At Verger we understand the importance of sharing our knowledge with each other and passing it along to the next generation of professionals – not only to help Verger and our partners continue to thrive, but also to advance our mission of investing in the lives of others.
To this end, Verger’s Communications Director Inge Smith, and Client Service Associate Izabel Rader, recently participated in the Triad Business Journal's Mentoring Monday – joining female professionals from across the region to share wisdom and support each other’s long-term success. The day featured an energizing panel discussion, where participants from a range of industries and backgrounds shared impactful personal stories and smart career advice. The candid conversations and shared gratitude for the many ways mentors can help shape careers set the stage nicely for the following “speed mentoring” rounds with mentees representing a range of experience levels.
Inge joined the seasoned mentors, including fellow Outstanding Women in Business Award recipients, from a wide spectrum of non-profits and businesses to sit with mentees for the speed rounds – asking quick, thoughtful questions to spark dialogue and focus on areas where mentees were specifically seeking advice. Throughout the conversations, mentors shared insights from their personal experiences about the value of networking and the benefits of building strong professional relationships.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my second annual Mentoring Monday experience and am grateful for the opportunity to connect, share advice, and, importantly, learn from the panelists and pool of fantastic mentors and mentees. I’m grateful to be a part of a team that invests in mentorship and leadership and honored to bring that commitment out into the community.” – Inge Smith
In addition to participating in community mentoring and networking events, Inge serves as a mentor through the REACH Women's Network and Salem College Leadership and Mentoring Program, where she guides sophomore students through their professional development journeys. This program is designed to build student skills to create effective mentor, sponsor, and influencer networks, expand student confidence in networking and articulating their unique strengths, and build relationships with diverse professionals in the community.
At Verger we believe that investing in the lives of others through mentorship strengthens our team and enhances our ability to serve our non-profit clients and the broader communities we are all a part of.
“It was a pleasure to participate in the event as a mentee and explore the ways mentorship can continue to play a role throughout the stages of my career. It was particularly meaningful for me that Verger’s partners at Salem College hosted the event in their beautiful Fine Arts Center.” – Izabel Rader