Why did you decide to become a mentor?
Becoming a mentor felt like a natural extension of my own journey. I’ve been fortunate to receive guidance from brilliant minds in the industry, and now I’m determined to give back. Mentorship allows me to share the strategies and insights that have shaped my path, helping others to avoid the same roadblocks I once faced. Watching my mentees grow—whether it's securing their dream job, building a successful business, or gaining confidence in their skills—is incredibly fulfilling. I wanted to become a mentor because I understand the power of support in achieving one’s goals, and I love seeing how a little guidance can transform someone's trajectory.
How did you get your career start?
My career began with a deep sense of curiosity and a desire to make a meaningful impact. As an international student navigating a new environment, I quickly realized that building a career would require not only technical skills but also resilience and adaptability. Prior to moving to the U.S., I worked in consulting, where I learned to approach challenges with a strategic mindset. It was through these early experiences that I developed a passion for helping businesses and individuals grow. With the support of mentors who provided valuable guidance, I learned the importance of continuous learning and staying open to new opportunities. These lessons laid the foundation for everything I’ve done since, shaping my approach to mentorship and professional growth. My journey has been one of persistence, learning from every step, and focusing on how I can create value in every role I take on.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
Mentees often seek my guidance when they are looking to break into the tech industry or scale their businesses. Many are international students or professionals who, like me, are navigating uncharted territories without an existing network. I provide mentorship on everything from crafting standout resumes to mastering job interviews and negotiating offers. I also help them develop social media strategies to elevate their personal or business brands, providing a framework for them to grow their presence online and make meaningful connections in their field.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
One of my most inspiring mentorship success stories involves a mentee who had endured domestic violence and was struggling to regain control of her life and career. She came to me at a time when she was unsure how to navigate her future, but I could see the strength she carried within her. We worked together not only on rebuilding her career but also on channeling her pain into passion. She developed a powerful personal brand rooted in resilience, which allowed her to find opportunities aligned with her newfound purpose. After months of hard work, she landed her dream job in tech, but more than that, she transformed her own story of hardship into one of empowerment. Seeing her reclaim her confidence and build a career from a place of strength was deeply moving, and it reinforced the profound impact mentorship can have on someone’s life.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Being a mentor has enriched my life in countless ways. It has sharpened my leadership skills, allowing me to approach problems with empathy and creativity. It’s also given me the opportunity to connect with incredible individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique dreams and challenges. I’ve found that mentoring keeps me grounded and continuously learning—each mentee teaches me something new, and that exchange of knowledge makes me a better professional and leader. More than anything, mentoring reaffirms my belief in the power of community and support in achieving success.