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Mentee Spotlight: Allia’s Mindset of Mentorship

Allia is a Pakistani-American woman who grew up in New York and moved to Frederick not knowing anyone. Allia enrolled in Woman to Woman Mentoring 2015. She had recently graduated from high school and began taking classes at Frederick Community College. She signed up for a lot of clubs and after seeing the W2WM flyer on a campus bulletin board, she made her way to the office. W2WM staff “were very thorough in building rapport with me, understanding what my goals were, which personalities I would mesh well with, etc.,” Allia remembers.  Allia learned that she’d receive one-on-one mentoring and some community-building workshops with other women, but she was happily surprised to find that she’d experience way more than that.

Allia completed the program and gained so much from it.  Later, Allia felt like she wanted to continue to have support as she prepared to transfer to Hood College to complete her bachelors degree.  She participated in another cohort and was paired with a new mentor.  Like we say at W2WM, you’ll never have too many awesome women on your team!  

 

Her W2WM mentors played a significant role in her growth in her educational journey, but it wasn’t only the mentors. The support that she received from the staff and the other mentees and mentors in the group made Allia feel like she had lots of people on her side as she started college as a first-generation college student.  Through challenges and successes, W2WM was there for her.  “I remember in 2021, my family and I had to go to Pakistan unexpectedly, and the past mentors I had interacted with, even W2WM Alumnae all assisted me in any way they could in making sure the transition went smoothly for my family and me. I will never forget those times!” 

One of our favorite things to hear at Woman to Woman Mentoring is that the relationship of mentor and mentee continues even after the program ends. To us, you are part of the family and always have these strong community connections as you continue through life. Allia was a prime example of this. She connects with her mentors often and has stayed in touch through school, through graduation, and now as she grows in her career.   

“Mentors Beth and Ms. Gloria are still in my life and we go out for coffee and lunch when our schedules allow it. They provide me with a safe space to talk about anything and everything. I truly cherish them and I’m grateful to have them in my life. Even though Amy isn’t technically my mentor, Amy has been a guiding bright light in my life and I’m blessed to have a person like her in my life. I’ve recently connected with [former W2WM ED] Tonya after all these years and it was such a beautiful experience; she truly has such a warm energy to her that it felt like no time has passed since we last connected,” Allia stated. 

When asked how Woman to Woman Mentoring helped Allia grow she said, “I feel that I have become a confident woman in many areas. I do believe I can accomplish my goals and dreams even if I don’t know what the path may look like. Hearing all the stories from the mentors and mentees, it is inspiring how their paths have led them to their current successes. Especially as a woman, it’s so important to have a support network; they can empower you to step outside your comfort zone, even when you may question your own abilities.” 

When asked what advice Allia would give other women looking to join the program, Allia stated “Woman to Woman Mentoring Program is an absolutely amazing program filled with incredible and inspiring women. Even if you are nervous or are extremely shy, as I was, it’s okay! You don’t need to become a different person when coming into this program, be yourself, figure out what you would like from this program, and jump in. The women in this group will guide you, encourage you, sit with you. We all come from different stories, just know you can begin writing your own future chapters and all of these women will empower you to see how much more capable you truly are (this is extra cheesy, but cheese is good). Whatever you decide I’m sure it will be amazing. I wish all of you abundant amount of success, blessings, and guidance throughout your journeys.” 

Looking to become a mentee and take advantage of the program, connections, and support? Apply now to become a mentee for one of our upcoming programs, all starting in September! www.womantowomanmentoring.com 

 

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