Empower Your Career: Join the Staff Mentoring Program

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion invites early career staff professionals and administrators to join its Staff Mentoring Program. The initiative facilitates the partnership of early career staff and administrators for one year. Mentees gain enhanced institutional knowledge, learn new approaches and expand their network of colleagues. Mentors gain new perspective and help shape the University’s future leaders.

Participants benefit from professional photography, mentorship resources, educational opportunities, receptions and social gatherings.

Gabriela Vasquez Jimenez (pictured in glasses) with her mentor, Beth Wagner (far right) during the Staff Mentoring Program’s opening reception. (Photo courtesy of Diversity and Inclusion)

Gabriela Vasquez Jimenez, administrative specialist for the public administration and international affairs department in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, is a mentee in the first cohort of the program. She says she experienced significant personal growth, especially with her confidence and ability to connect with others.

“When I started, I was new to both the University and Syracuse. Having Beth Wagner [associate director of budget and administration in the College of Arts and Sciences] as a mentor—a Syracuse native with over 20 years of experience at the University—was the perfect match for me,” Vasquez Jimenez says. “If you want to grow, learn more about this institution and its operations, and expand your network while connecting with various learning opportunities, I highly recommend this program.”

The program is open to all staff; those who are members of marginalized identities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply or nominate a colleague. Completed applications and the submission of a current resume is required to be considered as a mentor or mentee. All applications are due Friday, Nov. 1.

Mentee qualifications:

• Full-time, active staff members with up to five years of career experience
• In good professional standing as confirmed by the Office of Human Resources
• Not currently receiving mentorship as part of a formal University program

Mentor qualifications:

• Full-time, active staff members with an associate director title or above, or equivalent responsibilities, and at least five years of professional experience
• Combined full-time, active Syracuse University work history of no less than one year
• In good professional standing as confirmed by the Office of Human Resources
• Not currently providing mentorship as part of a formal University program

For more information, attend the Staff Mentoring Program information session on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m., or email the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.