ACP celebrates the outstanding work of individual Mentors through the Mentor of the Month contest. Veteran Protégés submit nominations for their Mentors throughout the year, and ACP staff selects 1-3 Mentors each month who have made a significant impact on their Protégés' career transitions. To commemorate the winners, each selected Mentor is featured on ACP's website and both Mentor and Protégé receive an ACP memento as a token of our appreciation for their commitment and hard work.
Denny has been an exceptional mentor, offering invaluable guidance and support that has significantly impacted my professional development. His ability to listen, understand, and provide insightful guidance has helped me grow as a leader in my new role. I only wish I had signed up for mentorship with him earlier in my career.
- Kasie V., U.S. Army, Florida
She deserves this status not only because she is knowledgeable about diverse topics revolving around accounting, auditing and taxes, but also because she is an amazing person to begin with! She has helped me on how to transfer my international skills into the American workforce, by acknowledging my individual personality and experience, as well as encouraging me to trust myself more throughout this process.
- Eniko V., U.S. Army Military Spouse, Washington
Abbey May embodies the essence of an exceptional mentor, seamlessly integrating her roles as a mother, wife, and dedicated professional. This being my first experience as a mentee, I didn't know what to expect, but Abbey's kindness and genuine nature quickly created a welcoming environment for me. As a flexible and understanding mentor, she adapted her guidance to my unique needs, ensuring I felt supported and valued. Abbey's encouragement is steadfast, always uplifting me with sincere praise and constructive feedback, fostering both my personal and professional growth.
Driven by her passion for helping others, Abbey maintains a focused and inspiring presence. Her ability to stay grounded and real, despite her many achievements, makes her relatable and approachable. Abbey's down-to-earth attitude allowed her to connect with me on a deeper level, promoting a culture of honesty and transparency. Her hardworking nature is evident in her relentless pursuit of excellence, whether she is leading a project at work, supporting her family's endeavors, or managing household responsibilities.
Abbey's genuine care and love shine through in all her interactions, making her a pillar of support for her family, friends, and colleagues. Her gratitude for life's blessings is palpable, instilling a sense of appreciation and positivity in those she mentors. By being supportive and thankful, Abbey not only guides me toward success but also teaches me the importance of recognizing and cherishing the journey. Her mentorship is a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and unwavering support.
Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to share with you my experience with Abbey as my mentor so far.
- Jeremiah W., U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Virginia
Stacy has been there during a tough time when I was wrestling with self-doubt about my skills. Thanks to her, I was able to see my true value and put together a resume that reflected it.
What's truly special about Stacy is her endless patience and flexibility. She's stood by me through every my regular pivots in career decisions, always offering her support and guidance. And beyond the professional realm, she's always checked in on me, celebrating my journey into fatherhood.
Stacy isn't just a mentor; she's become a friend. Her empathy, dedication, and unwavering support have made all the difference in my life. Without a doubt, she deserves to be recognized as Mentor of the Month.
- Matthew B., U.S. Air Force, Texas
It is with great honor that I nominate Stephen Ellis for Mentor of the Month. Over the past 10 months, he has helped me develop the tools and confidence to transition after over 20 years of military service.
As a prior Service Member himself, Stephen is passionate about supporting transitioning service members and empowering people to achieve their ambitions. From the first day we met, he wanted to understand my interests and goals. He showed genuine curiosity and built immediate rapport. Stephen helped me create a roadmap, structuring our meetings to align with my transition timeline and goals. Keeping things in focus, he ensured our meetings always achieved something meaningful for my transition journey.
He helped me develop a skills matrix focused on the field I was interested in and translated my military skills into common industry terms. From this, he was able to give me insight into my expected level of performance and the titles I should look for. Stephen provided feedback on my resume and gave continuous constructive feedback throughout the process. He even offered to invite other members of his organization to help with mock interviews and education on work in the civilian world.
As we reached the end of our ACP journey, Stephen helped me secure an internship and we have continued to meet. Stephen’s support helped me build immense confidence as I prepared for my transition from Service. I cannot thank him enough for his commitment and effort.
- Raymond J., U.S. Army, Maryland
I am thrilled to nominate Bill Olmstead for Mentor of the Month. To someone who is navigating the transition from military service to the civilian workforce, Bill has been an invaluable source of guidance, support, and wisdom.
Bill's expertise, particularly in his role at Moody's, has been instrumental in shaping my approach to various aspects of career development. From refining my resume to providing insights on effective job search strategies, and networking tactics, and navigating compensation discussions with prospective employers, Bill's advice has been consistently insightful and practical. However, what sets Bill apart as a mentor is not just his wealth of knowledge and experience, but also his genuine commitment to my success. He has taken the time to understand my unique challenges and aspirations, offering tailored guidance that has helped me navigate the complexities of transitioning to civilian life.
Moreover, Bill's mentorship extends beyond the technical aspects of career development. He has been a trusted confidant, providing invaluable insights into the mindset and attitudes necessary for success in the civilian workforce. His encouragement, support, and encouragement have empowered me to face challenges with confidence and resilience.
In summary, Bill Olmstead embodies the qualities of an exceptional mentor – expertise, empathy, and dedication. I am deeply grateful for his guidance and honored to nominate him for Mentor of the Month. Thank you, Bill, for your unwavering support and mentorship.
- Michael M., U.S. Army, Texas
Andrea has been the perfect mentor for me. From the beginning, she was very willing to help guide me through my indecisiveness and guide my slow wander into the civilian world. I wasn’t sure where or how to move forward having been a stay at home Mom for the past 6 years, after 11 years of active duty. Andrea not only looked at my resume but listened to me to help find fields that appealed to my strengths and interests. Her experience in and out of her current career field proved extremely helpful. She was able to come up with suggestions I hadn’t thought of; jobs for me to look into and do some research on. After going down a few rabbit holes on my own, I found an interesting job that-- we agreed-- appeared as though it might work with my schedule and interests. I studied for a couple months and passed a certification exam with her encouragement and leadership.
About 6 months in, just as I was applying for jobs and we were getting into the interview coaching stage, my father passed away. Despite having been diagnosed with cancer, I was unprepared for the circumstances under which he left us. I let Andrea know that I wouldn’t be interested in conducting interviews for a while and was understandably prepared for her to suggest an intermission for our sessions until I was ready. However, I am extremely thankful for her understanding, guidance, and empathy during this time. She clearly believes in mentoring me as a whole person, not just a transitioning veteran. While ACP sets you up for career coaching, I got much more than that. I was set back by my personal loss and was convinced this would derail me but Andrea has helped me keep my head up and is supporting me while I navigate this sharp, unexpected turn in the road. She has demonstrated that corporate professionals care about people. I am more than thankful not just for her professionalism and counseling but for her patience, prudence, and compassion.
- Cynthia M., U.S. Navy Reserve, Virginia
Reflecting on my professional journey, I cannot overlook the significant impact Sarah, my mentor, has had on me. She isn't just any mentor; she stands out for her exceptional blend of expertise, empathy, and unwavering support. I nominate Sarah for the Mentor of the Month.
From the moment I started my new job last December, Sarah's guidance was evident. Recognizing my need for assistance, she generously shared her knowledge, ensuring I felt capable in my role. Her commitment to my development not only accelerated my learning but also earned my gratitude and respect.
A key moment in our mentorship occurred when I had to choose between two job offers. Sarah's advice helped me navigate the decision wisely. She had a knack for simplifying complex issues, making her guidance invaluable.
Sarah's support extended beyond professional matters. During my previous HR role, when work stress became overwhelming, she offered a listening ear and reassurance. Her reminder that challenges are part of the journey was comforting.
Even outside of work, Sarah's support was unwavering. When I relocated, she provided practical advice and emotional comfort, making the transition smoother.
Sarah's dedication to my growth and well-being sets her apart. I am deeply grateful for her mentorship and guidance.
Overall, Sarah is an exceptional mentor whose wisdom, kindness, and encouragement have greatly impacted my life. Thank you, Sarah, for being an outstanding mentor and role model.
- Kesha L., U.S. Air Force Military Spouse, Missouri
I am writing to nominate my mentor, Shannon Princiotto, for Mentor of the Month. Over the past 10 months, Shannon has provided me with invaluable guidance and support that has significantly impacted my professional growth and secured my transition from active duty, to the civilian sector.
Shannon’s mentorship extended beyond conventional boundaries. She meticulously reviewed my resume, provided industry-specific training, shared insightful interview tips, and coached me on salary negotiation. Her expertise and knowledge have been instrumental in enhancing my understanding of the industry and improving my skills.
What sets Shannon apart is her commitment to ensuring that I receive my full value in job offers. She stood by my side, reviewing job offers and providing advice, ensuring that I was not shortchanged. Her support did not end with the acceptance of a job offer; she continues to support me, demonstrating a level of dedication that is truly commendable. Ironically Shannon and I now could be considered rivals as we perform the same job functions for competing defense contractors, even with our "rivalry" Shannon never wavered in her commitment to my transition from active duty and seeing to my growth into our career field.
Shannon’s mentorship has been a beacon of support in my professional journey. Her dedication, knowledge, and commitment to her mentees are unparalleled. I believe she is the perfect candidate for Mentor of the Month and hope you will consider her for this honor.
- Joe B., U.S. Air Force, Virginia
From the beginning of the mentorship program through ACP, Richard’s expertise, wisdom, and life experience have truly created an environment of safe learning and overwhelming support. During this time, Richard shared his journey and many of the goals that he set for himself during his military-to-civilian transition. His ability to make you feel heard and seen without diminishing your concerns was an attribute that I hope to emulate one day when I join this mentorship program in the future. ACP did an amazing job of creating that mirror matchup with us.
Navigating the corporate sector, more specifically the defense contracting sector, was something that I knew I was going to need some assistance with. It was difficult to understand the culture, understand the changes, and understand where I even fit. Coming from an Infantryman’s background, all I ever heard was I would be good for security or private military. I did not want that to be my story.
Enter ACP, who assigned Richard as my mentor and he demystified all that I thought would be inaccessible to me with my previous work history. The relationship was quite natural from inception. He took the time to get to know me and my goals and tailored the mentorship through that information, versus the process just being a checklist to complete. He sees you, the version that you want to be seen as, not what category society has placed you in. His passion for my success empowered me to view my transition as an opportunity to develop the right tools needed to get into my desired industry.
His vast knowledge of the defense industry and the nuances that come with it helped pull the mask off of the scary monster that had been built up by many of my peers and leaders from my time in the service. Since our connection, I have secured an internship with Lockheed Martin as an Account Manager for the F-35 Supply Operations, which has turned into a part-time job with a full-time offer waiting for me after I graduate from undergrad. He showed the normality of it all and helped eliminate the feeling of imposter syndrome. I had not been around fighter jets my whole career and now I am.
With Richard, you belong. He was generous with his network as well, whether it was helping with understanding HR, resumés, or cross-referencing cultures. To make sure I had the absolute best and latest information, he would reach out to his network or extend it to me to give me the clearest picture. He wants you to be exceedingly successful.
I can say that I have truly found a mentorship that has broken the glass ceiling and normalized the dark forest of transition. I can tread bravely forward knowing that it may still be scary, but I know I have support to help guide me through it. Richard should be Mentor of the Year. His spherical application mentors you to the depths that you present and he maximizes that mentorship. He meets you where you are and shows you that you can. Thank you ACP and thank you Rich.
- Jeremiah A., U.S. Army, Texas
It is with great honor to nominate Sean Pelkey, CSX Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer, as the ACP Mentor of the Month. Transitioning from the military with over two decades of service is a daunting experience. Fortunately, I had a friend to provide guidance and encouragement during this challenging time.
During my initial conversation with Sean, he was focused on a detailed understanding of my background and goals. He then took this information and tailored our future discussions to build confidence in my transition plan. During these discussions, he thoughtfully provided mentorship on a wide array of topics such as resume writing, interview considerations, and salary negotiations to name a few. He was also exceptionally thorough to ensure all my questions were answered, and where appropriate, he proactively and graciously arranged follow-up meetings with subject matter experts, so I had a balanced and refined understanding. Overall, Sean’s corporate perspective, humble demeanor, and ability to discuss strategic concepts and then follow through with a foundational understanding made this experience invaluable.
Having Sean as a mentor greatly enhanced my corporate knowledge and made a potentially stressful situation into a pleasant experience. Additionally, I was impressed that even with his demanding job and family responsibilities he always found time to truly focus on my transition, which highlighted his selflessness and dedication to my post-military career success. Sean is an amazing ACP mentor and I feel fortunate to be matched as his protégé. As a top-tier mentor, Sean is without a doubt deserving of this ACP honor…thanks for your support, Sean!
- James O., U.S. Air Force, Virginia
Let me tell you about Shannon – the beacon of light that guided me through the stormy seas of immigration, career challenges, and the wild rollercoaster ride of military spouse life. Picture this: a whirlwind of legal jargon, cultural confusion, and the chaos of solo parenting while my husband was deployed for what felt like an eternity. That was my reality until Shannon swooped in like a superhero in business casual.
As a new immigrant lawyer to the United States, I was drowning in a sea of unfamiliar laws and traditions. Enter Shannon, my legal and cultural compass. With her expert guidance, I navigated the labyrinth of American bureaucracy, emerging victorious with a newfound understanding of my rights and responsibilities. She made the daunting seem doable, and the impossible, possible.
Now, let's talk about the professional jungle. As I struggled to find my footing in the U.S. job market, Shannon became my career guru. She sprinkled her wisdom like fairy dust, helping me unlock the secrets of professional success in this foreign land. From crafting the perfect resume to acing interviews, she armed me with the tools to carve out a niche where I could thrive. And oh, the tales she shared about the quirks of American workplace culture – it was like learning a new language, only with less grammar and more office politics.
But wait, there's more! Parenting solo while my husband was off serving his country was like being handed a ticking time bomb disguised as a teddy bear. Enter Shannon, the parenting whisperer. Her nuggets of wisdom were as valuable as gold – from managing meltdowns to finding the humor in chaos, she guided me through the minefield of raising two kids without losing my sanity. Her tips were a lifeline, a ray of sunshine on the darkest of days.
In the midst of it all, Shannon managed to infuse our interactions with a generous dose of humor. Her witty anecdotes and charming personality turned what could have been dry, mundane conversations into engaging, lively exchanges. She made even the most bewildering topics seem approachable, all while keeping the mood light and the laughter flowing.
So, here's to Shannon – the mentor, the confidante, and the friend who helped me conquer the unknown, find my professional groove, and navigate the tumultuous seas of solo parenting. Her guidance was nothing short of magical, her support unwavering, and her impact immeasurable. If mentorship were an art, Shannon would be the Picasso of guidance, the Michelangelo of wisdom, and the Van Gogh of support. Thank you, Shannon, for being the guiding star in my constellation of chaos.
- Winny K., U.S. Army Military Spouse, Texas
Gary F. Gonzalez is one of the reasons I was able to prepare myself for my military transition into the civilian world. Gary continuously communicated with me and reached out to others to make sure I was receiving the most accurate and up-to-date information about Corporate America. Gary also took the time to prepare me for job interviews and even went over my resume with me, giving me input on how to translate some of the military language into civilian terms. Currently, I have a great job, and my family is happy, and this has a lot to do with the mentorship that Gary provided. I truly hope that this program (ACP) helps transitioning Soldiers, the same way it helped me.
- Raphael R., U.S. Army, Texas
I am humbled and honored to nominate Mr. Brian Tighe, Transportation Operations Manager of UPS as the American Corporate Partners Mentor of the Month! Transitioning out of the military can be a daunting and challenging experience, marked by uncertainty and a sense of unfamiliarity, all of which I had been dreading. Fortunately, I was blessed to have Mr. Tighe as my mentor as I entered this crucial phase of my life. Brian, a seasoned and professional individual, not only shared his extensive knowledge gained by assisting other veterans but also provided invaluable guidance and support that eased my mind on my nearing transition into civilian life. His understanding of the unique challenges faced by military members continually puts me at ease with each virtual meeting.
Brian's mentorship went beyond the practical aspects of resume building and job hunting; he took the time to listen and understand my concerns, fears, and aspirations. He took the time to evaluate housing, jobs, and other areas of interest as we discussed the eventual settling location for me and my family. He sought to understand my field of Aviation Management and did extensive research to see how his knowledge could augment my skill sets in the paths I had laid out before me. His unwavering encouragement and insights into the civilian workforce have helped me establish a wider network of contacts, a firm grasp on understanding the intricacies of job hunting, and peace about my decision to move into the next chapter of my life. Brian instilled in me a sense of self-belief and adaptability, emphasizing the transferable skills I gained in the military. Through his guidance, I not only found a fulfilling career path but also developed a newfound sense of direction in my post-military life. Brian's mentorship is a foundation of support as I continue to plan this challenging transition, and his impact continues to resonate in my personal and professional journey. Brian is far deserving of this award for his continued selfless work, not only for me but for so many others as well!
- Joseph S., U.S. Air Force, North Carolina
It is my distinct pleasure to nominate Mrs. Judy Lipton, Global Compliance COO for BlackRock Investments for ACP's Mentor of the Month. I am extremely grateful for Judy's approach and support as I prepared to retire from the military after more than 32 years of military service. Needless to say, the transition to the civilian sector after many decades in uniform seemed daunting at first, and that's where Judy shined. Since our first engagement in March of this year, Judy has been an influential and trusted voice every step of the way. She has gone above and beyond the parameters of this program, and I am so blessed to have her personal investment in my journey. What sets her apart from other mentors I have had in the past is her persistent feedback, valuable perspective, and devotion to helping me translate my experiences into desirable civilian sector traits and skills. Despite an extremely busy schedule, Judy committed to a routine of weekly engagements. One of the big hurdles we tackled was my resume. She spent several hours reviewing and recommending revisions. In our discussions, she helped me understand how to communicate my past performance into relevant skills for the civilian sector and potential employers. In the next phase, she backed that up with words of encouragement and sage advice during the job search, interview, and job offer process. Through it all Judy put me at ease, and I felt very prepared for each of these critical events. Even after I accepted a position, Judy continued to engage with me on a weekly basis to include the first day at my new job. I cannot express how meaningful it is to have a program like this available to service-members. Add-in incredible leaders like Judy, and it feels like you hit the lottery. Her care and attention during the entire transition phase has been exemplary. In the end, I am eternally grateful for her support, and I truly believe Judy deserves this recognition and much more!
- Troy P., U.S. Air Force, Illinois
I am delighted to nominate Matt DeCicco, Director - Head of Commodities, Carbon, and Crypto Trading at BlackRock, for ACP's Mentor of the Month award. Matt's profound expertise in financial services and his unwavering commitment to supporting veterans have significantly impacted my journey towards a career in finance.
Matt's professional journey, marked by his ascent to a leading position in one of the world's most renowned investment firms, exemplifies dedication and excellence. His role at BlackRock, which encompasses the complex realms of commodities, carbon, and crypto trading, highlights his broad and deep understanding of financial markets. Despite his high-profile role, Matt has consistently made time to provide invaluable mentorship.
Our numerous in-depth discussions over Zoom have been a cornerstone of my learning experience. Matt's ability to demystify the intricate facets of financial markets and the finance industry has been instrumental in shaping my understanding and aspirations. His guidance in refining my resume was not just about improving a document but also about honing my professional narrative to align with the dynamic world of finance.
One of Matt's most significant contributions to my development has been facilitating my access to an exclusive Bloomberg training course. This opportunity not only allowed me to familiarize myself with the Bloomberg terminal - a crucial tool in finance - but also substantially enhanced my knowledge of financial markets.
What sets Matt apart is his approachability and responsiveness. Be it through email or text, he has always been readily available to answer questions or provide advice, making him not just a mentor but a reliable guide. His mentorship has gone beyond professional guidance; it has been a journey of genuine support and encouragement.
In closing, I am extremely excited to be working with Matt. He is an exemplary mentor whose profound knowledge, generous spirit, and dedication to helping others transition into the finance sector make him an outstanding candidate for the ACP Mentor of the Month Award. His influence has been a pivotal part of my journey, and I am confident that his mentorship will continue to be a guiding light for many others in their professional endeavors.
- Waylon H., US Coast Guard, New York
I am honored to nominate Bradley Halpern, a Public Sector Management Consultant at McKinsey & Company, for ACP's Mentor of the Month award. Bradley's exceptional mentorship has not only transformed my understanding of the corporate world but has also enabled me to leverage my unique strengths, leading to a seamless and successful transition from a military to a corporate career.
A testament to Bradley's intellect and work ethic, he earned triple majors from the University of Rochester before dedicating his career to working with federal agencies and military organizations. Despite his demanding professional schedule, Bradley selflessly commits his time to mentor transitioning members of the military like myself.
Bradley possesses an extraordinary ability to identify and capitalize on his protégés' unique strengths and experiences. In my case, he quickly noticed my ability to consolidate information and my propensity to thrive under constructive criticism. By tailoring his mentorship to these strengths, he enabled me to gain a deep understanding of the corporate landscape and apply my skills effectively within this new environment.
One of the most impactful aspects of Bradley's mentorship is his unique ability to manage expectations realistically. His grounded advice and consistent support have helped me set and achieve ambitious yet attainable goals. Bradley's methodical approach and sharp analytical skills were instrumental in ensuring that my transition was smooth and successful.
With Bradley's guidance, I was able to pass the resume screening for some of the most prestigious management consulting firms. Although I wasn't successful in securing a role at these firms, Bradley's mentorship ensured that I landed a high-level role as a Business Process Analyst at Stanford Health Care, a leading and highly selective organization. I aimed for the stars, and Bradley's transformative mentorship ensured that I at least landed on the moon.
In conclusion, I strongly recommend Bradley Halpern for the ACP Mentor of the Month Award. His exceptional understanding of transitioning from the military to corporate America, his unwavering support, and his ability to leverage and enhance the unique strengths of his protégés make him an ideal candidate for this recognition.
- Miguel B., U.S. Air National Guard, California
I want to nominate Aaron Trobee, Associate at McKinsey & Company, for ACP’s Mentor of the Month. From our first call, he made it his mission to get to know me and prepare me to find a job as I transitioned out of the Army. Aaron used his job search experience to guide me through exercises from a book he had used in finding his first job out of his MBA program. Aaron and I did regular resume revision while planning and strategizing applying for and interviewing for jobs.
Many qualities make Aaron stand out as a mentor. He can always provide an example of and template for the kinds of preparation he wants me to do for my job search. Aaron has listened to my goals and timeline and keeps me on track to apply for and find my next job. He personalizes the process so as I learn more about his job search and work experience, I use it as a basis for learning more about myself. Finally, Aaron remained invested on a personal level by checking in about my family and life overall.
I am more confident applying for jobs now, having gone through Aaron’s mentorship, than I would have been otherwise. He has made my job search a more straightforward and efficient process, and I cannot thank him enough for the time he commits to this each month!
- Mike K., U.S. Army, Texas
It is my pleasure to nominate Joelle Germain, Senior Project Manager at Schneider Electric, for ACP Mentor of the Month. I am so grateful for Joelle’s amazing mix of tenacity, energy, patience, and honesty as she has guided me to prepare to transition from a 20+ year military career towards the civilian sector. Joelle is wonderfully open-minded and was excited to learn about what I have done in the military to help me translate those skills in my resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview preparations. She painstakingly reviewed every word of my resume and worked with me through multiple drafts to ensure I was projecting my skills appropriately and attracting the kind of employer I desire. An unexpected, but much appreciated skill was her artistic eye which helped me design my resume and LinkedIn profile. She took the time to review specific job postings using her experience to explain what qualifications she felt I met, how to tie my military experience to those qualifications, or give recommendations on how to address qualifications where I may be lacking. Sharing her experience as a project manager along with her willingness to voice her perspective on things like remote work, family life, and more have been invaluable. I am incredibly grateful to her for her support and honest feedback. Finding a supportive mentor with a very different background forced me out of my military comfort zone which was a wonderfully positive experience. What a privilege to be mentored by a woman who grew up in another country, has worked all over the world, and has limited experience with the U.S. military. This allowed us to connect as humans and forced me to articulate who I am and what I do beyond my uniform and military bio.
- Jessica M., U.S. Navy, California
Brad has been a tremendous mentor and friend as I've worked through transitioning from active duty to the private sector. From translating military speak to being a sounding board to prepare for hard discussions at work, he has been available and provided thoughtful, critical feedback. Even with his own time commitments and constraints, Brad has always made time and is always equipped to work through my thoughts on projects and challenges! I'm thankful that I've had this opportunity to work with him and for the superior partnership that he provides, even when work has him traveling and abroad. I look forward to continuing to work with him and I remain ever thankful for his partnership!
- Nate K., U.S. Marine Corps, Minnesota
It is my pleasure to nominate Kurt Dargis for ACP Mentor of the Month. Over the course of the last 11 months, he has consistently gone beyond the scope of what I hoped to gain from this mentorship. I signed up for this program with ambitions of breaking into a very competitive industry, and Kurt has empowered me with a sense of preparedness and confidence as I close in on my transition out of the service. From the beginning, he was curious about my background and offered tailored advice for the specific goals I had laid out. He is attentive, selfless, knowledgeable, and clearly invested in helping put me in the best position for success. Even in between our scheduled calls, he sought out people in his network that work near my desired region and introduced me to help grow my own network. He also guided me towards unique volunteer opportunities, giving me invaluable personal and professional experiences.
While Kurt has been incredibly helpful with my professional ambitions, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him as a person. I have so much respect for him and what he does and have really enjoyed learning about the inner workings of his profession. We have had several calls where much of the conversation was jovial and centered on mutual interests associated with his job, which were some of my favorite moments. Kurt has not only served as an incredible professional mentor, but I also consider him to be a friend. I am extremely fortunate and forever grateful.
- Daniel W., U.S. Navy, California
When I think of someone that I would want as a mentor, I think of someone that is patient, kind, a natural giver of useful information, knows when to press the right buttons, and not only cares about your “career” success but who supports you in “life” success. Dani Wexelman embodies all of these qualities so gracefully. She has provided me with the calm presence that I’ve needed to weather the storms that this arduous job search process brings. Our meetings always bring me realigned to what I need to do, how to execute confidently, and just make me feel like I’m doing my best. Her humble rebuttal to this would be that she isn’t “doing enough”, but that’s false. There’s never been a meeting with Dani that I haven’t left with a bit more confidence, belief in my abilities, and faith in her as my mentor. She’s truly one of the great ones and anybody would be extremely lucky to have her as their mentor.
- Jonathan C., U.S. Navy, Florida
I want to nominate Bryon Blohm, Director within PwC’s Healthcare Services Division, for ACP Mentor of the Month. Bryon is an experienced mentor that knows the challenges of interlacing military talent with the civilian workforce. As a mentee under Byron’s mentorship, I was well informed of the many opportunities that were available during my transition out of the military. Bryon is thoughtful, available, and an exceptional mentor that has made a long-term impact on my professional growth.
Furthermore, Bryon not only provided world-class mentorship, he went out of his way to provide pointers on his own experiences with regards to resume writing, networking, and salary negotiations. Bryon’s mentorship was paramount in my efforts in finding meaningful employment following my military service. I wholeheartedly recommend Bryon for this recognition and am confident he will continue providing the highest standards of ACPs mentorship program.
- Nick D., U.S. Army, South Dakota
I am excited to nominate Josh Jonas as the ACP Mentor of the Month. Josh has exhibited extraordinary mentorship skills, providing instrumental guidance and support on my military-to-civilian transition success. From the start, he learned about my background and evaluated my resume, offering me targeted advice on what I should apply for. He also shared his awareness of the specific experiences, training, and mindset required to flourish in my aimed industry.
One of the things that impressed me the most was Josh’s honesty about the challenges that may develop when transitioning from military to civilian professions. He provided me with tips and strategies to overcome these barriers, assisting focus, efforts, and direction for a specific job that fits my skills and experience. I successfully navigated the interview process with Josh's counseling and negotiated an acceptable salary. Throughout our discussions, Josh was incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, offering even more valuable insights than I had expected. Thanks to his mentorship, I have been successful in my role, earning recognition as a project manager within my team.
I feel incredibly privileged to have been paired with such an experienced, competent, and professional mentor through ACP. Josh’s selfless commitment to my success, investing numerous hours of his time, is a testament to his character and commitment to the program. I cannot thank ACP enough for connecting me with Josh, and I am truly thankful for all the guidance and assistance he has provided me. Josh deserves to be recognized as a top-notch ACP mentor, and I am honored to nominate him for this well-deserved recognition.
- David B., U.S. Army, Colorado
ACP celebrates the outstanding work of individual Mentors through the Mentor of the Month contest. Veteran Protégés submit nominations for their Mentors throughout the year, and ACP staff selects 1-3 Mentors each month who have made a significant impact on their Protégés' career transitions. To commemorate the winners, each selected Mentor is featured on ACP's website and both Mentor and Protégé receive an ACP memento as a token of our appreciation for their commitment and hard work.
Mentors of the Month
About 6 months in, just as I was applying for jobs and we were getting into the interview coaching stage, my father passed away. Despite having been diagnosed with cancer, I was unprepared for the circumstances under which he left us. I let Andrea know that I wouldn’t be interested in conducting interviews for a while and was understandably prepared for her to suggest an intermission for our sessions until I was ready. However, I am extremely thankful for her understanding, guidance, and empathy during this time. She clearly believes in mentoring me as a whole person, not just a transitioning veteran. While ACP sets you up for career coaching, I got much more than that. I was set back by my personal loss and was convinced this would derail me but Andrea has helped me keep my head up and is supporting me while I navigate this sharp, unexpected turn in the road. She has demonstrated that corporate professionals care about people. I am more than thankful not just for her professionalism and counseling but for her patience, prudence, and compassion.
-Cynthia M, US Navy Reserve, Virginia
Reflecting on my professional journey, I cannot overlook the significant impact Sarah, my mentor, has had on me. She isn't just any mentor; she stands out for her exceptional blend of expertise, empathy, and unwavering support. I nominate Sarah for the Mentor of the Month. From the moment I started my new job last December, Sarah's guidance was evident. Recognizing my need for assistance, she generously shared her knowledge, ensuring I felt capable in my role. Her commitment to my development not only accelerated my learning but also earned my gratitude and respect.
A key moment in our mentorship occurred when I had to choose between two job offers. Sarah's advice helped me navigate the decision wisely. She had a knack for simplifying complex issues, making her guidance invaluable.
Sarah's support extended beyond professional matters. During my previous HR role, when work stress became overwhelming, she offered a listening ear and reassurance. Her reminder that challenges are part of the journey was comforting.
Even outside of work, Sarah's support was unwavering. When I relocated, she provided practical advice and emotional comfort, making the transition smoother.
Sarah's dedication to my growth and well-being sets her apart. I am deeply grateful for her mentorship and guidance. Overall, Sarah is an exceptional mentor whose wisdom, kindness, and encouragement have greatly impacted my life. Thank you, Sarah, for being an outstanding mentor and role model.
- Kesha L., U.S. Air Force Military Spouse, Missouri
