At the conclusion of each Upward session, members are invited to celebrate their accomplishments and share their good news. When Upward Class Six member Shakeitha Tatum (Tatum) stood up and celebrated her entire co-mentoring group, our team was moved by their bond.
In each Momentum program, participants are assigned to a group of 4-5 other participants who meet regularly outside of class. These groups provide a safe space for discussing program topics, sharing personal insights, and exchanging professional advice. Co-mentoring is invaluable for building lasting networks and strengthening each woman’s growth journey as they draw from one another’s experiences and perspectives. Continue reading to learn more about the power of networking and relationship-building among women in our community through the perspectives of these five remarkable women.
Q: How has your co-mentoring group elevated your Upward experience?
The Upward program is designed with such intentionality that the combination of the speakers, programming, networking and co-mentoring groups creates a one-of-a- kind experience. When I began Upward, I had no idea how much my co-mentoring group would mean to me. Through the co-mentoring groups, we not only have a chance to process the information shared in sessions, but to build relationships on a deeper level and learn from one another. My co-mentoring group taught me so much. Through our discussions, I have been encouraged, supported and challenged to take the next steps in my professional and personal growth in the best ways. I now have a group of wonderful professional connections, but more than that, friends that I know I can depend on.- Allison Westlake, Brand Strategist, Alabama Power
Q: What have you learned about the power of networking over these past nine months?
This experience has shown me that building a strong network is not just about exchanging business cards, but about creating meaningful connections that foster mutual growth and support. Through engaging with a diverse group of talented women, I have learned to leverage these relationships to gain new perspectives, share knowledge, and open doors to opportunities I hadn’t previously considered. Networking has empowered me to take ownership of my career path with confidence, knowing that I am supported by a community of like-minded professionals who are invested in each other’s success.- Shakeitha Tatum, Vice President of Agency Relations, United Way of Central Alabama
Q: Why is it important that we build relationships with other strong female leaders in the community?
Building strong relationships with other strong female leaders is important for various reasons. Not only for the support, advice, and mentorship you need but for the blind spots that can be pointed out and sometimes hard to hear. You always need an advocate who will fight for you in the room or the arena. If you don’t fight, the next group in the room might skip over you. Being a part of a collective body of strong women is like David taking down Goliath. Whatever the size or the motive of the giant, the women are there to help with your strategy and aim. Some female circles may say, “Your obstacle is too big. Give up!” Your STRONG collective group of women will say, “Guess what, the target is so big… together WE CAN’T MISS!”- Krysten Holloway, Manager, Sales Support Services, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Q: How can we support each other as women leaders? Was there a specific moment when you felt most supported by other Upward women?
We can support each other as women leaders by acknowledging and understanding the unique challenges women face in balancing work and family life. Undoubtedly, this group of amazing women understands these challenges, and have supported me in balancing the pressures of leadership, work responsibilities, as well as family life. A specific moment was when I was unable to attend one of our in-person co-mentoring session due to a conflicting soccer practice for my daughter. I felt horrible as we spent weeks coordinating schedules to plan our co-mentoring event. Not only did this amazing group of women completely understand the conflict but sent supporting words of encouragement in response to a video of my daughter at practice. Words of encouragement such as “Go girl go!! Leading the pack!” “Love soccer shots!!” “Get it girl! She’s a natural” or “Natural leader like her mama!” really meant so much and helped with managing the pressures of work and family. Women leaders are multifaceted, and can really do it all, especially with a great co-mentoring group encouraging each other along the way.- Britney Crawford, Banking & Financial Services Associate, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLC
Q: In what ways has Upward empowered you to advance your career?
What I truly enjoyed about my co-mentoring group was the opportunity to expand on and discuss the topics we were presented with during our sessions in greater depth. Some sessions had a profound impact, especially regarding my career growth and how to juggle the work-life balance. Having a small group of supportive women to bounce ideas off and gain new perspectives helped me realize that I was at a tipping point in my career. I had struggled with the usual challenges—burnout, frustration, lack of purpose, and more. The Momentum sessions provided a launch point for me to dig deeper with my co-mentoring group into the “whys” and “what’s next,” ultimately helping me take the next step in my career by embracing a new opportunity.- Haley Ashway, Prefabrication Integration Manager, JE Dunn Construction
Each of these emerging female leaders impressed us from day one of the program. Throughout their time in Upward, and particularly, within their co-mentoring group, they experienced mutual growth, connection, and understanding of life as women in leadership. With the strong bonds they’ve built, we are confident that we will see even greater achievements in the coming years.
