On October 10, 2024, the U.S. WIN GROW program held the 23-24 GROW Cohort Graduation followed by the 24-25 GROW Cohort Kick-off Session.
During the graduation, we heard testimony from the program participants, and they described the impact of GROW mentoring. We heard from Price Collins (Duke Energy), Haley Fuller (Constellation), Diana Peck-Earley (TVA), and Maryanne Stasko (Duke Energy). They each provided insights on how mentoring helped their careers, and even how personal friendships developed outside of the GROW program. Price stated that “We talked about tips for interviewing, resumes, and I provided feedback on Haley’s resume during our mentorship.” Diana went on to talk about how the GROW program is unique. “Being paired with someone in a different organization and company, you get to hear diverse input and hear from women in a role that hasn’t (quite) happened at your plant site yet.”
We heard from the Program Chair, Dr. LaKisha White, inspiring the mentors and mentees by saying, “The exciting thing about life is there is always something we can learn from each other. Give thanks. Give things. Give thoughts. Continue to give your gifts. Paying it forward is about creating a chain of positive actions that benefits everyone.” We are pleased to hear from program participants on the value they see in the program.
The kick-off for the 24-25 cohort was exciting as it is our LARGEST cohort yet! The 4th year of the program has proven the success of the program, and it’s thanks to the mentors and mentees that bring their true and authentic selves to the program to participate. Rebecca Salvadore (Constellation, U.S. WIN Vice Chair) delivered an inspirational charge to the new program participants, and shared her personal experiences on how mentoring has proven beneficial to her own career. Rebecca explained that, “The more intentional and accountable you are to the mentoring relationship, the more effective the outcomes of the program. … The mentoring relationship is an opportunity to expand your network, and that is the most beautiful thing that we have available to us through the U.S. Women in Nuclear program.”
Congratulations to the graduates and welcome to the new participants!
We are looking forward to the virtual GROW Winter General Session meeting scheduled for January 16th which will provide another opportunity for mentees and mentors to leverage relationships that promote both career and personal growth.