Whether they were aware or not, I have had numerous female mentors, even if they were only mentors “in my head.” The very first person I considered a mentor, in a field I was remotely interested in, was Johnnie Walker, founder of National Association of Black Females and Executives in Entertainment (NABFEME) and former marketing and promotions executive at Def Jam Records.
Must Read: Are 20-Somethings Entitled, Bratty & Lazy In The Workplace? [POLL]
I was very zealous about attending the events held by this organization because it put me in the same room with some, if not all, of the most prominent women in entertainment. Whether it was a networking reception, conference or panel, I made it a point to introduce myself to these women and would instantly daydream about them being my Fairy God Mentor, bringing me along for the ride and introducing me to those I would need know to assist in my career matriculation.
While attending a NABFEME conference in Chicago in the summer of 2005, I was nominated for Legal Counsel of the Year alongside some of the biggest, brightest and most accomplished African-American female attorneys in entertainment. I was just happy to be mentioned in the same breath as Lisa Bonner, Dedra Davis (another mentor and former boss), Heather Nelson-Beverly; so imagine my surprise when I actually won the award. “You mean to tell me I received this award over the woman who represents Lupe Fiasco? For real?! How did that happen?”
Lisa had an extremely successful practice in Los Angeles and moved to New York a couple of years after this conference took place. As soon as I got wind that she moved to New York, I invited her out to dinner just to get re-acquainted (because of course as a mentor in my head, we had spent tons of time together). We discussed our careers, new ventures, dating, bullsh*t, you name it. I was ecstatic to be in her presence, but could not muster up the courage to ask her outright to be my mentor. You want to know why? Well, let me tell you. It’s because (in my head) these women were tremendously busy and I did not want to bother them with my questions, concerns, crying, whining and soul searching.
Don’t get me wrong, anytime I would email or call these fab female attorneys, they would answer, give great advice and that is why I always make it a point to respond to students and newly admitted attorneys today. I never really had that mentor–that one person who I felt like had me under their tutelage with guidance as a newbie to the legal field. And this is my fault honestly.
While most professionals may be cautious in outright “knighting” someone as their mentee, they are nonetheless (most of the time) willing and available to offer guidance and assistance. The key, however, is to not stalk them and/or become disrespectful of their schedules and other responsibilities. Many colleges, neighborhood programs, professional organizations and companies offer official mentoring programs, however, if that is not readily available in your immediate network, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you see making strides in the area you would like to succeed in.
I have mentors and, yes, some of them may be what I consider “mentors in my head,” but nonetheless I follow their careers, keep up with how they navigate in my fields of interest and I make it a point that they know me. So while you may be in at a precarious point in your quest for success, and looking for a little guidance and advice, reach out! I have had tremendous success with getting nuggets of information and advice from women I look up to, even if it was not the “typical” mentor/mentee relationship.
Rashida Maples, Esq. is Founder and Managing Partner of J. Maples & Associates (www.jmaplesandassociates.com). She has practiced Entertainment, Real Estate and Small Business Law for 9 years, handling both transactional and litigation matters. Her clients include R&B Artists Bilal and Olivia, NFL Superstar Ray Lewis, Fashion Powerhouse Harlem’s Fashion Row and Hirschfeld Properties, LLC.
LIKE HelloBeautiful On Facebook!
More Women In The Workplace:
SHE WORKS: Super Publicist Sasha Brookner Spins The Industry’s Most Dynamic Stars
Cublicle Courtesy: 3 Tips On Being A Better Neighbor At Work
Check Out This Gallery Of HelloBeautiful’s Women In The Workplace Event!
