The WICT New England Mentor Program held its kickoff event at the historic Publick House in Sturbridge, MA.  The day started with welcoming remarks from Laura Ausmus, the newly inducted WICT New England President. Laura thanked her predecessor, Holly Burgess, for her years of dedication and leadership to the chapter.  Anna Ciccone, Mentor Program Director, reviewed the day’s agenda which included a buffet lunch, group ice breaker and an opportunity for the thirty pairs in attendance to get acquainted and set goals.  Anna stressed the importance of using the WICT Touchstones as a guideline for improving yourself and making the most of the program.  Some of the desired outcomes touched on included an opportunity for protégées to gain career direction while also providing mentors professional satisfaction in influencing their mentee’s career development and success in achieving their goals.

After lunch, the group had the chance to hear from our 2015 Mentor Program Evening of Excellence winners, Tammy Herbert and Nanci Hyburg. In their presentation on ‘Lessons in Mentoring’, Tammy Herbert, Protégé of the Year, encouraged the group to ask for the time you think you need from your mentor to help you achieve your goals.  She stressed that your mentor has volunteered their time and are invested in seeing you reach your maximum potential.  She encouraged protégées to not feel intimidated by their mentor’s title or background and to focus on capitalizing on their career experience to guide and support you.  Nanci Hyburg, Mentor of the Year, advised the mentors to be confident in their abilities to help others with their knowledge and expertise.  She also gave firsthand experience on how to work through geographical challenges by scheduling meetings via phone or video conference.  She also encouraged pairs to attend in-person chapter events and “Power Hours” in addition to the mid-year and end of year exclusive Mentor Program events.

A session on Mindfulness was conducted by Anita Barbero from the ESPN Wellness Center. She encouraged the group to practice ‘being in the moment’ and to work on taking a “Mindful Minute” during the day.  She explained this can increase focus, clarity and energy which can lead to being more creative, productive, healthier and happier. To cap off the afternoon, our pairs spent one-on-one time together to get acquainted and establish goals for the next eleven months of the program.  As the day came to a close, participants left feeling energized and excited about their newly formed partnerships and we look forward to seeing their relationships blossom and grow.