Caroline’s Story: Why I Mentor

by StreetWise Partners
January 13, 2025

During this National Mentoring Month, Caroline’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of guidance, mentorship, and reciprocal learning in career coaching and workforce development. 

"Mentorship generates growth and empowerment," she states. "It provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, with rewards that are both personal and professional." 

Why I Mentor: Caroline Gardner, Lead Volunteer 

Caroline Gardner grew up in Indiana and later moved to Washington, DC, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts at Georgetown University. After graduation, she began a fast-paced career at an executive search firm. While she enjoyed her work, she felt a strong desire to volunteer and build meaningful professional relationships. 

In her search for volunteer opportunities, Caroline discovered StreetWise Partners through a volunteer matching website. “I knew I wanted to work with adults and focus on career development because I review countless resumes and conduct interviews daily,” she explains. The mission of StreetWise resonated with her, and she recognized the need for mentorship among job seekers. "I wanted to help others navigate their professional journeys, just as I had," she adds. 

Caroline signed up to be a StreetWise mentor in February 2023 and loved the experience from the start. “What I appreciated was the structured program. I could add value right away. I got to be myself and meet incredible people, like my first mentee, a recent immigrant from Central America.” She found joy in providing career guidance while enhancing her own management and leadership skills. 

After moving to New York for a new executive recruiting job, Caroline continued her mentorship with StreetWise. In each of the next three StreetWise Cycles, Caroline worked with a thoughtful and motivated college student, one of whom was Yasmin, an aspiring future HR leader. Caroline and Yasmin formed a strong relationship based on empathy, shared goals, and deep listening, encouraging both career and personal growth. Yasmin’s feedback and encouragement was instrumental in Caroline’s continued commitment to StreetWise.  

Last year, Caroline was asked to be one of our Lead Volunteers, taking on additional responsibilities that include: 

• Participating in program facilitation with StreetWise staff 

• Managing and supporting a group of mentee/mentor pairs 

• Providing feedback on mentee deliverables 

• Expanding personal and professional networks to recruit more mentors 

• Helping recruit future volunteers 

As a Lead Volunteer, Caroline creates meaningful connections not just with her mentees but also among the diverse community of other mentors and volunteers. "Mentoring is fundamentally about collaboration and building a network of support," she emphasizes. This inclusive approach encourages everyone in the program to share their experiences and learn from one another, creating a rich environment for growth. 

Throughout her time with StreetWise Partners, Caroline has had the privilege of working with remarkable mentors and mentees, each bringing unique perspectives and aspirations. These diverse narratives have deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by her mentees and enhanced her effectiveness as a mentor. 

Caroline’s commitment extends beyond one-on-one interactions. Recognizing a common gap in networking skills, she proactively developed resources to empower her mentees. "Many lacked self-confidence during networking events, which is something I struggled with early in my career," she notes. To address this, she created a guide on conducting effective coffee chats—an essential tool for professional connection. "By sharing my insights, I equip them with the essential skills and confidence to self-advocate. This leads to more success when expanding their networks," she adds. 

This mentorship experience has also been a journey of self-discovery for Caroline. "Working with my mentees has taught me to articulate my own professional identity and expectations," she reflects. This reciprocal learning process has reinforced her commitment to mentorship and enhanced her ability to support others. 

During National Mentoring Month, Caroline highlights the vital role mentorship plays in today’s corporate landscape. "Mentorship generates growth and empowerment," she states. "It provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, with rewards that are both personal and professional." 

She encourages others to consider becoming mentors: "If you have the time and desire to help someone navigate their career path, I invite you to get involved. Your guidance can create opportunities that change lives." 

Join Caroline and sign up to be a mentor today!