I would not be the woman I am today without the mentors who came into my life and molded, nurtured, and guided me when I needed it the most. This National Mentoring Month, I encourage you to evaluate how you can make a lasting impact by mentoring someone in your personal or professional circle. If there’s anything I learned, it only takes one person to ignite a spark that can last a lifetime.

Mentorship isn’t a buzzword—rather it’s a catalyst for transformation. As layoffs disproportionately disrupt women, particularly Black women, many are being forced to pivot, reimagine their careers, and chart new professional paths without the benefit of institutional support. Mentorship, when paired with sponsorship, becomes a stabilizing and strategic force.