ALASKA — Alaska Region employees tuned into a recent webinar to learn more about the new Alaska Region Mentorship Program, which kicks off in January 2025. The webinar was hosted by Partnership Coordinator Carlos De La Torre and Recruitment and Retention Specialist Jason Steele. They provided an overview of the pilot program, which will focus on early career and recent hires seeking a mentor as well as how the upcoming mentorship program will work. There were many questions and much interest, with nearly 80 employees attending the program rollout.

The program will be open to employees at any career level who desire professional development, though the pilot program will focus on early career and recent hires seeking a mentor. Participation in the program is voluntary, requiring that both mentees and mentors are Region 10 Forest Service employees and have supervisory approval. Up to 15 pairs of employees will be selected for the pilot program.

The vision of the Alaska Region Mentorship Program is to match employees who need support, want to build on their technical skills and seek career growth and advancement opportunities with mentors who can provide ongoing support and advice. A core team of Region 10 employees laid the groundwork for the program with support and advice from the regional leadership team. Joining De La Torre and Steele on the core team are Regional Safety Manager Doug Hoffmaster, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement Director Kathy Holm and Fisheries Biologist Rob Miller. 

Miller, who has been with the Forest Service since the 1990s, said his favorite part of his job has been working with Student Conservation Association volunteers and teaching them how to work and how to see a project through from beginning to end.

“With all sincerity, I would not be where I am today in the Forest Service without any of the amazing mentors I have had here in Alaska,” shared Miller. “They all worked closely with me to help guide me in the direction that both made me happy and was in the best interest of the government. They all helped create this dream opportunity and I took full advantage of it.”

As the program takes flight, information from mentor applications will be used to create mentor bios on the Alaska Region Mentorship Program SharePoint site. As mentors apply, the core team will upload their information to the SharePoint site where mentees may consider potential mentors. The application process allows mentees to list up to three preferred mentors. If no preference is given, they will be matched with a mentor by an advisory group.

Throughout the program, core team members will host webinars and provide additional resources to support mentor-mentee matches. These resources will also be housed in the SharePoint site. 

De La Torre and Steele believe these resources —as well as maintaining consistent communication throughout the 6-month mentorship period— will ensure matches have the best chance at success.

“The Alaska Region Mentorship Program is about more than just sharing knowledge – it’s about building connection, fostering growth and empowering Alaska Region employees to reach their full potential. By investing in each other, we create a community in line with our values, where everyone thrives,” shared Steele.