G.R.O.W. Newsletter

Issue #70 - February 4, 2025

Welcome to G.R.O.W.!

In partnership with

Dear valued members of our community,

As we step into Black History Month, we're honored to dedicate this issue of G.R.O.W. (Guidance Redefines Our Way) to celebrating Black Excellence in Leadership & Mentorship. In today's challenging political climate, where we're witnessing the dismantling of diversity programs across federal agencies and corporate America, our mission has taken on renewed urgency and significance. While these changes present serious challenges to progress and inclusion, they also highlight the crucial role of grassroots organizations like A Few Good MENtors, Inc. in maintaining and advancing opportunities for Black professionals and leaders.

This moment calls for both reflection and action. As diversity initiatives face headwinds at institutional levels, community-based mentorship and leadership development become even more vital to ensuring continued progress and opportunity. Through our collective effort and unwavering commitment to excellence, we will not only persevere but continue to build stronger pathways for success and advancement.

This edition explores the profound impact of Black leaders who have shaped not only their immediate communities but have created lasting legacies through their commitment to mentorship and empowerment. Their examples remind us that progress often requires resilience in the face of obstacles and that our strength lies in our ability to support and elevate one another.

Growth Spotlight: Legacy Leaders - Black Pioneers in Mentorship

The tradition of mentorship in Black communities has deep historical roots, dating back to when formal education was denied. Still, knowledge and wisdom were carefully preserved and passed down through generations. Today, we honor this legacy by examining some pioneering figures who established foundational mentorship models that continue to influence modern leadership development.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune stands as a towering figure in this tradition. As the founder of Bethune-Cookman University, she created educational opportunities and established a mentorship model that emphasized academic excellence and character development. Her "lifting as we climb" philosophy resonates in contemporary mentorship programs.

The mentorship principles established by figures like Dorothy Height, who led the National Council of Negro Women for over 40 years, demonstrate how structured guidance can create ripple effects across generations. Height's approach to mentorship emphasized the importance of:

• Building confidence through knowledge and preparation

• Understanding the intersection of personal growth and community responsibility

• Creating sustainable networks of support and advancement

Professional Growth Gateway: Cultural Leadership Skills

In today's workplace climate, cultural leadership skills are more critical than ever. Here are key competencies that distinguish effective cross-cultural leaders:

Understanding Cultural Intelligence (CQ), Cultural Intelligence goes beyond awareness to encompass active engagement with different cultural perspectives. This includes:

• Recognizing and valuing diverse leadership styles

• Adapting communication approaches for different cultural contexts

• Building inclusive decision-making processes

Developing Cross-Cultural Mentoring Capabilities Successful cross-cultural mentoring requires:

• Active listening and cultural humility

• Recognition of different cultural approaches to professional relationships

• Flexibility in mentoring styles to accommodate diverse learning preferences

Success Spotlight: Contemporary Black Business Leaders

This month, we highlight Rosalind Brewer, whose career exemplifies excellence in both leadership and mentorship. As one of the few Black women to have served as CEO of multiple Fortune 500 companies (including Walgreens Boots Alliance and Sam's Club), Brewer has consistently emphasized the importance of mentorship in career development.

Brewer's leadership philosophy centers on:

• Creating pathways for diverse talent

• Building inclusive organizational cultures

• Maintaining high-performance standards while fostering supportive environments

Her commitment to mentorship extends beyond corporate boundaries through her involvement in various initiatives supporting the next generation of Black business leaders.

Community Corner: Black History Month AFGM Events

A Few Good MENtors, Inc. is proud to present a series of engaging events celebrating Black History Month. These events foster connection, learning, and growth within our community.

Upcoming Events:

New Mentor Training Course (NMTC 25-01)

• Date: February 25, 2025

• Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Open to: All new and experienced AFGM Mentors

• Focus: Enhanced mentorship skills and best practices

Save the Date: Black Men's Mental Health Conference Coming to the DMV area in September 2025

• Details forthcoming

• A groundbreaking event focusing on mental health awareness and support in the Black community

Building Inclusive Leadership Pipelines

Creating sustainable leadership pipelines requires intentional effort and structured support. Key strategies include:

Mentorship Network Development

• Establishing formal mentorship programs

• Creating peer support networks

• Developing sponsor relationships

Skills Enhancement Opportunities

• Leadership development workshops

• Cross-functional exposure

• Project leadership experiences

Closing Thoughts

As we celebrate Black Excellence in Leadership & Mentorship this month, let us remember that the legacy of Black leadership is not just about individual achievement—it's about creating lasting positive change through empowering others. The mentorship models established by Black pioneers continue to guide us in building more inclusive and equitable leadership pipelines.

We encourage all community members to engage with this month's growth opportunities and connections. Whether as a mentor or mentee, your participation contributes to the continuing legacy of excellence and empowerment.

I also want to welcome our new sponsor Mark Cheeks. As a retired Air Force veteran with 21 years of military service more than 20 years in corporate, and 8 years as an executive, he is uniquely equipped to create the bridge that connects transitioning military members to corporate success. Click on the image above for more details.

Together, we grow stronger.

Warmest regards, The G.R.O.W. Team

A Few Good MENtors, Inc, proudly sponsor G.R.O.W.

For more information about our programs and events, don't hesitate to get in touch with our team or visit our website.