Today marks the start of the annual recruitment of mentors for Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay's Mentor Protege component - among the high impact layers of this program drawing young professionals ages 21 to 35. Chamber members in all industries are encouraged to serve as mentors! More than 500+ strong, Emerging Leaders draws young professionals across all business sectors. No single industry has the exclusive and it's mirrored on the mentorship side too.
“There are plenty of networking groups and organizations to connect with others in your industry, but this kind of access to professionals in everything from banking to biomedicine is another story,” said Brett Scafidi, 2023 Chair of Emerging Leaders. “Expanding your network is about more than cultivating future clients. Emerging Leaders has given me a support network of professionals I can brainstorm with, problem-solve, and do life with.”
Each year, participants say the mentor-protégé component started in 2006 is one of the most empowering and inspiring aspects of the program. In 2023, seventy-eight Emerging Leaders were paired with seasoned professionals. “The mentor-protégé component is a game changer for many of our young professionals, who connect with community leaders and industry leaders they may not have access to otherwise,” explains Michelle Ciudad-Real, Senior Director of Leadership Programs at the Tampa Bay Chamber.
"Having great mentors are important to learning and growing your career and the Mentor Protege program of Emerge leaves nothing to chance," said Christopher Yanes, 2023 Chair of Emerge's Hub for Business segment. "Since we started this in 2006, more than 750 Emerge members have been paired with amazing business leaders in the community."
The annual pairings are possible thanks to robust support from local business leaders who volunteer their time and talents. Mentors don’t just coach and encourage the young professionals they’re paired with. Emerge hosts more than 60 events each year, including networking events, engagements with community leaders, and volunteer opportunities at local non-profit organizations.
“Being able to connect with someone who was once in my shoes and has accomplished so much since then has given me a new perspective and has inspired me to start taking action on my goals,” said Haley Robinson, one of nearly 80 young professionals being mentored this year. “What makes this program so unique is the personal relationship you develop with your mentor. Whether we’re talking about professional pursuits, community causes, or just about life in general, I feel like I’m constantly learning something new from Cortney or something new about myself.” Haley's mentor is Cortney Young, a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Tampa General Hospital.
Haley's mentor pointing to their visit this summer to warehouse of Feeding Tampa Bay as just one example of the memorable moments the two have experienced during their Mentor - Protege journey. "Sharing this volunteer experience with my mentee, Haley, was highly memorable and allowed us to deepen our relationship as we connected over something we are both passionate about: community involvement,” said Young, a TGH employee. Her mentee is a benefits advocate in the insurance industry. “
It’s a rewarding experience mentors say goes both ways, inspiring many of these seasoned professionals to participate year after year. “Throughout this mentor/protégé experience, it has been immensely rewarding to see my mentee, Haley, grow a heightened interest in nonprofit engagement, obtain opportunities, and develop key strategies to work towards her professional goals,” explained Young. ”It is an honor to be even a small positive influence in her journey as her mentor, allowing me to pay it forward in thanks to those who have also done the same for me.”
A pillar of Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay is the Mentor-Protégé Program. This exclusive mentoring program aims to develop long-term mutually beneficial relationships between experienced business leaders and motivated young professionals. Protégés will complete the program with an action plan to assist them in achieving personal success. This is a mutual contract between Mentor and Protégé dedicating nine months to this program to assist and grow together. Chamber Members interested in learning more about becoming a mentor in the new year, can visit the Emerging Leaders Mentor Protégé webpage, fill out the online form or contact the Director of Leadership Programs, Taisha Edwin-Williams, directly. Recruitment opened October 31st and continues until December 14th.