By Lisa Koonce | Project Lead
At WEP, mentorship is built into every step of a young woman’s journey. Whether it’s peer support, alumnae-led sessions, or guidance from professionals, mentorship helps students build confidence, direction, and career readiness. Over the past year, 300+ students received mentorship through masterclasses, mock interviews, and career-focused conversations. Alumnae stepped in as relatable guides. Professionals from our growing network shared real-world insights, and students mentored each other passing on what they’ve learned. Assistant Director of Programs, WEP-India, Pratima Kamble, recently interviewed a current mentor/ mentee pair:
Mentor: Ashika
Education: Master of Science in Information Technology
Current Role: Assistant Professor of Computer Science
What inspired you to become a mentor? After completing the Leadership Academy, I felt inspired to give back to the community and share my journey. I believe mentoring is a powerful way to empower and inspire the next generation of leaders.
How has the mentoring experience impacted you professionally and personally? Mentoring has contributed immensely to my personal and professional growth. It has strengthened my skills in active listening, empathy, and effective communication. I’ve also enhanced my leadership abilities through guiding and supporting my mentee.
What growth have you seen in your mentee? My mentee has shown remarkable growth in confidence, communication, and problem-solving. She's become more proactive and self-assured in pursuing her goals.
Mentee: G. Sowmiya
What is your current educational qualification? Bachelors of Commerce, Computer Applications
What are you currently doing? I am preparing for the government examination.
Can you describe one moment when your mentor helped you overcome a challenge or doubt? During my final year of college, I was given a project on ‘Automation of a Mobile Shop.’ At first, I had no idea how to approach it. But when I reached out to my mentor, she guided me patiently and helped me complete the practical work perfectly. Her support showed me that with the right guidance and determination, I can overcome any challenge.
How comfortable did you feel reaching out to your mentor for help or advice? My mentor treated me like a friend and always offered her advice in a warm, friendly manner. She made me feel comfortable sharing my doubts and fears without hesitation. Her friendly approach created a supportive environment where I felt valued and understood, which motivated me to learn and grow with confidence.
What skills or knowledge do you think you gained more effectively because of your mentor’s guidance? Because of my mentor’s guidance, I was able to learn Python coding thoroughly and with confidence. She patiently explained the fundamentals and helped me practice by giving real-world examples. With her support, I even learned how to design and develop my project in Python, which made me feel proud and capable of applying my skills independently.
Would you consider becoming a mentor yourself in the future? I aspire to be a good mentor for our current students, guiding them with patience and care, just as my mentor guided me. Through my support, they will not only learn valuable skills but also understand the true spirit and process of mentoring. I hope this inspires them to help and guide other students in the future, creating a positive cycle of learning, sharing, and growth.
By Lisa Koonce | Project Leader
By Zoe Timms | Executive Director
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