Pay It Forward by Being a Mentor
LaNelle Ramey, executive director of MENTOR Greater Milwaukee, says mentoring is a way of “paying it forward” for adults who received a guiding hand along the way in their own upbringing as they climbed their career ladders.
MENTOR Greater Milwaukee is an advocate for the expansion of quality mentoring in Milwaukee County and serves as a resource for mentors and mentoring initiatives. The nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization recruits adults interested in becoming mentors or placing their child in a mentoring program.
The agency helps Milwaukee mentoring programs improve their capacities and maximize their impacts by promoting collaborations and enhancing their resources.
“Our vision is to ensure all youth in Milwaukee who want and need a mentor have access to a quality mentor by strengthening the organizational capacity and quality of mentoring organizations, advocating for policies and funding for mentoring activities and actively recruiting mentors throughout the greater Milwaukee community,” Ramey said. “It isn’t about developing a ‘Mini Me.’ It’s about helping the young person find and develop their own inner greatness.”
Student Abdirahman Mohamed (left) received mentorship from Milwaukee Bucks star George Hill (center) and LaNelle Ramey (right), executive director of MENTOR Greater Milwaukee. (Contributed photo)
Partners Who Pay It Forward
The organization is fueled by a joint partnership between Milwaukee Public Schools, the Milwaukee Bucks and the City of Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett applauds and supports MENTOR Greater Milwaukee’s mission.
“Nothing is more important for guiding young people on the right path than having mentors who provide support and guidance as adult role models,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “LaNelle Ramey is doing excellent work as executive director of MENTOR Greater Milwaukee to engage different sectors of the community and provide employment opportunities in this meaningful work. I want to thank him for his commitment and dedication to our young people.”
Effective Mentorship
In this week’s column, I asked Ramey to share his thoughts on effective mentorship. According to Ramey, a great mentor:
Demonstrates a commitment to cultural competency. “A mentor understands the impact of implicit and explicit bias and removes biases from situations and circumstances while working with their mentee,” Ramey said.
Serves as a mix of teacher and friend. “A true mentor understands the balance of being someone there to help show the mentee life lessons through dialogue and open communication. A mentor understands they must be open to being vulnerable with their own life experiences while not losing touch of being the adult,” Ramey said.
Creates channels for passage of information, advice, support and fun. “Mentors understand their responsibility to the mentoring relationship and create the methods and means for it to be a safe space for the mentee to share and have fun. Fun is a critical element of a mentoring relationship that allows a young person to feel youthful and excited about a positive adult role model,” Ramey said.
Serves as a listener, not a fixer. “A mentor is not there to ‘fix’ a mentee, but to help guide them to their inner greatness. A mentor helps instill confidence in the mentee to own and walk in that greatness,” Ramey said.
Builds a trusting relationship that is powerful and has positive effects on all involved. “A mentor builds off being a listener and helps with the development of a relationship that not only benefits the mentee, but the mentor as well,” Ramey said.
Doesn’t play the role of parent, know-it-all or disciplinarian. “A mentor understands their role as supporter for the mentee and doesn’t attempt to take on roles that others hold. A mentor role is to provide ongoing support, encouragement and consistency to a mentee,” Ramey said.
Remains consistent, dedicated and intentional. “A mentor understands the commitment prior to accepting their role as a mentor. They understand they are responsible for being an adult/person of their word,” Ramey said.
LaNelle Ramey
Title: Executive Director
Organization: MENTOR Greater Milwaukee
Expertise: Nonprofit management, youth development, training and professional development
Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminology and law studies and Master’s degree in public administration at Marquette University.
Family: Wife, Danielle Ramey; and children, Markell Ramey, Jalen Ramey, Brandon Ramey, LaNae Ramey, Ashley Papparlardo. Adrienne Frey, Alison Meeks, Avery Meeks Jr. (Deceased)
Best advice ever received: Be a servant leader and always remember to lead from your heart.
Favorite musical artist: Jay-Z
Favorite Wisconsin restaurants: Emperor of China and Mason Street Grill
