Celebrating the Impact of Mentorship During National Mentoring Month
Mentorship is a cornerstone of personal and professional growth, and this January, during National Mentoring Month, HAND is proud to highlight its commitment to fostering the next generation of housing and community development leaders through its GenerationHAND initiative. The program provides emerging leaders with resources and mentorship to help them thrive in their careers.
Launched in 2021, the year-long program pairs mentees with experienced mentors to provide guidance, insights, and professional development support. The program not only equips mentees with essential skills but also creates a ripple effect of empowerment, as participants are encouraged to pay it forward by becoming mentors themselves. This cycle of support is key to building a robust leadership pipeline in the housing industry.
One example of this impact is Remarno Chambers, Housing Financial Analyst at the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development, who has benefited from and contributed to the mentorship program. Initially joining the program as a mentee in 2023, Chambers has since transitioned into a dual role as mentor and mentee, embodying the program’s mission of continuous learning and collaboration.
“What inspired me to become a mentor is the opportunity to give back and pay it forward,” Chambers shares. Reflecting on the guidance he received from mentors throughout his career, Chambers emphasizes the value of helping others navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and grow personally and professionally. For him, mentorship is about creating a ripple effect—supporting mentees so they, in turn, can uplift others.“
Chambers joined several other mentor/mentee pairs on January 22 during an in-person kick-off meeting. The event featured a panel discussion with a previous mentor/mentee pair: Ayesha Hudson (A-Peace), Priya Jayachandran (National Housing Trust), and Gerry Joseph (Joseph & Browne Development Associates) moderated by HAND Executive Director Courtney Battle.
“Here at HAND, we emphasize the importance of relationships. Our members’ shared mission to build and sustain more equitable communities is not an easy goal, and it is not one that can be accomplished alone,” said Battle. “It’s exciting to hear from our participants about how the program is helping them succeed professionally and personally.“
By offering mentorship, fostering diversity, and championing equity, GenerationHAND ensures the housing industry benefits from a wide array of perspectives and ideas.
“A program like GenerationHAND is crucial in the housing industry because it provides invaluable support to professionals navigating a complex landscape,” Chambers explains.
Through mentorship, Chambers has honed his leadership abilities and expanded his professional network. He credits the program with preparing him to take on higher-level roles and fostering a unified effort to address the challenges of the housing industry.
As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, we look forward to seeing our mentor-mentee pairs thrive and make meaningful contributions to building a stronger, more inclusive community development field.
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