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Finding Strength in Each Other: Maddy & Kathy’s Mentoring Journey

Our mentoring programs at Woman to Woman Mentoring aim to provide support, connection, and guidance to women in Frederick County.  Mentoring goes beyond the one-on-one meeting and can truly be a supportive network that you can lean on, whether you are the mentee or the mentor. This month, we are spotlighting Maddy and Kathy, a recent CORE Mentoring program pair, who found their supportive network in each other.  

Kathy, a nonprofit leader in the Frederick community, who first heard about W2WM when she was at a crossroad in her career. She joined a Mentoring Circle but wasn’t sure what to expect. “At first, I wasn’t sure it would help,” she said. “But I made a real friend there, and we still encourage each other.” Inspired by her experience, Kathy later became a mentor. “If I’d had someone in my corner earlier, I might’ve gotten further, faster. I wanted to be that support for someone else.” 

Maddy joined W2WM as a mentee in Spring 2025 after hearing about the program from a professional contact, who spoke highly of it. “I actually tried to join in the fall but missed the cutoff,” Maddy said. “Amy stayed in touch and checked back in when the next session opened, she was amazing.” Maddy was paired with Kathy as her mentor, and it was a great fit. “Kathy and I are like twins, we just click.” 

When asked how mentorship has impacted her life, Maddy said, “This experience has opened doors for me professionally and personally. It’s given me perspective, support, and a sense of community I didn’t know I was missing.” 

A lot of people think mentorship only benefits the mentee, but in reality, mentors often gain just as much from the experience. When asked the same question, Kathy answered, “Having a mentee encourages me to follow my own advice. It’s normal to ask for help, and mentoring has shown me the value of outside perspectives when tackling problems.”  

When joining a new program, mentees and mentors may feel nervous or a little hesitant, but our goal is to create a safe space where they can build their confidence. When asked what advice they’d give to anyone thinking about joining W2WM, Maddy said, “Just show up as your real self. Mentoring isn’t about being perfect, it’s about learning, connecting, and letting yourself be supported. This group is safe, welcoming, and full of the kindest people. Take that first step, you never know how long these connections might last.”  

Kathy kept it simple:  “Do it! Being part of W2WM will change your life in ways you can’t imagine.” 

W2WM is here to meet you where you are and to help you build a community of women in Frederick. If this is something you are looking for, visit our website to find out how you can participate. www.womantowomanmentoring.org 

 

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