MENTOR Richmond

	Chris Authier, CXI :: What an experience! The opportunity of meeting with executives of this caliber has been unreal - they are the Mentors for a reason. “The proof has been in the pudding.” I won’t spoil what we’ve learned in the program but I can assure you, it’s evident there is a common pattern to success. This program has revealed what it takes to become successful through wide open communication. As classmates, we’ve become a very close knit group. The Chamber found a group of like-minded people that will surely become life-long friends. I’m very happy with what’s transpired these past eight months! Good luck in your application. Keep applying until you’re selected for this opportunity. It is a remarkable program for anyone looking to grow their career in Richmond.

	Karin Hunter Patel, CREATIVE :: This program is amazing, not only for meeting other young professionals but having the opportunity to talk with local executives – this is an opportunity you can’t pass up! To be able to sit and talk with individuals that have accomplished so much – from Partners in law firms to CEOs of Non-Profits – the learning experience is unbelievable. In addition, this program provides an avenue to meet other young professionals experiencing similar successes, hardships, and lifestyles. A great opportunity for anyone!

	Scott Weiss, CarMax :: MENTOR Richmond has helped me gain greater perspective through the opportunity to listen and learn from some of Richmond's finest leaders. It has also provided me with a peer network of interesting young professionals that helps me feel more engaged and connected to the city of Richmond. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of MENTOR Richmond and would absolutely recommend the program to any young professional looking to become more actively involved in the Richmond business community.

	Alison M. Kaufmann, Dominion :: The experience I have had with MENTOR Richmond has been incredible. I had expectations of meeting business leaders in the community and learning about how they view their business successes. Little did I realize, I would become friends and learn from 14 other business leaders, who were my fellow mentee classmates. The MENTOR Richmond experience opens your eyes to the success and triumphs of many Richmond businesses and their leaders. The Chamber does a fantastic job of creating this mentorship and networking experience for their business professionals.

	Jennifer Lucado, CRT/tanaka :: MENTOR Richmond has been much more than a learning experience – it has been a true pleasure. Participating in the program should be at the top of the list for young professionals. The opportunity to gain insight from and ask questions of some of the area’s most dedicated leaders has been invaluable. Each mentor has given at least one piece of advice or offered a thought that stopped me in my tracks. I’ve already taken them to heart in both my professional and personal life! Our class has been amazing, as well; the chance to meet such intelligent, talented peers from so many diverse industries is not to be passed up. We look forward to continuing our work with the Chamber – and our friendships. Finally, as a non-native Richmonder, it’s been inspiring to see the passion that the mentors – and the Chamber – have for the city and its future. It’s contagious, and I want more … for Richmond, for my company and for myself!

	Simone Sampselle, SunTrust Bank :: The Greater Richmond Chamber has truly put together a great program in MENTOR Richmond. First, it is truly a unique and incredible opportunity to meet with Richmond’s top leaders – every one of them has a wonderful story and each has inspired me in a different way. Second, the people I have met in this program – the other mentees – have allowed me to learn about other businesses and industries in Richmond, and from people who are all so motivated and passionate about their employers and what they do. I’ve made great contacts and great friends through MENTOR Richmond, and find the program an invaluable experience.

	Cameron Ogden, Code X :: MENTOR Richmond is hands down the most rewarding program in the area for anyone who is looking to network with Richmond’s best talent, learn from the most respected leaders in the community, and gain priceless insight into how to maximize your individual talent and potential. One session alone is worth the effort and admission cost, and the relationships built with the Mentor Richmond group extend far beyond the boundaries of the program. I would recommend MENTOR Richmond to any career-driven individual who is striving to become a future leader and difference-maker in this city.

	Betsy Kersey, LandAmerica :: The MENTOR Richmond program has been a wonderful experience thus far! I have not only found the mentors’ experiences and insights beneficial both personally and professionally, but have had the pleasure of being surrounded by young professionals whose inspirations and energy are contagious! It is an exciting, motivating group that makes you want to do more with your life!

	Garway Bright, Genworth :: The MENTOR Richmond program has been an incredible access creator for me. The program has afforded me the opportunity to be mentored by some of Richmond's top business leaders. This is certainly a smart way to identify and develop the next generation of business and civic leaders for the City.

	Meredith Briggs, AXA Advisors :: I cannot say enough good things about MENTOR Richmond. I applied for this program not really knowing what I was getting into. I was hoping I could connect with some very influential Richmond leaders and make some new friends. After meeting just 4 mentors, I find myself talking about the program to people all the time. I have been able to meet people I probably never would have met through my normal course of business and community involvement. We've gotten to pose some pretty tough questions to these leaders and we've heard some amazing stories and candid responses. It's taught me a lot about what it takes to be a business leader in our community: not just from a business perspective, but how these leaders balance their personal lives, their families, and their community work. Lastly, I have met other really great young professionals. I find that I spend many days at work with people much older than me, or in different stages of their lives. It has been really great to meet other people at my stage in life who are going through the same phases as me- and I'm really happy to say I've made some great friends.

	Charlie Schmidt, Richmond Public Library Foundation :: From the opening session at PLAY, I have been thrilled to be part of MENTOR Richmond. No other program offers such informative, small-group sessions in front of Richmond's leaders. The Mentors are open and honest in their discussions and the unique nature of MENTOR Richmond allows for full insight into many areas of Richmond's community. I have also gained a tremendous amount of advice and knowledge from my fellow participants. The group is full of charismatic, energetic future leaders of our community. It has been a pleasure to get to know them.

	Nick Abraham, Markel Essex :: I can honestly say it has been one of my favorite professional experiences in my short career - definitely a testament to the hard work and dedication given by the Chamber. The opportunity to learn first hand about career management from the area's best leaders has been incredible. Further, the opportunity to get to know 14 other future leaders and build relationships with them has been equally as invigorating. This program has already (with 5+ months to go) surpassed my high expectations.

	Marian R. Millikan, Cherry, Bekaert & Holland :: MENTOR Richmond has been the most inspiring project I have ever participated in. Not only did I receive the opportunity to meet local executives and learn from their experiences, I was also able to network with a small group of young professionals like myself, who have the willingness, motivation and drive to be successful. The program allows you to have laid back face to face discussions about the successes and hardships of very well known and respected leaders in Richmond. I have learned so much about the city of Richmond, career growth, business acumen, strategic initiaves and most importantly about myself through this program. I would recommend this group it to anyone who is eager to grow their careers, fulfill their goals, and become more involved in the Richmond community.

	Tracy Peay, Luck Stone :: The MENTOR Richmond program is a great opportunity for young professionals in all walks of life to meet with leaders in the community in different industries and give their perspective on what it takes to be a leader and excel in your career. The experience for me has been one that has helped me to re-evaluate my career path while doing so I learned a lot about myself and realized it’s not just about me. Not only did I learn from the leaders but I have learned from the wonderful individuals going through the program with me as well. You finish the program having a different perspective that can catapult you onto your next big adventure! This experience is something that is right at the finger tips of a lot of young individuals and it is one that I do not recommend they pass up.

MENTOR Richmond is now accepting applications for Class IV.
For questions about participating in the next class of MENTOR Richmond, please contact us at MENTORrichmond@grcc.com.