As part of the Women’s Leadership Group mentor program, the mentees attended a session of the Maricopa County Community College Governing Board Tuesday night.  There were about a dozen of us in the audience and as the meeting began, one of the Governing Board members – the originator of the Women’s Leadership Group – acknowledged the mentees and asked us to stand to be recognized by the other district leaders and community members in attendance. 

We had a mentor program workshop today and gathered at a sister college in the morning to begin the activities.  The Governing Board member referenced above came in to the room, saw me, came over and stated "I’m glad that I recognized you in the audience on Tuesday, it reminded me to introduce the group."

This comment amazed me.  It meant that she knew who I was, knew why I was there, and specifically noticed me outstanding from others in the room.  It was such a wonderful feeling to be recognized by an important person.

A lot of times we are overlooked at work and feel like no one values our hard work or contribution to the company.  That is one of the reasons I had applied for the mentor program, to go beyond the work that I do at my desk and hope to become a better qualified employee for the Maricopa Community College District.

Progress like that made today reestablishes that this was the right decision for me at the right time, both professionally … and personally.  I can’t wait to see what happens next!