The importance for BAME/People of Colour to be Mentors

The importance for BAME/People of Colour to be Mentors

Many organisations run mentoring schemes both internal and often use external people. It is important for mentors to be diverse too.

For the last two years, it has happened that I have had two mentees of Colour - Asian and Black young women. Both I learnt they requested a Black mentor. Some would immediately say "that's ridiculous, a mentor is a mentor what ever colour they are". In many cases young people don't see people who look like them in senior positions.

I love being a mentor, learning from my mentee - reverse mentoring too. We both learn from each other.

Benefits of a BAME/Person of Colour as a Mentor

 There are benefits I am able to bring as a Black female mentor include :

Being able to connect with BAME/People of Colour Professionals who can share advice how to survive and thrive not just in at work. Provide tips and lessons learned. Mental Health and Wellbeing is important - sharing tips too.

Connecting with some from the same culture who can provide them with support and guidance as they navigate their way through the often difficult and complicated world of work. Especially if the mentee is the "only one" in their company or in the area where they work.

They know that I understand their challenges they have faced or will face in employment . Minority ethnic Britons face 'shocking' job discrimination I have walked the walk, not just talk

There is often no one senior in their organisation that looks like them, for them to relate to. My motto is "If you can see it, YOU can be it".

I offer my mentees opportunities to shadow me when I Chair meetings etc. As a Thought Leader they able to be my guest and accompany me to seminars/forums/conferences where I am a Speaker. Many have never encountered a senior black woman in a leadership position in person (perhaps have seen Michelle Obama on TV and Kerry Washington in TV programme Scandal). I was once approached by a young black lady after I had spoke at a Construction Conference who thanked me for being a speaker because "I was the first black female speaker that she had seen at industry events"

As a certified #IamRemarkable facilitator I am able to share insights of the workshop. The importance of women and underrepresented groups breaking the cultural norms and speaking boldly about their Achievements. Essential for a woman's career. Often we don't as we see it as "bragging".

I am able to let them walk in my shoes and they are able understand the obstacles that I have faced

How I use my strengths being a Game Changer and Strategist identified by the GC Index to benefit my career. Sharing insight with my mentee how I play to my strengths and maximise my contribution to a role, team and organisation 

Importantly I am able to share tips how to deal with microaggressions, they will face and How micro-incivilities can impact wellbeing

I come from a Multicultural background, have been travelling to different countries since I was six months old enabling me to have a high Cultural Comptency (CQ) and to see things through different lenses. What does it mean to be culturally competent?

Sharing resources such as Podcasts, TED Talks, websites where they can find resources and guidance. I have a huge range of interests. Learning never stops, and many are not taught essential life skills. The game of life is about getting things wrong, going back and trying again. Not be be disheartened and listen to what life is teaching you.

When you are looking to set up a mentoring programme, don't just assume that mentees just want to have the white mentors. The power of mentoring should never be under estimated. Providing early-to mid career BAME/People of Colour talent with opportunities is important, as is connecting them with a BAME/Person of Colour who can share advice how to survive and thrive. This will help build future leaders.



Leila Dehghan-Zaklaki, MD, MSc, ANutr 🌱

MD turned Sports Nutritionist | Social Justice Activist | Educator

1y

Excellent post! Do you have any resources/links where BAME people can find BAME mentors outside of their workplace?

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Tanya Howe

Sales Director | Ricoh UK | Graphic Communications | Inspiring Businesses To Be Curious

3y

I am reaching out for support. I have a sales team of six and five of my team identify as being from the BAME community. As a white woman, I have limitations in the inspiration I can offer my ambitious group. I am also working with a young black woman outside of my team who is looking to develop in her field of interest - Videography Whilst I have navigated mentor options internally, I cannot offer a mentor from the BAME community for everyone. If anyone would like to get involved with an ambitious young team of individuals, to offer external mentoring and support, please get in touch. My email tanya.howe@cuk.canon.co.uk

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Anne Isaacs

Estate Manager - Rivermead Court Ltd, Trustee & Chair of IOSH Benevolent Fund, Joint Chair IOSH FRMG and a School Governor & Chair of the Resources Committee

4y

Interesting that the mentees requested a mentor of colour... having experienced some of what they are going through goes a long way.

Siobhan Corria

Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Involvement

4y

Shania Thomas If you are not yet connected with with 🌟Vivienne Aiyela (She/Her) AssocCIPD, PgDMS, CC, MHFA🌟 then do it!

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