Board Mentors Budding Professionals

Hoping to encourage young non-profit professionals to become leaders in their field, members of The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago’s (TVC’s) Board of Directors are initiating a mentoring program for local Americorps VISTAs. Many of the VISTAs, who are members of the Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) program, graduated from college shortly before beginning their capacity-building roles at the organization.

Jerry Pinney (left) and Mike Ewing

The mentor program was established by Jerry Pinney, TVC’s Board President, who works professionally as a career coach. Pinney said the program can be a great resource for the VISTAs as they plan for life after their year-long term.

“It benefits both mentors and mentees because it allows the board members to use their skills and it helps the VISTAs pursue their goals in life,” Pinney said.

Mentors are matched with individual VISTAs based on their background and experience so their advice can be as relevant as possible. For the VISTAs, working with members of TVC’s Board and professionals from around the community helps them tap into years of experience as they plan their futures.

Pinney himself is part of the program, working closely with VISTA Mike Ewing. After meeting with Pinney on “Thank Your Mentor Day,” during National Mentoring Month, Ewing said he knows that his mentors provide him the kind of guidance he used to get in school.

“It’s helpful to have someone who can both give you advice and hold you accountable for the plans you say you’ve made,” Ewing said. “Which reminds me, I should update my resume before my next meeting with Jerry [Pinney].”

See this story on the Trib Local here