Featured Mentor-Mentee Pair: Shelley Davis and Asia White-Canady

This year, over 150 students are participating in the one-on-one mentor program. Highlighting the stories of mentor and mentee pairs not only demonstrates the wonderful contribution that mentors make to students' professional development but also encourages more significant relationships in other mentor-mentee pairs. This month’s featured pair is MPP student Asia White-Canady and her mentor Shelley Davis, President of Forest Preserve Foundation.

Do you have an outstanding mentor or mentee? Email harrismentorprogram@uchicago.edu for the chance to share your experience.

Asia White-Canady, Mentee:

What have you learned from your mentor this year?

I think the biggest thing that I have learned from my mentor is to not be afraid to tap into our professional and social networks. I think Shelley has the unique skill of connecting people and it has been such a learning experience watching that.

What can mentors provide to students above and beyond what they learn in class?

I think my mentor experience has provided me an opportunity to be grounded in real, applicable experiences. Further, I think the opportunity to learn from a professional in a field of interest is a necessary supplement to our classroom education.

What attracted you to the mentorship program?

I was attracted to the mentorship program because I was eager to build a relationship with someone that does the work that I am directly interested in.

What have you appreciated most about your relationship with your mentor?

I have appreciated the opportunity to learn from someone who I feel regards me as a partner. Shelley's style of mentorship has felt like a partnership and she has been incredible to learn from as well as bounce ideas from.

Shelley Davis, Mentor:

Why did you want to participate in the mentor program?

I was invited to serve years ago. Since 2010, I have served Harris in a couple of capacities - as a consultant in the career services department, as a lecturer teaching nonprofit policy advocacy and philanthropy, and now as a mentor.

Have you had mentors in your life? How did they impact you and how has that shaped your professional career?

I have always had several mentors. My mentors are available to give feedback on any aspect of my career strategy. They provide a sounding board and encouragement. My mentors' advice have been critical at every major decision point in my career.

What have you liked most about working with your current mentee?

Working with Asia is delightful, because her interests are similar to mine. Thus- I am able to answer her questions and introduce her to people in my network who may be helpful in her job search.

What do you believe is the key(s) to a successful mentor/mentee relationship?

The mentor/mentee relationship is what the mentee wants it to be. The most productive relationships are ones when the mentee proactively schedules our time together, comes with 2 or 3 questions or topics for our conversation, and then follows up after our discussion.