Guiding the Way-Share Your Time and Wisdom to be a Mentor
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 about 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 could assist to build a program to connect individuals. The experience brought me the opportunity to not only 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 to have 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.
From these lessons learned, several of us developed a program at CSMFO 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. In 2022, the program matched 40 mentees, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead for 2023.
The 2023 application period has opened and we have seen a tremendous response from individuals who are seeking guidance – and those needs far exceed the mentors who have signed up.
So please consider being a part of the success of this program, but more importantly, be a part of someone’s journey by giving your time and guidance – Apply today to be a mentor here.
Deadline for applications is March 21, 2023.
Please complete the questions below to help you determine whether in makes sense to participate in a mentoring partnership at this time.
If you answered ‘Yes’ to the questions above, you are ready to assume the responsibility of a mentoring partnership.
If you answered ‘No’ to questions 1, 2, or 3 – you may want to support employee development in ways other than mentoring. Mentoring may be more appropriate for you when your schedule is more flexible or you have had an opportunity to explore the Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH) approach to mentoring in more detail.
If you answered ‘No’ to any of the remaining questions (4 through 10) you may find some aspects of a mentoring partnership very challenging. If you decide to proceed with Mentoring, you will want to remain aware of these items and work closely with your Mentee to ensure they do not get in the way or a successful experience.
Margaret Moggia is the Executive Manager of Finance for West Basin Municipal Water District (District) and has oversight on accounting, treasury, debt management, procurement, and is currently developing a business outreach program to reach out to local and small businesses. Prior to the District, Margaret worked at Coopers & Lybrand as a staff associate to a supervising senior associate focusing primarily on governments and nonprofits.
Margaret earned her B.A in Economics from U.C Santa Barbara. She maintains her license as a certified public accountant (CPA) and has received her designation as a Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA). She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CSCPA).
Currently, Margaret serves as the Past President for California Society of Municipal Water District (CSMFO) and serves as the Chair of the Finance Committee, a member to Career Development Committee, the Program Committee and Membership Committee, and participated in the launch of CSMFO’s mentorship program. Margaret also served as the 2016-2017 President for the California Municipal Treasurers Association (CMTA), and currently serves as Chair to the Membership and member of the Conference Committee. Margaret is a member of Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and was elected to the Executive Board in May 2020 where she serves a 3-year term. She serves as an ex-officio to the Community Economic Development and Capital Planning Committee and also serves on a representative on the CPFO committee. She also participates on the Mentorship Committee for the Women in Public Finance. In June 2022, Margaret joined California Class, a joint powers agency, as a Board of Trustee to serve a four-year term.
