Thriving through Mentoring

by Haley Armand Tarasiewicz

In 2023, Fusion Five piloted a Mentor Program – a visionary initiative aimed at fostering the growth and development of the area’s rising talents – guided by their board, mentors, and sponsor, Healthy Image Marketing Agency.

“Mentoring, at its best, consists of collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships,” says Kristy Como Armand, partner at Healthy Image Marketing Agency. “Mentors have played a big role in our business’s growth, which is why we are committed to supporting this initiative, and excited about the partnership expansion with McNeese State University.”
This year, the program is piloting an addition – including a current student within McNeese’s College of Business in the mentee group. Following completion of the program, the student will receive a free year of Fusion Five membership for 2025.

“This opportunity will enable a student to gain access to local mentors in our community and young professionals already in the workforce as they near graduation,” says Taylor Beard Stanley, vice president for the Fusion Five board of directors. “We wanted to find a way to help bridge the gap between soon-to-be graduates and our professional community to ensure they are receiving the full support they need to be successful after college. Plus, intergenerational mentoring programs can help improve entire communities in that all parties are able to learn from each other, viewing the other through their unique lens of experience and perspective, resulting in a widened space for both.”

The 2024 program will kick off with a meet-and-greet event scheduled for April 16 at Panorama Music House. Between May and September, mentors and their mentees will meet at least four times to discuss topics tailored to each small group’s interests, ranging from professional development and community engagement to civic responsibility and entrepreneurship.

“Expanding networking options for our students is a priority for us,” says Morgan Turpin, College of Business internship director at McNeese State University. “We are grateful for the partnership and thankful for the Southwest Louisiana business community for lending their time and wisdom to professional newcomers.”

If you are interested in joining Fusion Five, visit www.fusionfive.org.