Jane Morris Mentorship Program
Mission
This year the mentorship program is focused on three aspects of professional development: networking, self-advocacy & career leadership. The WTS Mentorship Program encourages individual career development and personal growth; and enhances confidence levels. Both mentors and mentees will increase their professional and technical skills based on one-on-one relationships where information is exchanged and experiences are shared.
Whether you are more established in your career and looking to join in mentoring the next generation of transportation professionals or are newer to the industry and looking to prepare yourself for that next step in your career, we invite you to apply by March 31st here.
Benefits
● Access to a brain trust of mentors and hands-on application in lieu of monthly reporting
● Increased confidence, applicable skills development, and increase credibility within your organization
● Flexibility to adjust your professional development goals to match the changes in your project, job, company
● Autonomy to complete the program requirements at your own pace
Expectations
● Mentees are also expected to complete specific criteria including:
○ Attend and participate in monthly meetings
○ Meet with mentors
○ Conduct at least two Title Tours
○ Complete a personal project of your choosing
○ Participate in the recognition program
● Mentors are also expected to complete specific criteria including:
○ Present/lead a facilitated discussion on a topic of their choosing that aligns with the program mission
○ Meet with mentees
○ Host mentees for Title Tours
○ Share their professional network when appropriate
○ Participate in the recognition program
2022 Program Schedule & Duration
March 1-31 Application Process FOR MENTEES & MENTORS
April 19, 7:30-9:00AM
May 17, 7:30-9:00AM
June 21, 7:30-9:00AM
July 19, 7:30-9:00AM
August 16, 7:30-9:00AM
September 20, 7:30-9:00AM
October 18, 7:30-9:00AM
November - Mentorship Program Recognition Program, TBD
Program Overview
We are very excited that this year's program is led by the dynamic Maisha Hagan of Beauty & the Boss, LLC. In case you missed it, check out the Q&A with her here.
1. MONTHLY MENTORING SESSIONS
Mentees and mentors will attend and participate in monthly facilitated discussion around a specific topic(s).
2. TITLE TOURS
There are a variety of roles and titles within the transit and transportation industry. Roles and responsibilities can differ across disciplines and sectors. In order to get a greater understanding of the day-to-day requirements of those roles, mentees will be required to shadow and/or interview at least one technical or management professional in any discipline of their choosing. Mentees have the option of choosing a shadow candidate from the mentor panel or selecting one on their own.
3. NETWORKING
Networking is fundamental to any professional career, however even the most outgoing person can find it intimidating. Networking etiquette such as introductions, speaking to strangers, appropriate follow up, etc. will be applied in a real-world scenario. Mentees will be required to attend at least two (2) networking events, preferably as a mentor’s guest. Mentees will have the option of choosing a host from the mentor panel or selecting one on their own.
4. PERSONAL PROJECT
Finally, each mentee will complete and submit a personal project which will exercise the tactics and knowledge learned over the course of the program. The mentor panel will review each project and provide critique/feedback.
Mentees can choose from the following options:
- “Mock” award nomination submission
- Present an idea, innovation or recommendation (don’t worry - we’ll give you a framework)
5. PARTICIPATION IN THE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
A final meeting, celebration and recognition of each program participant.
To apply to contribute as a mentor or a mentee in this year's program, click here.
History
In 2017, our chapter lost one of its staunchest supporters, Jane Morris. Jane served in various leadership roles for the City of Phoenix, including as Director of the Mesa Gateway Airport. Though Jane was a very busy woman, who was always embarking on her next big challenge, she always made time to support WTS and was an advocate for mentoring. Through direct one-on-one mentorship as well as the educational programs she presented, Jane inspired everyone whose life she touched. We dedicated the WTS Mentorship Program in Jane’s honor as a reminder of what true mentorship and leadership inspires.
WTS Mentorship Director
Maisha Christian Hagan, Beauty & the Boss, LLC
(480) 999-9525
WTS Mentorship Coordinator
Samantha Hacker, Valley Metro
o: 602-495-8242
c: 323-363-8924