Mentor: Steve McQueen Harrington, GPC
1. How long have you been a mentor with the GPA Mentor Program?
Around two years.
2. What motivated you to start mentoring?
When I started working with grants in 1985 there was no one to help me navigate this new profession. I was on my own. I felt so alone. That was until I found GPA in 2004 and joined in 2005.
Once part of GPA, I found numerous informal mentors. A few of my early mentors included Hattie Byland, Phylis Renninger, Alan Tiano, and Danny Blitch. There were many more throughout the years. To each of you, named and unnamed, I offer a heartfelt “THANK YOU”. Each of you have made my career as a Grants Professional impactful and fulfilling.
3. As a mentor, what are you getting out of mentoring?
A chance to help another Grants Professional and to pay forward the help and guidance I received from my many mentors.
4. What advice do you have for new grant professionals in the field?
Learn as much as possible, become involved in GPA at both the national and state levels. Call each other, ask questions, help each other. Everyone has something to bring to the table. Everyone has a story to tell. Tell your story.
5. What attracted you to the grant profession?
The ability to help further a cause, to help others, and to make our world a better place for everyone.
I am continuously inspired by the good that our profession provides to our society, and the people who I meet in this profession that are just like me. “MY TRIBE!!” We make the world a better place, one grant at a time.
Plus, I love a good story.
6. What have you learned from your time in the program?
That each mentee is different. There is no correct way, no cookie cutter template to work from. You must meet each one where they are at in life and in the profession and help them reach their purpose.
7. What is your favorite part about being a mentor?
The interaction with others in the profession. I love a good story.
8. What would you say to others considering becoming a mentor?
DO IT, you will not regret it. You will get more out of it than you will ever realize.
9. What has surprised you the most about being a mentor?
The joy that it brings to my life.