So much to learn

What is the Betty-Ann Heggie Womentorship Program?

The Betty-Ann Heggie Womentorship Program  is an opportunity to connect with successful women across a wide variety of disciplines. The program started in 2010 and is administered by the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan. Protégés are individually matched with a woman who has 15+ years of experience in order to create a formal mentorship, and allow for one-on-one mentorship sessions to be scheduled throughout the program. However, while you are matched with one amazing women, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with all of the other participants in the program through formal group sessions. These sessions, which take place throughout the year, focus on personal and professional development. The program is designed for motivated women, providing access to formal mentorship, which for many, is challenging to find within their own workplace.

Why I am excited to be a part of it:

When this opportunity was suggested to me by a colleague, I was very excited. Through my experiences working in Malawi with Engineers Without Borders and backpacking across South East Asia I have really come to appreciate how much you can learn from the people around you. I know I still have so much to discover, especially as I embarked on my first full year in the corporate world. This mentorship program isn’t designed to give you all the answers to problems you may encounter or tell you what choices to make. Rather, through the sharing of experiences, both positive or negative, you gain both knowledge and skills to equip you with the tools you will need to be successful.

My first impressions:

When I entered the room for the first session I could feel the energy shift. The positivity, support, and acceptance in the room was tremendous. I found that in this environment people were truly willing to share their stories and ideas, all parts of them, so that we could learn from each other. The session was introductory in nature: getting to know the women in the room, including my mentor, and brainstorming ideas on future topics to help prepare us for the rest of the program. The open environment made me want to share my own ideas and stories. It opened my mind to new concepts and helped me gain an understanding of the challenges that so many women and in some cases, people in general, are facing. Overall, I left the room feeling empowered, strong, and privileged to be connected to so many wonderful people.

   “I am extremely grateful that ISM Canada encourages and supports personal and professional development, so that I and so many others in the company are able to attend sessions such as these.”  

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