FORGE Mentorship Programs
“Potential is equally distributed; opportunity is not. A major driver of healthy development and opportunity is who you know and who’s in your corner,” according to Mentoring.org. January marks National Mentoring Month and mentoring is one of the essential tools for entrepreneurial development. It allows individuals to learn firsthand from the experiences and knowledge of others. Mentors can serve as guides, sounding boards, and sources of inspiration, and can help mentees reach their goals. FORGE provides a diverse network of Mentors in Residence for startup entrepreneurs and students. Entrepreneurs are paired with mentors for one on one guidance in developing and refining their business goals. Students are able to meet with mentors during office hours at FORGE locations. This month FORGE welcomes three new Mentors in Residence to our team.
Brian Ellison is the founder of a boutique consulting group, Preston-Douglas, that helps companies solve problems and move toward commercialization and operations success. Brian has worked in advanced manufacturing, with rural families in Wisconsin to grow wheat for use in high-end consumer products and developed Death’s Door Spirits, one of the largest and most successful early-stage craft brands in the spirits industry. Brian is looking forward to helping entrepreneurs focus their efforts, hone their craft, and grow their business ideas.
Shefali Patel is a general management and technology executive. She is the former CEO and board member of SunDensity Inc., a venture-backed Photonics start-up and held strategy & marketing leadership roles at General Electric and Motorola Semiconductor. Her global experience spans R&D, tech transfer, engineering management in high-volume manufacturing, zero defect quality, sales enablement, and customer relations. At FORGE, her goal is to collaborate with mission-centric entrepreneurs and enable them to grow their ventures.
Rashaad Whittington has the ability to cultivate groups and organizations with his diverse approach to supporting strategic initiatives. He started out in a modeling/acting career before moving into real estate working with top agents, clients, and investors. He has also worked as an athletic director, keeping kids in the community engaged in sports, and as an investor in the restaurant business at Irie Jerk Bar and Grill. He believes the Tucson community has limitless potential and that the right ideas and resources can help facilitate these ideas into opportunities.
A mentor can share their expertise and provide valuable insights and feedback on projects and create opportunities for mentees to gain new skills and knowledge. This can help mentees improve their performance, increase their confidence, and advance their careers. Another important aspect of mentoring is the development of professional relationships. A mentor can help mentees build a network of contacts and connections. This can be especially beneficial for students and entrepreneurs who are just starting out. A mentor can also offer guidance, encouragement, and advice, which can be especially important during times of stress or uncertainty providing a sense of support and motivation. This can help mentees stay focused on their goals and overcome obstacles.
In addition to the Mentors in Residence, mentoring is also provided through FORGE staff. Student Zane Hasan met with FORGE Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Coordinator Kelly King who helped him navigate an internship search and assisted him in making connections to meet new people in his fields of interest. “Kelly's mentoring has taught me that recognizing your achievements on the way to your goals is just as important as reaching them," said Hasan.
In addition, mentoring can be mutually beneficial. Mentors can gain new perspectives, fresh ideas, and the satisfaction of helping others. This can be an opportunity to develop leadership and coaching skills, and also to keep growing and learning. Student Venture Pathways Fellow Ben Lemon values the time he has been able to spend as a mentor. "Experiencing the fruits of mentorship has made me extraordinarily grateful for the opportunity to have an impact on the lives of others. Whether it be through tangible knowledge, valuable experiences, or simply consistent relationship, I have been able to see my mentees develop and utilize new skills and attitudes. No feeling can compare to that of knowing that others are more well-off because of your efforts," said Lemon.
Mentoring is an extremely valuable tool for professional development as it helps mentees gain new skills, build professional relationships, and stay motivated. Learn more about our Mentors in Residence and find their office hours here.