Blog & News

Mentee Spotlight: Maria Martin, MBA, SHRM-CP

by W2WM Senior Program Assistant Andrea Baker

In honor of all of our W2WM mentees who are graduating this spring, we are spotlighting Maria Martin (previously Thorpe).  Maria was one of the founding Alumni Committee members, a W2WM Pop Up Shop and event volunteer, and she recently acquired her MBA! Congrats, Maria!

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Currently, I work for a medical practice as a Human Resources Generalist. I also provided HR organizational support to various of small businesses through UpWork and Jumpstart:HR. I love what I do and it is a great combination of business and people.

WHAT WERE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A MENTOR?

I wanted someone to hold me accountable, be honest with me, and someone who had the experience that I wanted to gain in my professional life.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR MENTOR?

My mentor Amanda Haddaway was amazing! I learned from her to never settle, and don’t be afraid to go after what you want. Even to this day I am still learning that. There hasn’t been a time where I have not reached out to her to get her idea or thought before pursuing something new. You get to create the life you want, and don’t be afraid to take the risks.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS SEEKING OUT THEIR OWN MENTOR?

1- Its a great decision!

2-Listen to your mentor, you may not always agree but they have YOUR best interest.

3-Don’t be in your own way of your growth!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST TAKE-AWAY FROM THE W2WM PROGRAM?

It is probably one of the best programs that you truly feel a part of a community, you gain lifelong friends.

SINCE YOU STARTED AND ENDED THE PROGRAM, HOW HAVE THINGS CHANGED FOR YOU?

Definitely yes. I left a toxic relationship, realized my worth, and my value. I started a new job, and I have experienced so much growth. Even right now, it doesn’t seem real LOL!

 

Founding members of the Alumni Committee.

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