OU’s Women’s Leadership and Mentor Program Builds Community and Confidence

What began as a pilot program in winter term 2019, has continued to expand and grow in popularity as business students and those working in the business community create bonds of trust and friendship through the university’s women’s leadership and mentor program.

After surveying students, OU School of Business Administration Academic Advisor Tiffany LeDonne-Smith says she saw a need to support women business students. She started the program as a passion project for women’s empowerment. Currently, 19 pairs of mentors/mentees participate in the program, which begins each September and runs through April.

Students eligible for the mentorship program must be in good academic standing in the business school with a grade point average of 2.6 or higher. Students demonstrating professionalism and a desire to learn during an interview process are paired with a mentor. Mentor/mentee pairs are required to attend a fall kick-off event and a spring closing event; be in contact at least once a month, either in person, by phone or video; and maintain timely communication with the program coordinator. Students also have additional opportunities for leadership and personal development by participating in structured program events throughout the year.

LeDonne-Smith says ideal mentors are those who have at least 2 to 3 years of post undergrad work experience and want to give back and build confidence in a student and help mentor them as they prepare to transition into their first professional role.

“The relationships have been described as a big sister, someone the student can go to for advice and feedback while going through a job or internship search,” says LeDonne-Smith. “Giving the students someone they can go to with professional questions or advice on how to handle situations is invaluable. It can be intimidating to students if they have never worked in a business setting.”

“The mentors gain the feeling of knowing they are giving back and building confidence in the future generation of business leaders. They also gain confidence in themselves, knowing that they have so much value to give as a leader in business,” added LeDonne-Smith.

Nicole Ensink, global HR manager of BorgWarner has been with the program since its inception. A two-time Oakland graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and MBA, Ensink has mentored five OU students so far. She has also actively recruited other mentors to join the program, including a male coworker who guided his mentee through job shadowing and introducing her to all the different departments within the company.

“We can help the students so much, but that’s nothing compared to the impact they have on us just by asking us challenging questions about things we are doing and giving us a different perspective,” says Ensink.

Ensink’s current mentee is OU senior Lindsey Williams, who is interning at BorgWarner in another department. The pair say they have developed a true friendship that will continue.

“It’s been so good to bounce ideas off of Nicole,” says Williams. “I trust and feel safe talking to Nicole and I can come to her with anything I’m struggling with to get advice when I need it, not only in the workplace or as a student, but in my personal life. Sometimes something will happen and she’s kind of that big sister I can come to.”