SheMentors Spotlight: Faren & Liz
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The YWiB Toronto team is happy to announce that SheMentors 2021 graduation is set for July 31st. As we wrap up another successful program, we asked our mentor/mentee to pair a few questions to learn how they’ve evolved and successes. Despite the global pandemic’s challenges, we sought out duos who took control and used the virtual resources that we offered to learn new skills, feel empowered, and inspired to plan their futures. Read on to learn more.
“I have been so lucky to have wonderful mentees. I have learned about different fields and work experiences. The program is well structured, and the interview process helps to set up good matches.”
Getting to Know the Mentor - Faren
Hey Faren! Tell us a bit about yourself and what motivated you to start mentoring?
I’m a lawyer at WeirFoulds practicing in construction law; a co-founder of a software company, and the vice-chair of two board of directors of two not-for-profit corporations that provide affordable housing in Toronto. I also have three young children. I started mentoring articling students at work, and it expanded from there. I enjoy helping people meet their goals or assist them with their careers. Earlier this year I received a call from one of my first mentees and she was thinking of changing jobs and wanted my opinion. She is a talented and successful lawyer. It was an honour to have her call me before she made a big career move. I now seek advice from my former mentees. It is great to have a network of so many wonderful people.
What have you gained from your involvement with SheMentors?
I have expanded my network with the women that I have met in the program. I have been especially lucky with my mentees through the program and will continue to keep in touch with them. Liz has been so organized and goal-oriented, it is amazing to see how much she wants to accomplish and has accomplished. I can’t wait to see how she progresses in her career.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get a mentor?
Decide what you want from the mentoring relationship before you start and be clear about your goals. Mentors are not mind readers! Set expectations upfront (i.e., how often you will meet, and the topics to work on).
What would you say to others considering becoming a mentor?
Just try it! Too often I see impressive women say that they aren’t “ready” or “qualified” to be a mentor. I have a lot of mentors at different ages and stages. There isn’t a neat checklist to mark off to be a mentor. If you are thinking about it, you should try it.
You have an impressive profile: You’re a partner at a Bay Street law firm, have started your own software business, and sit on a number of non-profit boards. Tell us about this wide range of experience and the importance of community involvement for you.
I am a busy person, but I can always find time for something that I believe in or interests me. I have a full-time career with wonderful clients and projects. It was the motivation for constant improvement that led to the creation of my software company Pay Prompt, which solves a legal information gap in the construction industry. My board work has expanded my business knowledge and allowed me to make a difference as being part of organizations that are adding more affordable housing to Toronto.
This is your second time being a mentor with SheMentors! What keeps you coming back?
I have been so lucky to have wonderful mentees. I have learned about different fields and work experiences. The program is well structured, and the interview process helps to set up good matches.
“I set ambitious goals, and I wanted to find a mentor who can hold me accountable to them through SheMentors…Frankly, getting personalized support during a tough time in history is a huge plus as well.”
Getting to Know the Mentee - Liz
Liz, tell us a bit about yourself and what made you decide to become a mentee?
I recently underwent a massive career shift from biochemistry to cybersecurity (to put it briefly - life pulled me in many directions in between!). I took on the challenge of mentoring young professionals and wanted to hone my skills by seeking support from more seasoned mentors. I also briefly volunteered with YWiB Vancouver in 2017, and I’m delighted that the program is still going strong.
You're an ethical hacker in cybersecurity and recently returned to Toronto. Tell us about both of those things, and how these life events may have influenced your decision to get a mentor.
I get paid to break into apps, websites, computer networks, and actual buildings on occasion! Cybersecurity is a collaborative industry and relies heavily on mentorship. I wanted to improve my leadership skills and receive guidance with developing my own mentorship style since I didn’t really know where to start.
As for returning to Toronto, I honestly didn’t think I would be back! I left as soon as I got into university, convinced that I’d end up outside of Canada long-term. And who knows, that could still happen. I’ve come to appreciate all the opportunities and ideas I was exposed to while growing up here. I’m fortunate that my industry has a strong sense of community, but I also wanted to gain wisdom from a mentor with a different perspective outside of that ecosystem.
What are you hoping to gain from SheMentors?
I set ambitious goals, and I wanted to find a mentor who can hold me accountable to them through SheMentors. I’m also hoping to uncover any blind spots in my thinking. Frankly, getting personalized support during a tough time in history is a huge plus as well. Sleeping in and procrastinating isn’t as easy when I know someone is going to check in on me.
How do you hope to be different at the end of this experience?
I hope to be more confident in my leadership abilities and to be more patient with myself. And above all, I’d like to come away with another source of support in both good times and bad!
The Mentor & Mentee Relationship
How is virtual mentorship going so far? How are you able to connect on a deeper level to create that mentor-mentee relationship?
Liz: The YWiB team did an excellent job with the matching process! I don’t feel like we’ve had to follow any particular routine or method to build rapport. Faren is honest and upfront about her experiences and opinions, which gives me the space to trust her advice. And in turn, I’m comfortable asking questions and sharing stories without filtering my thoughts beforehand.
What are your short-term goals? How is SheMentors helping to support those?
Liz: Aside from getting more certifications under my belt, I want to continue expanding my network while in-person opportunities are limited. SheMentors has provided me a way to connect with other women who are willing to put in the time to invest in themselves and in others. I’d also like to start sharing my writing. Journaling is second nature to me, but organizing my thoughts for an audience seems daunting. The SheMentors community will be a good place to begin testing the waters.
We’re about two months into the program. What have you learned from each other so far?
Liz: We all get the same 24 hours in a day, yet Faren seems to balance so many plates effortlessly. I’ve learned how to navigate tough conversations and manage expectations both for myself and for others.