Surround Yourself With Mentors
by Amy Reisinger
Mentor: men·tor
noun 1. an experienced and trusted adviser.
verb 1. advise or train someone,
(especially
a younger
colleague).
I have been fortunate throughout my life and career
to have some amazing mentors and trusted advisers.
Because of those relationships I’m now able to mentor,
train and advise others, both personally and professionally.
In 1993 while a sophomore at Georgia Southern University
I made a decision that would lead me
to meeting some of the best women I know:
I pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma (Kappa)
and began a lifelong journey of
learning, loyalty and friendships.
My first mentor was my Big Sister, Lauri.
She helped me learn about the organization
and we have been friends ever since.
For almost 30 years I’ve been involved with Kappa in many capacities,
including my current role as Philanthropy Adviser
for our chapter at State University of New York at Binghamton,
a role that lets me combine my love of philanthropy,
Kappa, and mentoring the undergraduate chapter Philanthropy Chair.
In this role I provide guidance and feedback
as she plans chapter activities to promote our national philanthropy, mental health.
Speaking of philanthropy,
in my professional life I’ve worked
in the nonprofit arena for more than 20 years.
In 2001 I started this journey as a fundraising manager
with the American Cancer Society where I worked for 13 years!
Throughout my time at ACS
I worked with one of my most favorite mentors, Pat.
Pat taught me so many things about being
a nonprofit professional and people manager,
much of which I still abide by today.
She saw something in me that I didn’t seen in myself
and her belief in me led me to receive several promotions,
and learning nonprofit programs and services implementation, in addition to fundraising.
Pat helped me to understand that to be an effective nonprofit leader
it’s important to know the holistic operations of the organization.
I know that Pat’s time and investment in me helped me
to eventually become Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yellowstone County, MT.
I recently started a new job as Director of Development for the Montana chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
To my delight, my replacement as Executive Director is one of BBBSYC staff I’d mentored,
helping her to learn the art and science of fundraising and leadership.
Outside of work and Kappa,
the other organization I’ve given much
of my time and heart to is
Junior League (League/JL),
one of the oldest, largest, and most effective
women’s volunteer organizations in the world
whose mission includes
developing the potential of women.
In 2014-2015 I had the honor of serving as
President for Junior League of Savannah, GA.
Throughout the course of my membership in JL
I held many leadership roles,
some of which I had experience and knowledge in,
like Public Relations chair
and others I didn’t have experience in,
like Public Affairs Chair.
In every position, including President,
I made sure to seek out mentors
who would help me learn
and be an effective leader.
Two former League Presidents would become my most trusted Advisers,
both giving me open, honest feedback.
And, when I faced a very difficult and contentious event during my presidency,
I reached out two other former League Presidents
who guided me and helped me
to make the best decisions
for our beloved organization.
As I look back over the last 30 years at each step during my life,
I see how much I’ve benefitted from the leadership,
guidance and love from my many mentors.
While I’m not still in touch with all of them I hope they know what an impact they’ve made and how I’m helping to do the same for the younger generation of nonprofit leaders and volunteers who I mentor.