The Power of Mentorship: Building the Community You Want to See

It’s Thanksgiving week, and between making sure the turkey is defrosting in the fridge, grocery shopping for the mile-long list of sweet and savory options, hunting down extra beds for visitors, and gearing up for those end-of-year reports at work (seriously, who decided the holidays were the perfect time to add even more responsibilities?), it’s easy to feel like there’s just no time to add another thing to your plate.

But here’s the thing—this isn’t just another thing. Mentoring isn’t about taking something away from your life. It’s about creating the kind of professional and community connections that add depth, purpose, and even joy. For Spanish-speaking professionals, mentorship has the power to not only uplift others but to shape industries and communities for the better.

Still, let’s be real: mentorship isn’t as widely embraced in many Spanish-speaking communities. And if you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Why me? Why now?”—you’re not alone. That’s what we’re unpacking here: why mentorship matters, what holds us back, and why you’re exactly who your community needs.

Why Spanish-Speaking Mentors Are Needed Now More Than Ever

Imagine this: a young, ambitious entrepreneur has an incredible business idea for something your community has needed, but they have no clear path forward because they've never done this before. They speak Spanish, are navigating an unfamiliar world of administrative nuance and regulations, and don’t see anyone who looks or sounds like them in positions of power. They’re not lacking talent—they’re lacking connection.

In Colorado, our Spanish-speaking neighbors make up over 10% of the population. In industries like law, finance, marketing, and the arts, representation of Spanish-speaking professionals is even thinner. While our English accelerator program offers volunteer mentorship support to entrepreneurs, there’s a significant gap when it comes to Spanish-speaking volunteer mentors stepping into those roles.

We believe the problem isn’t a lack of willingness to help—it’s a combination of logistical barriers, cultural nuances, and misconceptions about what mentoring actually is.

Addressing Barriers to Mentorship

If you’re reading this, you might already be thinking about why you haven’t volunteered as a mentor. Let’s break it down. Here are some common reasons people hesitate and why those reasons might not be what they seem:

1. “I don’t have the time.” Between long work hours (or active job searching for some), family responsibilities, and that pile of dishes staring at you, finding an extra hour feels impossible. But mentoring doesn’t have to be time-intensive. Just one hour a week—on a schedule that works for you—can make a significant difference.
2. “It feels weird to call myself a mentor.” In many Latin American cultures, helping others happens informally—helping family, giving advice to friends, or guiding coworkers. The idea of formal mentoring might feel uncomfortable, even patronizing. But mentoring isn’t about telling someone what to do. It’s about creating a partnership where you both grow.
3. “I’m not qualified.” Mentors don’t need to have all the answers. Your lived experiences, the challenges you’ve faced, and the lessons you’ve learned are exactly what make you valuable. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to care.
4. “Why does it have to be a program? Can’t I just help people on my own?” Of course! But structured mentorship programs connect you with people who might not be in your immediate circle, helping you expand your impact. Plus, these programs offer training and support to make the experience smoother for everyone.

Changing the Way We Think About Mentorship

If we're being uncomfortably honest: mentoring needs a rebrand. It’s not about formalities or power dynamics—it’s about creating a relationship rooted in professional respect, learning, and mutual growth. Here’s how we can reframe the narrative:

1. Think of it as a partnership, not a hierarchy. Mentorship is about walking alongside someone, not pulling them up from above. You're not forging their path through the entrepreneurial jungle, you're there at their side, serving as a guy line and compass as they forge their own path. It’s about sharing knowledge and learning from someone else’s perspective. Think of it as becoming a "compa?ero/a"—a teammate in someone’s journey.
2. Focus on flexibility. Life is hectic, and that’s not going to change. But mentoring can fit into even the busiest schedule. Whether it’s a quick Zoom call over lunch or a coffee meeting once a week, it’s designed to work for you.
3. Make it personal. Instead of approaching mentorship as a professional obligation, think about it as building the type of community you want to see. If you value inclusion, opportunity, and growth, mentoring is a way to bring those values to life in a way that bring immediate impact to local communities.
4. Start small. You don’t have to jump in with both feet right away. Start with a single conversation or a one-time event. Many mentorship programs allow you to ease into the role. Contact our Program Coordinator, Nicole Saice ([email protected]), to learn about our upcoming events!

What Mentorship Creates

When Spanish-speaking professionals step into mentorship roles, the ripple effects are powerful:

1. A More Inclusive Professional World - By mentoring, you’re helping to break barriers in industries where representation is scarce. You’re creating opportunities for the next generation to see themselves in positions of influence.
2. Stronger, More Connected Communities - Mentorship isn’t just about individual success—it’s about lifting up entire communities. When one person thrives, they bring others with them.
3. Personal Growth and Fulfillment - Mentoring isn’t just about giving back—it’s also about what you gain. You’ll build your own leadership skills, expand your network, and walk away with a sense of purpose that no paycheck can provide.
4. A Legacy You Can Be Proud Of - By mentoring, you’re leaving a lasting impact—not just on your mentee, but on the community and industry as a whole. You’re shaping the future in ways that go far beyond your own career.

Let’s Make It Happen

This Thanksgiving week, while you’re juggling turkeys and to-do lists, take a moment to reflect: what kind of professional world do you want to see? What kind of community do you want to build?

Becoming a mentor isn’t about taking on more work. It’s about creating opportunities for connection, learning, and growth—for yourself and others. And it doesn’t take a miracle or a perfect schedule. It just takes one hour a week, a little heart, and the willingness to share your story.

Your community is waiting. Your legacy is calling. Will you answer? Visit https://eforall.org/volunteering/become-a-mentor/ to apply today!