• Trained and supported mentors to ensure they were equipped to guide their mentees effectively.

• Organized workshops for the mentors and events to foster mentoring skill development through a mentorship guide and community building.

• Monitored program progress through regular check-ins and feedback sessions.

• Joined the MESA regional meetings to hear how MESA was doing including its successes.

• Implemented the mentorship program structure, including goals, timelines, and evaluation metrics

• Discussed structural plans (including accessibility) with the MESA program director about advancement opportunities including the building of the new MESA

a. Communication (Verbal and Written):

In this role, I developed strong communication skills as I needed to maintain good communication with the director as well as other people in the program including the mentors and mentees. I learned to tailor my messaging to different audiences, ensuring clarity and engagement. For example, when communicating with the director, I focused on delivering concise updates and strategic insights. With mentors, I emphasized

collaboration and aligned on shared goals. When engaging with mentees, I prioritized approachability and clarity, breaking down complex concepts into relatable, easy-to-understand terms.This experience taught me that effective communication is not just about sharing information but also about listening to others as well as creating understanding and connection.

b. Collaboration:

Collaboration was essential to the success of the mentorship program. I worked closely with mentors, mentees, and the director to create a supportive program. For instance, I partnered with other coordinators for different offices so we would have a flowing program and get the work done meticulously. This experience taught me the importance of leveraging diverse perspectives by creating spaces where everyone felt comfortable sharing their ideas, which led to more innovative solutions and a stronger sense of community within the program and building partnerships to achieve shared goals.These insights not only enhanced the program's impact but also deepened my ability to collaborate effectively in diverse teams.

c. Empathy:

Empathy was a cornerstone of my approach as a program coordinator. I made a conscious effort to understand the unique challenges faced by underrepresented STEM students and to create a safe space for them to share their experiences. For example, during one-on-one check-ins with mentees, I listened actively and validated their concerns, which helped build trust and rapport. This experience reinforced the importance of empathy in fostering inclusivity and support.

d. Problem-Solving:

As this was a pioneering program and had never been done prior, there was a lot of problem solving and thinking outside the box. I honed my problem-solving skills by addressing challenges such as low mentor-mentee engagement and scheduling conflicts. For example, when some mentees expressed difficulty connecting with their mentors, I introduced structured discussion guides that I had learnt from my training of mentoring to facilitate interaction. This experience taught me to approach problemscreatively and adaptively, ensuring the program’s success.

e. Advocacy:

As a program coordinator, I advocated for the needs of underrepresented students by securing resources and support from college administration. For instance, I successfully lobbied for funding to host a STEM career fair, which provided mentees with access to internships and job opportunities. Through this experience, I learned that effective advocacy requires building strong relationships with decision-makers, presenting data-driven arguments, and aligning my goals with the institution's priorities. I also discovered the importance of persistence and adaptability—when initial requests were met with resistance, I refined my approach by gathering testimonials from students and demonstrating the potential impact of the event. This experience not only deepened my understanding of advocacy as a tool for driving systemic change but also equipped me with practical skills to create opportunities for marginalized groups

This experience taught me the importance of creating inclusive environments where individuals can thrive and benefit from mentorship. It deepened my commitment to

advocacy and equity, inspiring me to continue pushing for systemic change in STEM fields. For example, I now recognize the need for structural reforms such as

implementing bias training for faculty, creating scholarship funds for underrepresented students, and redesigning curricula to highlight diverse contributions to STEM. The leadership skills I developed such as effective communication, collaboration, and strategic planning have already enhanced my academic and professional endeavors.

Moving forward, I aim to apply these competencies to larger-scale initiatives, such as establishing pipeline programs for K-12 students and advocating for equity-based

funding policies. Ultimately, this experience has shaped my leadership philosophy, reinforcing my dedication to empowering others through mentorship and advocacy

while driving meaningful, long-term change in STEM.