my own ‘why,’ and inspires me. I am so excited to see where this journey takes her.”