Women’s Equality Day, celebrated every August 26, commemorates the passage of women’s suffrage in the U.S. and celebrates the achievements of women’s rights activists while recognizing progress and reminding us of the unique issues that women face to this day.
As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, it’s important to recognize the role mentorship plays in empowering women within the workplace. This year, we had the pleasure of speaking with a mentor/mentee pairing from the Women of Envoy (WE) mentorship program that exemplifies the profound impact that these relationships have on professional development and gender equality.
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A Mentor’s Perspective: This one’s for the girls
For our mentor, Cleveland Airport General Manager Priscilla Montes, the decision to guide other women in her field was deeply personal. Reflecting on her early career, Priscilla realized how much clearer her path might have been with a mentor by her side. “I faced numerous challenges that could have been mitigated by having a mentor. Once I had one—a female mentor, by the way—everything changed,” she shared. Her desire to give back and support emerging talent was rooted in her understanding of how vital mentorship can be in navigating a career. “Seeing the potential in others and knowing my experience could help them overcome obstacles inspired me to become a mentor.”
One of Priscilla’s proudest moments as a mentor involved her mentee, Crew Scheduling Manager Kristi Shoates. Despite Kristi’s impressive 25-year career, she struggled with work-life balance—a common challenge among high performers, and amplified by the unique needs of airline crew scheduling. Through their mentoring relationship, they worked on setting priorities and establishing a morning routine that mentally prepared Kristi for the day ahead. This guidance not only helped Kristi achieve a healthier balance but also reinforced the mentor’s belief in the transformative power of mentorship.
Growth through mentorship
Mentorship has also been a journey of growth for Priscilla. “It has refined my leadership skills by giving me opportunities to practice active listening, empathy, and strategic thinking,” Priscilla explained. “The process of guiding others has enhanced my emotional intelligence and deepened my understanding of team dynamics.”
To women considering becoming mentors, Priscilla advises embracing the role with an open heart. “Be patient, empathetic, and willing to share your experiences honestly. Mentorship is a two-way street; you’ll learn as much from your mentee as they will from you,” she emphasized.
Mentorship and gender equality
Looking to the future, Priscilla sees mentorship as a crucial tool in promoting gender equality. “Mentorship programs are evolving to be more structured and intentional about addressing gender disparities,” she noted. The Women of Envoy, as well as other groups such as HR Talent Development and the Customer Services Management Development Program (CSMDP) refine their development programs based on feedback from participants and ongoing trends to ensure everyone who is willing, able and dedicated are able to rise to their potential.
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A Mentee’s Perspective: Navigating challenges and embracing growth
After being promoted to Crew Scheduling Manager, Kristi Shoates found herself in uncharted territory. “Priscilla was a great resource for me as I transitioned from managing the operation to managing the department as a whole. She encouraged me to set both department and personal development goals,” Kristi recounted.
One significant moment in Kristi’s mentorship journey was when Priscilla introduced her to the Leadership Assessment offered by the Envoy HR Talent Development team. “It was a great tool for my development and for helping my direct report supervisors set goals,” Kristi shared. “It’s great to have someone to bounce ideas off and get a different outlook. This helps me make decisions with confidence.”
Through her mentorship, Kristi gained new perspectives through experiences like the “walk-a-mile” visit to LAX (pictured above) she took with Priscilla, opening her eyes to different aspects of the company. “It was fascinating to see the operation outside of the SOC, where I’ve spent my career,” Kristi reflected.
When asked for her best advice for a successful mentorship, Kristi said, “Come to meetings prepared with topics to discuss, but also be open to what your mentor wants to challenge you with. Mentees must take responsibility for their development while remaining receptive to their mentor’s guidance.”
Women supporting women
Kristi firmly believes in the power of women supporting women. “Seeing other women doing great things helps you see the possibilities for yourself,” said Kristi. “”Priscilla remains a positive influence in my life, even after our formal mentorship ended. She’s an inspiration.”
Thank you to Priscilla and Kristi for sharing your mentorship journeys! As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, their experiences are just one example of many that remind us of the importance of supporting and uplifting each other, paving the way for a more equitable future.