DH's sideXside Mentorship Program

For the second year now, DH is working to connect our young talent to leaders within the agency to participate in a 6-month mentorship program designed to grow and support the future of our industry.??

As we reflect on the importance of reimagining the possibilities of professional growth, we sat down with some of our DHers who participated in this program last year.??

Meet the mentees!

Alyssa Goldman; Senior Recruiter

Delaneau Williams; Director, User Experience

Hany Anbar; VP, Director, Data and Analytics

Samantha Quintanilla; Manager, Business Management

Shoutout to these amazing mentors!

Alyssa is sending love and thanks to Michelle Kinsman for helping her find her confidence.

Delaneau is thankful for Brian Lefkowitz's invaluable insights and support, encouraging him to soar to new heights.

Hany is expressing profound gratitude for Christopher Murray and his invaluable insights into "Design Thinking."

Samantha is thankful to Waleed Mahmood for his constant support, listening, and motivation in encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone

How has the mentorship program benefitted you in your career journey?

Alyssa ?? "I have become more intentional with my career and more direct with my manager about the type of work I want to do."?

Delaneau ?? "The benefit for me thus far has been a new connection made to a senior leader that invited me to collaborate on a new business pitch, which, the clients loved and complimented a lot. So, I am manifesting a win! A win could bring me a little more visibility and contribute to my career journey."?

Hany ?? "For me, this weeks-long journey was more than just a mentorship; it was an all-star game of learning and growth. In its first season last year, sideXside brilliantly orchestrated an environment where learning was a team sport, and every session was a step towards scoring a goal."?

Samantha ?? "The mentorship program has greatly helped me network and meet with folks from other areas of the business. It has also opened a path for more collaboration with the DEI team, making me feel more involved overall in the organization. My mentor was wonderful, and we still keep in touch even though the program has concluded. Because of the mentorship program, I was nominated to participate in the Vanguard LatinX mentorship program. Through the program, I connected with DHers who otherwise would not have met."?

What has been the biggest takeaway?

Alyssa ?? "My biggest takeaway is to have the confidence in knowing my opinion adds value and that my title does not dictate my worth. If I’m invited to a meeting or asked to partake in a speaking engagement, I am meant to be there and should take up space."?

Delaneau ?? "The biggest takeaway for me was realizing how my mind shifts to solving problems as soon as I hear them. I would have an agenda for me and Brian to dig into to help my career, but somehow we’d end conversing on solving something before getting to the agenda. Good times!"?

Hany ?? "To future mentees, I say this: leap at the opportunity to be part of this promising program. Choose mentors from fields different from your own and brace yourself for a growth experience in a front row seat. It's not just about learning the ropes but also about reimagining and expanding the horizons of your professional journey."?

Samantha ?? "My biggest takeaway from the program has been the power of networking and the relationships I have been able to make because of it. We often get used to our routine within our day-to-day work, but it's crucial to meet people from other areas of the business and to branch out. This not only helps our own personal growth and learning, but it's also great to connect with people with different interests."?