“Work hard, believe in yourself, and you can accomplish anything.” Those were the words of advice Donald Driver gave to graduates of the Donald Driver Mentoring Program at the graduation ceremony for our 2018 graduates of the program. Those words resonated with the group, who spent more than six months partnering with Mentors from the community to set goals for advancing in their careers, tackle challenging interpersonal situations, building confidence, networking with new people and much more.
The Donald Driver Mentoring Program began in 2015 as a way to connect community members with Goodwill employees through a mentoring relationship. Mentors in the program help an employee of Goodwill or graduate of one of Goodwill’s programs and/or services reach their full potential, especially in relation to their employment goals, through one-on-one mentoring relationships with community leaders and personal advocates. Mentors help to guide an individual toward personal and professional growth in a safe atmosphere that is collaborative, constructive, and confidential.
“Being a Mentee allows people to gain new and different perspectives as they consider how best to approach work and life goals,” says Angela Adams, Vice President of Community Relations. “Mentoring is also personally rewarding – I have learned some of life’s best lessons by being of service to others. Our Mentors and Mentees are finding that same thing to be true.”
For Mentors in the program, the rewards are great. Kim Harman, Vice President, Human Resources—Process Sector at Rexnord, says, “it has been a privilege to participate in the Donald Driver Mentoring Program for the past few years and develop trusting relationships with some incredible people. It’s been a cup of coffee and lunch with great company. It’s been meaningful life conversations. It’s been an opportunity to assist others to see a possible future and know it can be obtained. It’s been a new path forward. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
The Donald Driver Mentoring Program will start its fifth cohort in May 2019, so Mentor selection and training are underway. Our mentoring program provides a great opportunity to give back, share skills and knowledge, and make a difference in the life of a fellow community member. Mentors provide one-on-one encouragement and inspiration while serving as a sounding board, advisor, coach, teacher, role model, self-esteem builder and advocate all rolled into one.
Does this sound like something you are interested in? Do you know someone that would make an excellent Mentor? Then become a part of the Donald Driver Mentoring program and give back to Goodwill in this unique and impactful way! For more information, please contact Luz Ortiz-Carby, Community Relations Manager, at (414) 847-4294 or Luz.Ortiz-Carby@goodwillsew.com.
Those pictured in the photo at the top of this page:
First row: Todd Colbo (Goodwill Employee), Wendy Slusar-Mischler (Northwestern Mutual), Donald Driver, Jelayna Carrasquillo (Goodwill Employee), Liz Mora (Goodwill Employee) & Kim Harman (Rexnord)
Second row: Mike Kartz (Oldenburg Group), Jody Riendeau (Talent & Outreach Consultant), Cristina Alers (Goodwill Employee), Dr. Francie Stone (Owner, Private Practice) & Stephanie Kaiser (Goodwill Employee)
Back row: Geza Szakacs (Goodwill Employee), Gary Steinhart (Business Consultant) and Andres Gonzalez (VP, Chief Diversity Officer, Froedtert)
