January is National Mentoring Month, and every year, I take time to reflect on what it means to mentor and to be mentored. This past year, I’ve had the joy of serving as a mentor with BasBlue’s Future Founders Club, and I can honestly say it’s been incredibly fulfilling.
From field trips and school visits to small-group mentoring sessions, every moment has reminded me that mentorship is never one-sided. Yes, I’m there…we’re there… to guide and encourage, but these young women give just as much back. Their curiosity, humor, honesty and bold ideas are inspiring. One minute we’re talking about business ideas or college plans, and the next we’re navigating the challenges of dating in the digital age. It’s real. It’s layered. And it’s exactly what makes this work so meaningful.
Tiara Tinnin, BasBlue’s Director of Youth Programming, beautifully captures the heart of the program. She shared that working with these students “reignited a spark” in her professional life and gave her work renewed purpose. Creating a space where young people from underrepresented communities can see themselves reflected in entrepreneurs and leaders has been deeply affirming for her and for all of us who are part of it.
What excites Tiara most is the future. Her dream is to scale the Future Founders Club across Detroit so even more young women can access entrepreneurial tools and confidence. That vision aligns perfectly with the program’s mission: to equip Detroit high school girls with the mindset and skills to navigate an ever-changing economy and build businesses that positively impact their lives and communities.
Tiara says mentors help young people “see what is possible before they can fully see it for themselves.” I’ve watched that happen in real time.
Being part of Future Founders has reminded me that mentorship is necessary. Mentorship is transformative. And mentoring is a lot of fun!
Empowered Flower Girl 