Finding a Mentor
Tips to Find and Keep the Right Mentor
Let’s be real—navigating Corporate America as a Latina is no joke. We hustle, we show up, and we break barriers, but having the right mentor can make all the difference. In fact, employees with mentors are promoted five times more often than those without (Harvard Business Review). So… how do you find your career fairy godmother (or godfather)?
Breathe deep, grab your cafecito, and let’s break it down.
Here is your A LA LATINA Playbook for Finding Your Mentor:
1. Get Crystal Clear on Your Goals
What do you need most—career advice? Industry insights? Leadership guidance? The more specific you are, the more powerful your mentorship will be. A study by Forbes found that mentees with clear goals are 67% more likely to see real career results. So, write it down, own it, and set your intention!
2. Find Someone Who Inspires You
Look for people who embody the career you’re building—inside or outside your company. 80% of mentorships happen through networking (LinkedIn). That means showing up, making connections, and not being afraid to DM someone you admire on LinkedIn or say “¡Hola!” at an event.
3. Make the Ask (Without the Awkwardness)
Instead of “Will you be my mentor?” (which, let’s be honest, can feel like a marriage proposal), try: “I admire your journey and would love to learn about how you navigated [specific challenge].”
People love to share their knowledge—Management Today found that when you ask for focused guidance, they’re way more likely to say yes!
4. Nurture the Relationship
Mentorship is like a good friendship—it thrives on respect, consistency, and gratitude. Follow up, share your progress, and yes, give back! (Even if it’s just sending them an article they might love.) According to Chronus, mentees who actively nurture the relationship are 50% more likely to build lasting mentorship bonds.
5. Have More Than One Mentor
Different mentors for different seasons! One for leadership, one for industry insights, and maybe one for that work-life balance we all need. The Kellogg School of Management found that people with multiple mentors report higher satisfaction and faster career growth.
We know the game isn’t always fair. From underrepresentation in leadership to cultural expectations, mentorship isn’t just about career growth—it’s about having someone who gets it and helps you navigate spaces where we’re still making history. Catalyst research shows mentorship increases confidence, advocacy, and career progression for Latinas.
Ready to Step Into Your Power? Be intentional. Be bold. Build your network with purpose, and watch how doors open.
Check out how mentorship has propelled our very own Bea Perez, EVP and Chief Communications at The Coca-Cola Company. She shares her experience having mentors here.
Mentorship is a two-way street—your growth is their reward. So go find your people, make the ask, and start shining!
Un abrazo,
Claudia & Cynthia
Founders of A LA LATINA
PS: We put together an easy-to-use worksheet that will help you find and mentor and make the most of that relationship. You can download it here.
