If you ask a woman in leadership how she got where she is today, chances are her story includes another woman who nudged, encouraged, challenged, or believed in her at just the right moment. That’s the power of mentorship—and it’s one of the quiet forces shaping the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Mentorship doesn’t always look like a formal program with sign-up sheets and scheduled meetings. Often, it starts in small moments: a conversation after a WIL event, a text checking in before a presentation, a recommendation sent to the right person at the right time. These seemingly simple acts of support add up, forming a safety net and launch pad all at once.
For women, mentorship is deeply relational. It’s not just about transferring information or tips; it’s about being seen and believed in. A mentor says, “I see your potential, and I’m willing to walk beside you while you grow into it.” In a world where many women still wrestle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, that kind of affirmation can be life-changing.
In the Great Lakes Bay Region, mentorship is also about local context. A woman who’s built a career, business, or nonprofit here understands the unique dynamics of our communities. She knows which partnerships matter, what challenges are common, where opportunities are emerging, and how to navigate the networks that aren’t always obvious from the outside. When she shares that knowledge generously, she shortens the learning curve for someone else.
Mentorship isn’t one-directional, either. While we usually think of mentors as the ones pouring into others, the relationship often becomes mutually enriching. Seasoned leaders gain fresh perspective, renewed energy, and new ideas from those they mentor. Younger or earlier-stage professionals bring creativity, innovation, and different lived experiences. Together, they create a kind of leadership “ecosystem” that’s stronger than any one person.
For women who feel like they’re “not experienced enough” to mentor yet, here’s an important truth: you don’t have to be at the top to be a mentor. You simply need to be willing to share what you’ve learned so far. If you’re one step ahead of someone else in a particular area, you have something of value to offer. Maybe you’ve navigated a career change, negotiated a raise, launched a side business, returned to school, or set better boundaries. Those lessons matter.
On the flip side, if you’re longing for guidance, don’t be afraid to ask. Many women are honored to be invited into that role; they just may not realize you’re looking for it. Start by reaching out to someone you admire from a WIL event or local gathering. Tell her what you’re working on and ask if she’d be open to coffee or a short conversation. Mentorship often grows from small, simple yeses.
Ultimately, mentorship is one of the most powerful ways women can lift each other up—in business, in leadership, and in life. It helps us remember we’re not alone. It widens the path for those who come after us. And it creates a culture where women don’t just succeed individually; they rise together.
In the Great Lakes Bay Region, that’s not just a nice idea. It’s already happening. And you can be part of it—both as a learner and as a leader.
