Written by current mentee in 7th Women’s Cohort Mentorship Program: Dameyonna Willis

I am truly elated about this experience, which was made possible through the engaging mentorship opportunity provided by Engage Cleveland. This past week, my fellow mentees and I had the incredible chance to visit NASA alongside our mentor. We delved into the process of building our SMART goals, establishing tangible steps to achieve them. The atmosphere was empowering as we encouraged one another to step outside our comfort zones and tap into our individual strengths and talents. Our mentor exudes authenticity, confidence, and enthusiasm regarding her identity as a woman and her role in the professional world. We shared laughter and heartfelt moments, discussing the challenges of determining how we wish to present ourselves in professional settings and navigating our current career interests while contemplating our next steps.

Each of us occupies a distinct stage in our careers; however, we can relate on numerous topics, including navigating our professional direction, cultivating the confidence to explore new opportunities, and seeking greater involvement in our communities. We also share concerns about remaining in our positions due to favorable benefits and the desire to become effective leaders amid the uncertainties of the current global climate.

This marks my first experience with an official mentor—someone I can trust and confide in as I navigate my challenges and aspirations while seeking to establish my personal brand beyond my current business. I aim to effectively showcase my talents and expertise developed over years of dedicated work. I aspire to embody the qualities of a fearless leader, which I greatly admire in my mentor. She is a true inspiration, demonstrating strong leadership and genuine care for those around her. With five daughters and the prospect of welcoming four more, we are eager to see where we will be in eight months. We have already established a group chat to share questions and seek advice. It is truly a privilege to support one another in this journey.

The experience became even more enriching when we visited the GVIS Center, where we met six remarkable female interns studying fields such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, and 3D modeling, among other fascinating scientific topics. These college students demonstrated impressive knowledge and passion for their respective areas of study. They provided us with tours and allowed us to interact with various equipment, making it truly inspiring to witness these young women forging their own professional pathways. We concluded our visit with delightful space-themed ice cream bars. I am excited about what lies ahead in this experience and deeply grateful to have a mentor who inspires us to reach for the stars.

As we left NASA, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and excitement for the future. The visit was not only educational but also incredibly motivating, reminding me of the endless possibilities that await when you pursue your passions with determination and resilience.

Our group has bonded in unexpected ways, forming a supportive network that I believe will last far beyond this program. We’re not just mentees; we’re a team of dreamers ready to make an impact, no matter the challenges we face. This week has reinforced the importance of having a mentor who believes in us and encourages us to challenge ourselves.

With each meeting and activity, I feel more equipped to navigate the professional world with confidence and grace. I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned to my own journey, and I hope to inspire others just as my mentor has inspired me. Here’s to more adventures, more learning, and more opportunities to grow and shine. 🌟