ABWA’s Mentoring Program hosted its First Annual Mentoring Event, Share Your Story, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown.
The gathering was a celebration of connection, learning, and the transformative power of mentorship, bringing together mentors, mentees, and supporters from across the region —including attendees from San Diego and Los Angeles.
ABWA’s Mentoring Program is a community-centered initiative dedicated to empowering women through mentorship, guidance, and mutual support. It provides college students and early-career professionals with opportunities to learn from experienced mentors, develop leadership skills, and expand their personal and professional networks. Storytelling is at the heart of the mentoring experience, helping mentees build confidence, self-awareness, and stronger connections.
The program began with Mentoring Program Chair Dr. Francisca Beer introducing the event theme and purpose, followed by an acknowledgment of the ABWA Mentoring Program Working Group: Helen Jones, Abimbola Famuyiwa, Rosa Kuybus, and Anastasiya Cole. The team’s dedication and contributions have been invaluable to the program’s success, Dr. Beer shared. Marjorie McPike managed the event logistics, ensuring the day ran smoothly.
Dr. Beer then gave an overview of the program’s structure, progress, and impact over the years, highlighting the ways it has evolved to better serve the ABWA community. Helen Jones emphasized that “Mentee–Mentor relationships are warm and inviting as well as professionally fulfilling.”
The heart of the event was the Share Your Story segment, where mentees opened up about their journeys, challenges, and aspirations. Anastasiya Cole reflected, “It was great to share camaraderie. Hearing other stories and visions was inspiring… I am happy I continue to show up.”
ABWA President Nefertiti Long offered a vivid reflection, likening the program to the puzzle the group played at the end: “We solved the puzzle together.” This image perfectly captured the spirit of collaboration, trust, and mutual support that defines the ABWA Mentoring Program.
As we look forward to future Share Your Story gatherings, the bonds formed, and stories shared will continue to inspire and strengthen the ABWA community. Abimbola Famuyiwa shared that the program “highlights how fulfilling and beneficial it is to be involved.”
Written by Dr. Francisca Beer
