BICSI Brief

PAGE 21 C OM M U N I T Y C O R N E R National Mentoring Month is an annual campaign held in January to promote the importance of mentoring and encourage individuals to become mentors. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the positive impact of mentoring on young individuals and communities. During National Mentoring Month, BICSI comes together to recognize the power of mentoring relationships through the BICSI Mentorship Program. The Mentorship program highlights the benefits of mentoring, such as improved career performance, increased self-confidence, and More than Words from Women in BICSI "Let's get together and make a difference!" By: Heather Randolph, Technology Design Engineer at EXP enhanced social skills among mentees. It also emphasizes the importance of having experienced professionals – role models who can support and guide young people in reaching their full potential. Women in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry often face several struggles and challenges. Addressing these struggles requires collective efforts from industry leaders, organizations, policymakers, and society. Promoting diversity and inclusivity, providing mentorship, and supporting networks are some of the steps that can help overcome these challenges. Mentoring can offer tools to help navigate a mentee through these difficult challenges. Through my career, I have encountered many mentors, some male, some female, but I wouldn't be as far in my career if it wasn't for those who gave back to the younger generation. Having a role model to look up to throughout my collegiate career and in my professional career allowed me to have networking opportunities, as well as personal and professional development, along with balancing work-life challenges. The new year stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. It is a time when people around the world pause to reflect on the past year, set intentions for the future, and embrace the possibility of change and growth.

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