How Scotiabank and Locelle’s ALLIANCE is Empowering BIPOC Leaders and Professionals through tailored mentorship matching
Author: Vannia Flores Forsyth
United by a shared vision of growth and success, individuals from diverse backgrounds find guidance, encouragement, and contentment in one another’s journey
llustration by Anna Parini.
In fostering BIPOC leadership representation, Scotiabank and Locelle have partnered to bridge the gap between high turnover rates and staff retention for underrepresented communities with a focus on women through transformational mentorship programs.
Locelle has quietly revolutionized the lives of thousands of professionals, and for the occasion of Women’s History Month (2023), Scotiabank has sponsored the mentorship for four exceptional BIPOC women. This has set the stage for success, empowerment and inclusivity, providing tailored mentorship experiences that is leaving a lasting impact on mentees’ careers and lives.Research has shown that mentoring programs can significantly improve a mentee’s career prospects, knowledge, and self-confidence.
Research shows that those with mentors are more likely to achieve their goals and find success in their chosen fields. Additionally, mentoring is also a great way for organizations to build relationships with their employees, as it creates a sense of community and trust. Regardless of industry, the guidance, empowerment and advice from someone with experience is always going to provide benefits.
There is no doubt about it: mentoring is an important endeavoUr that all organizations should encourage and actively implement.
Empowering BIPOC Professionals
The Scotiabank-Locelle mentorship program’s magic lies in its Successful Matching Process, which thoughtfully pairs mentees with mentors sharing similar backgrounds and career trajectories. This alignment fosters meaningful connections, empowering mentees to pursue their aspirations with unwavering support and encouragement. The mentor-mentee relationships that bloom through this program serve as pillars of strength, nourishing professional growth and confidence.
“Participating in Locelle was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my career” reported one of our mentees, a Human Resources Assistant Manager. “I was matched with an amazing Mentor, who became my cheerleader and was someone I can always get advice from.”
The transformative power of mentorship is evident in the personal and professional growth reported by mentees. Armed with the guidance of their mentors, they have found new courage to navigate their career paths, gaining clarity and direction. “The mentorship sessions have helped me grow professionally and personally as a leader, and I feel more motivated and confident with my career direction as next steps.”
“76% Of People Think Mentors Are Important, But Only 37% Have One” (FORBES, 2019).
Why is the remaining 63% not getting mentorship or is actively looking for a mentor? Today’s globalized world has socialized us to hide away from receiving support from fear of looking weak, fooling us into thinking we can do it all alone. Maybe it’s because of the individualistic culture we grew up with. The mentorship experience transcends mere advice, imparting invaluable tools to conquer fears, seize opportunities, and embrace the next steps in their journey.This expansion of horizons opens doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and friendships, solidifying the foundation of their professional success.
Building Confidence in Leadership Roles
Jasmine Parmar, a distinctive Healthcare Category Manager shares how “as someone who just started her leadership journey, [it] really helped hear stories and advice from Janet [Murray], (her mentor), about how she deals with work/life balance”. For those who have recently taken up leadership positions, the mentorship program has been a transformative force, nurturing their confidence and empowering them to lead with excellence. With the wisdom of seasoned mentors, these emerging leaders are tackling challenges head-on and creating inclusive work environments that inspire their teams.
For Jenny Stoldt, Growth Marketing Manager, her mentor, Alison Fisher gave her the insights, encouragement, and motivation that she needed to pursue the career change that she had been on the edge of heading into going! “I’m just a couple months into my new ‘career’ as an entrepreneur, and I’m loving it. I’m so glad Alison was there to help me get there.”
The Scotiabank-Locelle partnership is a beacon of hope for ambitious, motivated BIPOC professionals seeking meaningful mentorship experiences. This collaboration has sowed the seeds of empowerment, personal growth, and inclusivity, touching the lives of five individuals and leaving an indelible mark on their journeys. As we celebrate their successes, we invite you to embrace mentorship, to unlock the immense potential within yourself, and to create positive ripples in your career and community.
If you’re ready to embark on a transformational journey of personal and professional growth, join our newsletter community today. Let us be your companions on this adventure. We focus on people in their mid to senior-level careers, who believe it’s never too late to make a change, learn something new, or embark on a new life adventure. Together, we can thrive, empower one another, and shape a future where inclusive leadership and supportive environments flourish.
About Locelle: Locelle is a talent development platform created for today’s workforce. Through tailored leadership development programs that use the power of mentorship and coaching, Locelle delivers personal and professional growth to people at work.
About Scotiabank: Scotiabank is one of North America’s leading financial institutions, and Canada’s most international bank. They provide innovative financial products and services to individuals, small and medium-size businesses, corporations and governments across Canada and around the world.
“At Scotiabank, we believe inclusion, with an emphasis on equity deserving groups, makes us stronger. It is important to recognize and celebrate equality of voice, opinion, and contribution as it is critical to the success of our organizations and our communities,” said Sophia Pugh, District Vice President, Scotiabank, Vancouver Island. Pugh further added, “Mentors provide first-hand insight into business practices along with support and community to help women thrive. At Scotiabank, we are honored to be part of this very important initiative. Thank you for including us.”
