Carley Kolker is an Account Manager at OneDigital, where she helps employees navigate their health insurance and make the most of the benefits that their employer offers. She grew up in Olney, MD, and then attended the University of South Carolina where she majored in Sport and Entertainment Management. She currently lives in Washington, DC, and enjoys going on long walks exploring the city.
Why did you become a mentor?
I got connected to Spark through my relationship with YearUp in the North Capitol Region. I became a mentor because my life and growth has been transformed by people who have invested in me. Mentoring is a way to pay it forward. It is important to recognize that the mentor/mentee relationship isn’t a one-way street. I’m learning from my mentee. I’m benefiting and growing as a result of our relationship.
How long have you been mentoring with Spark?
This is my first year mentoring with Spark the Journey!
How have you been able to sustain the relationship with your mentee during COVID-19?
I think this is all about consistency and a commitment to communicate with each other. We mutually decided that a bi-weekly check-in worked best for us. We meet at the same day and time on that cadence. We also established a communication plan. We know how the other likes to communicate. This plan is helpful when we have to adjust the timing of our meetings.
In what ways are you helping her get through this pandemic?
I hope that I’m helping my mentee get through the pandemic simply by being another person that is invested in her overall health and wellbeing. In addition to checking in on professional goals, experiences, and challenges, we check in with each other on how life is going in general.
What is one of your mentee’s dreams?
I’m very inspired by my mentee, Jordan! She is already working towards her dream of running and growing her own catering business. Jordan spends her weekends and free time working towards this goal by capturing and fine tuning her recipes and creating social media content. Jordan is driven by her passion and her dreams are growing as she progresses through her internship.
How are you helping her achieve it?
When Jordan and I met, one of the first things we discussed was the expectations of our mentor/mentee relationship. As we explored the best way I could show up for her, we decided I would be an accountability buddy. For us, this means frequent check-ins on progress towards her goals, exploring any barriers or challenges, and providing ideas or workarounds that she can use to achieve her dreams.
How has Spark helped you in your mentoring relationship?
As a new mentor, I’ve appreciated Spark’s consistent communication and support. The team frequently checks in. They also provide ample opportunities to build relationships with our mentees and other mentors, as well as providing critical resources and context on the experience of our mentees. At every turn, I have access to the resources I may need to engage in this experience and more importantly, support my mentee with whatever she may need.
What advice would you give anyone considering mentoring?
Seek to learn and understand. Everything your mentee needs is already in them. Mentors are likely mentors because they have rich experiences and knowledge, but so do our mentees. Mentors should not just advise but also ask questions and listen with the intent to understand; this will enable you to get to know your mentee and discover all their strengths and help them harness that.
