Inagural Outstanding Mentor/Mentee Award: Congratulations, Shelly and Melissa!

 Congratulations to Shelly Ulaj and Melissa Castro, recipients of the first quarterly Outstanding Mentor/Mentee Award for Summer 2013!

Each season of the GTWT Mentoring Program year, a mentor/mentee pair will be selected to receive the Outstanding Mentor/Mentee Award and be featured on the GTWT media network. The award recipients exemplify the uniquely formative impact of mentorship while serving as an inspiration to everyone in the GTWT family.

Shelly and Melissa met and became a Mentor/Mentee pair in  2012. Shelly is the founder and CEO of the non-profit Women Empowered, a Los Angeles-based network of female professionals. Melissa is a recent high school graduate and is entering her freshman year at Mills College in Oakland, California.

We were given the honor of asking Shelly and Melissa some questions about their relationship and what the GTWT Mentoring Program means to them.

Melissa Castro:

What does your mentor and the mentoring program mean to you?

I appreciate the mentoring program for bringing together such amazing successful women with impressionable young ladies such as myself. Shelly has become more than a mentor. I do not have many adults I can confide in but having Shelly as a mentor has provided me with both academic and emotional support.

Describe a memorable moment, occasion, or accomplishment you share with your mentor.

It is because of Shelly that I have had the opportunity to try sushi for the first time. It might seem silly but it meant a lot to me. No one takes the time to introduce me to things I have never done before.  That night was memorable because not only did we have dinner and attend a benefit concert but we also got the chance to get to know each other a little better.

How has your mentor positively impacted your life? What is the most important thing you learned from her?

Shelly has been a wonderful role model to me.  She has inspired me to continue down the path of non-profit organizations. Shelly has taught me that in life I need to do what it is I am passionate about and hard work towards whatever it is that I want.

Would you consider being a mentor yourself in the future?

Having a mentor has had a positive impact in my life and one day I want to have the same impact on someone else whether it is through mentoring or being volunteered in the community.  

Please describe your experience at GTWT.

            I am grateful for everything Girls Today Women Tomorrow has done for me. They have opened the door to so many amazing opportunities, one of them being able to meet Shelly. Girls Today Women Tomorrow is one of the main reasons why I have gained confidence in myself and my ability to become successful in the future. 

Shelly Ulaj:

Why did you decide to become a mentor? What drew you to mentor at GTWT?

I decided to become a mentor because I always wanted one growing up and I saw a close correlation between myself and the girls of GTWT.  Our backgrounds are very similar and I believe in order to make a true impact in the community you need to start with the youth.  

I found GTWT back in 2010 and we’ve been working together ever since.  I was initially drawn to GTWT because of the need that needed to be met – mentors.  And then I immediately fell in love with the girls.  

What do you most enjoy about being a mentor?

I am continuously inspired by Melissa.  But what I love the most is the opportunity to really connect with a young girl and watch both of us grow throughout the experience.  I love offering advice and guidance and acting like a big sister.  I don’t have a sister and now I know what it feels like and it’s a very special bond.  

Describe a memorable moment, occasion, or accomplishment you share with your mentee.

Melissa and I have shared many memorable moments but I think my favorite was watching her walk across the stage and receive her high school diploma.  I was with her family and seeing how proud they were of their daughter and the tears of joy warmed my heart.  It reminded me how important family is and how much I felt a part of her family.  

What does the mentoring program mean to you?

The mentoring program gives mentors an opportunity to make a difference and I only hope that my experience as a mentor will inspire others to take advantage of this program and mentor a young girl.  

How has your relationship with your mentee impacted you?

My relationship with Melissa has made me realize how simple life can be.  I think a lot of times we get stuck in the day-to-day life and lose sight of what really matters. I am a true believer that relationships are everything in life and my relationship with Melissa is one that will be for a lifetime. I hold her very near and dear to my heart and I’m so thankful that she is in my life.  

What do you admire about your mentee?

Her ambition and her “I can take on the world” attitude.  Her confidence is very admirable and makes me extremely proud.  I think it’s crucial for girls to have a strong sense of self and esteem.  

What advice would you give to new mentors or those considering mentorship?

            If you decide to mentor, do it 110%. 50% will not work. You must commit and be consistent and reliable. These girls look up to us, despite their shyness and inability to communicate that to us right away, trust me they need us. It breaks my heart when I see a mentor take on this role and not fulfill it. More harm is done in that regard. My absolute favorite quote and something I live by is a quote from Yoda (Star Wars): “Do or do not. There is no try.”  

Also, be patient and don’t take it personally. With any new relationship, it takes time to build trust and an understanding. I advise all new mentors to be patient and allow the relationship to grow. Allow your mentee the time to get to know you before they let you in. It takes time. And if it doesn’t work out, then communicate that. Figure out why it didn’t work. Ask questions. Be interested in knowing what your mentee likes and dislikes, and what their expectations are from you and vice versa. Again, with any relationship building trust and communication are key to a healthy relationship. 

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 Girls Today Women Tomorrow accepts inquiries for mentors and mentees on a rolling basis. To become a mentor or mentee, please visit the GTWT website or e-mail Molly Robertson, Programs Director, at mrobertson@gtwt.org.