Simmons College Graduate Cecelia Bittner Discusses the Impact of Mentoring on her Life

Cecelia Bittner graduated from Simmons College this past spring. During the first semester of her senior year, she wrote a case for the Hot Mommas Project entitled “TightRope Act.” Cecelia’s case begins by highlighting the many things to which she committed during her senior year, including a 24 credit hour course load, an internship, and a part-time job. Cecelia felt under great pressure, but a key relationship she formed in her academic/professional life helped to alleviate much of this pressure. With whom was this crucial relationship? A mentor.

Click here to read Cecelia’s case, “TightRope Act,” on the Hot Mommas Project Case Library.

Cecelia participated in a Simmons initiative called the Success Connection Leadership Program. This unique program connects graduating seniors with accomplished female alumnae. These alumnae serve as mentors for the seniors; students travel to the alumnae’s “stomping ground” and are immersed in their lives for a day or two. You can click here for more information on the Success Connection Leadership Program.

During her participation in the program, Cecelia was linked with Joyce Elden, a partner-at-large at Akerman Senterfitt law firm in West Palm Beach, Florida. After graduating from Simmons, Joyce attended the University of Virginia Law School. One of the things that Cecelia admired about Joyce was her ability to balance work and life, a prominent theme in Hot Mommas Project case studies. Cecelia notes that Joyce works 10-12 hour days but still has an exception personal life; Joyce finds time to organize charity events, keep in shape, and read for leisure. Cecelia writes,

“In just one day, Joyce taught Cecelia numerous valuable lessons on topics ranging from proper business conduct to how to project confidence when networking. But the most important lesson she shared with her mentee was how important it is to maintain a balanced life that is held together by passion, hard-work, and most importantly, organization.”

As evidenced by Cecelia’s case, the Simmons College Success Connection Leadership Program provides a great service to students. It is my hope that the success stories of Cecelia and others like her will help to persuade other universities to implement programs such as the SLP. Mentoring is extremely important for the next generation of women. Positive role models are needed to help empower students like Cecelia and I who are preparing to enter the workforce.

Cecelia Bittner is currently a gardener/landscaper in Nantucket, MA. In a recent e-mail, Cecelia said,

“You might not think that my Success Connection experience (shadowing a highly successful lawyer) would have any connection to my current profession but Joyce Elden (my mentor) taught me many lessons about success both inside and outside of the workplace. During my trip I witnessed Joyce’s professional routine but I also had a chance to chat personally with her about her life. One of the most important lessons I took away from the experience was that happiness and success come hand-in-hand, and that when you find a work that you love, you will be happy in both your life and your career.”

Cecelia expressed happiness and confidence in the direction that she is headed, and accredits this in part to her experience with mentorship.

While not everyone may have access to a program such as SCLP, there are still many opportunities out there. Online resources, such as Hot Mommas Project, which offers a wealth of free case studies showcasing successful women, can provide role models for young women on the same path.

Know a dynamic woman (18+) like Joyce or Cecelia? Nominate her to be a role model and tell her story! Email support@hotmommasproject.org with the nominee’s name, contact info, and a brief description.