Syracuse Sun

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is inviting early career staff professionals and administrators to participate in its Staff Mentoring Program. This initiative aims to pair early career staff with experienced mentors for a year, offering mentees the chance to gain institutional knowledge, learn new approaches, and expand their professional networks. Mentors have the opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and contribute to shaping future leaders at the University.

Participants in the program can benefit from various resources including professional photography, mentorship materials, educational opportunities, receptions, and social gatherings.

Gabriela Vasquez Jimenez, an administrative specialist in the public administration and international affairs department at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, is part of the first cohort. She shared her positive experience with her mentor Beth Wagner: “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 members; however, those from marginalized identities are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications require a completed form along with a current resume by Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Mentee qualifications include being full-time active staff members with up to five years of career experience who are not currently receiving mentorship through another formal University program. Mentor qualifications require full-time active staff members holding an associate director title or above or equivalent responsibilities with at least five years of professional experience.

An information session about the Staff Mentoring Program will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m., or interested individuals can contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion via email for more details.