Twenty young professionals will leverage the unrivalled expertise of local community leaders through a new mentorship program. Developed by FUSION Halifax, the program has already drawn heavy hitters like Stephen Lund, Alexa McDonough, Robert Orr and Paul Kent as mentors.
Led by FUSION Halifax’s People Factor Action Team, the program creates extraordinary opportunities for young people to learn from and share with established leaders. Through eight-month partnerships, participants will engage in a dialogue rooted in the mentor’s insight and experiences as they relate to current industry trends – a knowledge exchange that will benefit both those in the corner offices and up-and-comers.
The mentorship program is one of many opportunities FUSION has created to help young people engage with the broader community in Halifax.
“Matching energetic and talented young innovators with established leaders bridges a gap in our city and provides added motivation for the next generation to find opportunities for success in Halifax,” said Cheryl Stewart, Chair of FUSION Halifax. “This is as much about building the community as it is about individual growth.”
The first phase of the program will pair 20 applicants with mentors based on professional fit and career aspirations. Initial applicants should be established in career paths with a proven commitment to reaching the next level of success. Application requirements include a detailed résumé and an essay on how an individual would benefit from the program.
Participants also commit to ‘paying it forward’. At the end of the program, FUSION members will pass their knowledge and expertise on to someone just starting their career.
“As volunteers looking to create a truly vibrant city, we’re always looking for ways to make the most impact,” said Kelly Wilson, Director of the People Factor Action Team. “When participants share what they’ve learned with others, it creates a knowledge exchange that goes beyond FUSION’s membership and leaves a lasting legacy in the community.”
Twenty business and community leaders have already signed on as mentors, including Stephen Lund, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc.
“Providing mentorship opportunities to young people is one thing we can all do to help make sure the next generation is ready to lead in tomorrow’s workforce,” said Mr. Lund. “NSBI is proud to lead by example by supporting FUSION in this important initiative.”
For more information or to submit an application for consideration, visit us online at www.fusionhalifax.ca/mentor. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 4.
To become a mentor, email us at fusionhalifax.ca.
About FUSION Halifax
FUSION Halifax is an organization created by and for young people who are inspired to make their city a better, more sustainable place to live, work and play. Through its nearly 2,000 members, volunteer committees and dynamic networks, FUSION Halifax showcases existing opportunities - and unleashes new ones - that encourage civic and community engagement.
FUSION runs on the strength and energy of volunteers and with the generous support of organizations like Nova Scotia Come to life.
For more information or to join FUSION Halifax for free, visit www.fusionhalifax.ca.
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Media contact:
Cheryl Stewart
FUSION Halifax
902-221-1066
nscc.ca
Sarah Levy
Nova Scotia Business Inc.
902-222-3658
nsbi.ca
Confirmed mentors include:
- Monique Auffrey, Executive Director, Family SOS
- Lee Bragg, CEO and Vice Chair, Eastlink
- Lisa Bugden, Vice President - Marketing and Communications, Nova Scotia Business Inc.
- Peter Conlon, President and CEO, Nautel Ltd.
- Fred Connors, Owner, Fred Salon & Spa
- Sarah Dennis, President and CEO, The Halifax Herald Limited
- Andrew Doyle, President, Extreme Group
- Holly Fancy, Chief Information Officer, Province of Nova Scotia
- Jeff Forbes, Vice President, Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette and Chair, Halifax Chamber of Commerce
- Carol Goddard, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax
- Paul Kent, President and CEO, Greater Halifax Partnership
- Stephen Lund, President and CEO, Nova Scotia Business Inc.
- Nancy MacCready-Williams, CEO, Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia
- Dan MacDonald, Vice President - Marketing, Eastlink
- Dr. Joan McArthur-Blair, President, Nova Scotia Community College
- Alexa McDonough, President, Mount Saint Vincent University
- Don Mills, President and CEO, Corporate Research Associates
- Jim Mills, CEO, Office Interiors
- Robert Orr, President and CEO, Ocean Nutrition Canada
- Judi Richardson, CEO, PONO Consultants
- Maureen Summers, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia Division