Give the Gift of Mentorship: Guiding the Way
As we wrap up 2021 and set our sights on 2022, there is much around this world that can give us pause. Some may be filled with worry and others may be filled with joy, and this is the perfect time to connect individuals to share stories, experiences, and advice. The time spent connecting with another is truly a gift that reaps rewards. I want to share my personal experience about giving my time and resources to connect with someone in their journey to be informed and engaged.
Several years ago, I had to opportunity to connect with someone who needed a little extra guidance. She was checking off all the boxes to get to the next level of work, but still needed input on how to get noticed. We would meet to discuss resume writing and interview techniques, and just spend time to share experiences to shape the direction of where she wanted to go. Most of the time it was through phone calls and emails, but there were a few times where we connected in person How special it was in those times to celebrate the positive changes being made in her life and to see the true excitement of the progress being made in reaching her goals.
Fast forward to 2019 when I became involved with GFOA and the development of a mentorship program for the Women in Public Finance Network. I jumped at the chance to see how I can assist to build a program to connect individuals. The experience brought me the opportunity to share my previous experience but also hear from others on how to help someone shape their professional (and sometimes personal) life. The first year I had a match with someone and unfortunately, the pairing just did not materialize. I understand that this can happen but having this experience allowed me to dig deeper on how to develop more meaningful ways for mentors and mentees to connect. The following year, I had two extraordinary women who shared their stories, their goals, and their uncertainties. Through this year-long mentorship program, we were able to really address their career path, find a work-life balance and develop a friendship. Over the year, progress was being made on each person achieving their own goals including promotions and job recognition, and it was exciting to hear how these remarkable women gained confidence in the process too. While I may have been there to guide them, I have to say I was equally moved and rewarded by spending time with them. I did not always have the answers right at my fingertips, but I learned something too about being resourceful and building my own confidence.
And now, here we are in 2021 where CSMFO set a goal to develop our own mentorship program. A program where mentees can be reached rather than sought. Imagine someone having to find a way to connect when they are already in need. It is with this desire, CSMFO wanted to create a space where members would be paired with another person of similar interests and goals and develop a support structure throughout the year to foster these relationships.
The best part for me is that this has come full circle. My mentee from several years ago, Debbie Rosales, has worked side by side with me to develop this program. We truly know the value of this membership benefit and have worked with others (Mark Petrasso, Stephanie Reimer, Jennifer Ustation, and Heather Zacker) to shape this program and develop resources. How awesome to see how each one of us has grown through this process and see another amazing program to benefit all CSMFO members (government, commercial, and student).
Here is to our 2022 Resolution: Be a part of the success of this program, but more importantly, be a part of someone’s journey and give your time and guidance – Apply today to be a mentor!
The deadline for applications is January 7, 2022.
Margaret Moggia is the Executive Manager of Finance for West Basin Municipal Water District. Margaret earned her B.A in Economics from U.C Santa Barbara. She maintains her license as a certified public accountant (CPA). Currently, Margaret serves as the Past President for the California Society of Municipal Water District (CSMFO) and was recently elected to the Executive Board in May 2020 where she will serve a 3-year term.
