Mentor Wish List: Important Characteristics of Mentors for Black Females

1. Mentor Wish List: Important Characteristics of Mentors for Black Females Tamara Bertrand Jones, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Florida State University College of Education Yi-Chin Wu, M.S. Graduate Student, Florida State University College of Education

2. Black Females in Higher Education (% is of total population, National Center for Education Statistics, 2009, 2011; Council of Graduate School, 2012)

3. Mentoring Defined • Mentoring A process that helps novices learn technical expertise, acceptable organizational or professional behavior, and develop an overall sense of competence. • Mentoring is… • A learning partnership • A positive socialization experience

4. Mentor Characteristics

5. Race, Gender, & Mentoring • Intersectional Research: • (a) a primary emphasis and centering on the lived experiences of individuals; • (b) an exploration of identity salience as influenced by systems of power and privilege and the interacting nature of such systems; and • (c) a larger purpose and goal of contributing to a more socially just society (Patton & Chang, 2011)

7. Missing Elements • Acknowledge lived experiences • Expose the hidden curriculum • Be honest and authentic

8. Acknowledge Lived Experiences • “So just being able to be in a space where my particular life experience, feelings, and interest are going to be valued, supported, and challenged;not challenged in a negative critical way but challenged in a spirit of refinement.” Junior Faculty

9. Expose the Hidden Curriculum • “…there is this thing called the hidden curriculum that students may not get and oftentimes white European Americans may have a leg up compared to students of color. I think that as we are transitioning into the academy…that’s great there were resources there to nurture my research development…But there were a lot of us who were [wondering] what to do. Even as you get that job and transition there… I didn’t know what to do and then I’m like what the heck did I get myself into? But I was scared to ask…this [experience] provided that answer to that hidden curriculum that I didn’t have transitioning. Because it’s like you need to do this, do that, and be excellent in everything you do.” Junior Faculty

10. Be Honest and Authentic • “I feel like people were real here, like let’s be honest about what you’re really dealing with ……[they] were honest. [they] realized what [we] are going up against and this is what you have to do to overcome, let’s talk about how you have to do those things..” Graduate Student

11. Be Honest and Authentic ‘‘Based on my interactions with these women, I realize that it is imperative that a connection remain with the younger generations in order to ensure that they are aware of the success stories of older women and how to avoid potential professional pitfalls. My mentees are more informed and aware of the personal and professional realities of Black women in higher education.’’ Administrator

12. Tips for Mentors working with Black Females Tip #1: Be clear about expectations, for yourself and your mentee.  Tip #2:Do not rely on the mentee only to initiate/maintain contact.   Tip #3: Challenge and support. Recognize that your relationships are professional, not parental. Tip #4: Assist your mentee in developing the skills and networks necessary for success. Tip #5: Mentoring is a reciprocal relationship. Tip #6: Acknowledge and validate your mentee’s lived experiences

13. Tips for Mentors working with Black Females Tip #6: Acknowledge and validate your mentee’s lived experiences Tip #7: Be honest and authentic. Tip #8:Do not be afraid to expose the hidden curriculum.

14. Questions and Discussion