DEIBA Moment

Mentoring @ DELTA: Empowering DEIBA Initiatives 

Workplace mentoring programs play an instrumental role in the development and career progression of talented employees through skill development and knowledge transfer. 

This is especially true for employees from historically marginalized communities, for whom mentorship is particularly crucial in sustaining ambition and driving engagement with the organization. 

Mentorship programs that emphasize workplace inclusivity can be particularly effective at creating a more welcoming and equitable environment for all. 

Successful mentor programs not only strengthen communication and collaboration, but they also foster understanding of essential diversity initiatives across the organization.

However, it can be challenging, even intimidating, for some people to find a mentor informally — and research demonstrates that leaders tend to coach and mentor people who are most like them — which is why formalized workplace mentorship programs are invaluable.

Commitment to Inclusion

DELTA’s mentoring program platform, Chronus, has built-in DEIB metrics, training, and resources to enhance diversity in mentoring initiatives while mitigating systemic inequity, institutional bias and microaggressions.

• With a mission that includes encouraging inclusivity and collaboration, the Mentoring @ DELTA program is formally launching this spring after a successful pilot in 2023. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity to grow, not only as a mentee but as a mentor,” said Jessie Sova, Assistant Vice Provost for DELTA/NCSCaLE Business Operations. “I really enjoyed participating last year and can’t wait to do so again this year.”

The program facilitates one-to-one mentoring relationships that connect mentees with leaders across our organization to offer guidance, assist in career planning and foster a sense of belonging. Chronus uses AI tools to support successful mentor and mentee matching. 

“This program has something for everyone,” explained Angela Hallman, DELTA HR Consultant and Mentoring @ DELTA coordinator. “If long-term mentoring is not an option for you, flash mentoring might be the way to go.” 

Flash mentoring is a short-term mentoring engagement or a one-time mentoring session that provides a focused opportunity for members to engage with each other to upskill and network for a specific learning objective.

• DELTA employees interested in participating in the 2024 Mentoring @ DELTA program are invited to apply beginning April 17 (for mentors) or May 1 (for mentees). 

The coordinators of this program are Hallman and Human Resource Specialist Cortney Hagans. They worked together to find the appropriate platform, processes and DELTA team to get this program up and running.

Join Mentoring @ DELTA to foster relationships with your colleagues that will help you reach your personal and professional goals.

Questions? Reach out to Human Resources.