At The Journal Record’s 2025 Women of the Year Forum Themed “Women Leaders Mentoring the Next Generation” the central theme was one that resonates deeply across industries and generations: the power of mentorship. The event, which brought together women leaders from across Oklahoma, emphasized a simple but transformative idea — find a mentor or be a mentor.
In the education technology (edtech) sector, mentorship takes on special importance. Technology is advancing rapidly, and the next generation of leaders must navigate not only innovation but also the ethical, cultural, and community dimensions of their work. At Funds For Learning, mentorship is woven into the very fabric of how we serve. Our E-rate Guides work as a team, ensuring that senior staff are available to provide support and guidance on complex funding and compliance issues. We call this the Growth of a Guide — a tiered approach that blends structured training, ongoing feedback, and one-on-one mentoring. This model allows team members to develop their skills with confidence, knowing that experience and expertise are always within reach.
Our team includes professionals who have grown through years of collaboration and shared purpose, supporting schools and libraries as they connect students to learning opportunities. Many of our leaders serve as mentors within our organization and beyond, helping to develop not only skills but also confidence, resilience, and perspective.
Personally, I have found that mentoring is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. It sharpens self-awareness, expands empathy, and builds community. And just as important, being open to receiving mentorship — at any stage of a career — ensures that growth never stops.
The 2025 Women’s Forum was a reminder that success is never a solo journey. It’s the product of relationships built on trust, generosity, and shared purpose. Whether in education, technology, or any field that shapes the future, mentorship remains one of the most powerful forces for lasting change.
At Funds For Learning, mentorship is central to how we learn, lead, and serve. It’s how we continue to innovate and uphold our mission — helping schools and libraries receive funding so students everywhere can access the digital resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Read more about the 2025 Woman of the Year event and honorees from The Journal Record here.
