Over the years TechBae has been blessed with extraordinary Bae mentors and we are so grateful for their time, wisdom, experience, and knowledge. As we wrap up another amazing TechBae Career Pathways Program with BBBS we wanted to hand over the mic to Alba Ovalles to tell us about her mentorship experience.
Thank you, Alba, for sharing your story and for being a source of inspiration, and thank you Asma Begum for being an incredible mentee!
Mentorship has always held a special place in my heart. As a first-generation student and professional, I am aware of the unique challenges faced by those embarking on their professional journeys. Through mentorship, I have been able to cultivate my professional growth, increase my self-confidence, harness my leadership skills and most of all make an everlasting bond with my mentor. When my mentor, Lisa Ahern, informed me about The TechBae Career Pathways Program, I saw it as an opportunity to finally step into the role of a mentor myself. It was my opportunity to give back and share my knowledge, experiences, and journey with someone who could benefit from my insights.
I was paired with my incredible mentee, Asma Begum. From our first meeting, Asma left me amazed and excited. I saw so much of myself in her; we both came from the Bronx, with Immigrant parents and “a passion for fashion”, coupled with a keen interest in the business world. However, what stood out about Asma was her desire to learn, and her eagerness to grow and navigate the complexities of the professional world. Throughout our sessions, we touched on topics ranging from resume and LinkedIn building, leveraging her professional networks, and navigating first interviews. Her determination and preparedness to take on any challenge that was put in front of her was truly remarkable. As a mentor, I discovered how much of a symbiotic relationship mentorship truly is. Through our conversations, I gained fresh insights into the value of brand partnerships, how to leverage social media effectively, and the importance of self-belief. Most importantly, I learned that creating a safe space for our mentees is of the utmost importance in the mentorship experience. A place where mentees can feel empowered, and vulnerable, and be able to share their goals and aspirations without the fear of being judged or questioned. As a mentor, Asma has taught me how to guide, motivate, and empower her to realize her goals and aspirations, and ultimately help her blossom to be the person she wants to be. I look forward to many more sessions with Asma, and to continue identifying her strengths, embracing new opportunities, and expanding her network.
Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to The TechBae Career Pathways Program. Having the chance to become a Mentor and see the growth of a talented first-generation student has been a rewarding experience. I am excited to continue my participation in this program as we help support and give guidance to those who are looking for growth.
Alba Ovalles | Advanced Advertising Strategist
TelevisaUnivision, Inc.