Ayana Ledford, award-winning speaker, leadership mentor, and executive director of Carnegie Mellon University’s PROGRESS (Program for Research and Outreach on Gender Equity in Society), served as the keynote speaker of Slippery Rock University’s Women and Allies Mentoring Event on March 26. Her presentation focused on the importance of mentorship in personal and professional life.
“Mentoring is a cycle,” Ledford said. “It takes you through a journey, but behind every strong leader is someone who helped shape them.”
Ledford spoke about her family and friends and their roles in shaping her throughout her formative years before talking moving ahead to speak about her professional mentors. She also spoke about times in which she has been able to offer guidance to her own mentors, which elevatied and strengthened both parties while deepening connection and creating critical networks for success.
“Listen and be present with everyone you’re connected with and think of ways to expand those connections,” Ledford said.
The core of Ledford’s presentation lies in the notion that each person is a part of a cycle of mentorship with constant teaching, learning and “becoming.” Her call is for people to give back to those who have invested in you and to keep those who are watching you in mind as you move through your life as a professional and as a person.
The full version of Ledford’s stirring presentation is available below.
More information about Ledford is available in SRU’s Women’s History Month preview.
