Associate Director of Equity and Inclusion – HOFSTRA University
In your opinion, what qualities make a “Moves Mentor”?
I consider a moves mentor to be someone who possesses a good balance of experience, empathy, energy, and expertise. A great mentor should be able to inspire and challenge their mentee to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
How does mentoring benefit the mentor? Career-wise? Intellectually? Spiritually? Socially? Any other “-allys”?
Mentoring provides opportunities for the mentor to expand their network and learn from their mentee’s experiences and perspectives. For me, mentoring furthers my sense of purpose and fulfillment and gives me the chance to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Should mentorship be a company requirement or a personal give-back?
While it’s always a good thing for individuals to voluntarily engage in mentorship to give back to their community or profession, companies can also play an important role in fostering a culture of mentorship. A strong mentorship program contributes to a sense of belonging for all. Incentives and credit toward promotion and tenure are excellent tools; however, I would stop short of making it a requirement because both parties need to be willingly engaged in the relationship.
How does diversity play into mentorship?
Diversity plays a crucial role in mentorship. A diverse mentorship program that includes mentors and mentees from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can provide significant benefits for both parties. It also is incredibly important for people from underrepresented groups to have a mentor with similar backgrounds and experiences to help them navigate career choices and opportunities. Representation helps people see that they belong in spaces that they may have traditionally been excluded from.
What is your mentorship method? Do you prefer a more hands-on or laid back Approach?
As an educator, I steer away from a one size fits all approach. Some mentees, especially early-career mentees may benefit from a more hands-on approach, where I provide detailed guidance and advice. Other mentees may thrive in a supportive relationship where I allow them to take the lead in their own learning and development. Ultimately, I try to be flexible and adaptable.
Why is gender equality even a challenge, especially in the ‘enlightened’ western world? What do you believe is at the root of this fierce resistance to female influence within society?”
Gender equality is a challenge because it involves changing deeply ingrained societal attitudes and beliefs about gender roles and the value of women. Despite progress in many areas, there are still significant disparities between men and women in terms of access to education, employment, wages, political representation, and many other areas. These structures have been reinforced by cultural norms, stereotypes, and biases that have been perpetuated through generations. The recent supreme court ruling has reminded us of how fragile freedom is, even the freedom over one’s body and health care choices. As a young girl, I never imagined that I would have to fight for the same rights and access as my parents and grandparents. Another challenge is the lack of representation of women in leadership positions and other positions of power. This can make it difficult for women to influence decision-making processes and to have their voices heard in important conversations.
Was there a defining moment or experience in your life that led you to where you are today? What was it? . .
One of my earliest memories from grade school was learning about various injustices, human rights violations, and discrimination so many groups of people have faced throughout history. I recognized then that both the oppressed and oppressors had to make a choice, a decision on who they were and wanted to be. I consistently placed myself in their shoes, imagining what I would have done. It was these experiences and lessons that sparked life-long questions that have guided me throughout my career: Who am I and what do I stand for? How do I want to be remembered?
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Bring your whole self. Wherever and whenever, bring your whole self. If they don’t love it, respect it, value it, then it was not meant for you.
What would you say to yourself if you could go back in time 15 years?
Invest more in yourself, spiritually, financially, emotionally; invest in you and everything else will fall into place. I would also tell her to take more risks.
Who do you most admire? Why?
I answer this question in two ways. First, I admire my mother and grandmothers, really all my ancestors who came before me. They fought to survive so I could exist, and for me there is nothing more empowering. Second, I generally admire people who inhibit certain characteristics, like good energy, authenticity, and empathy.
