By Jeremy Watson, Ph.D., LMFT
At Vaya, our commitment to making leaders better is not just a mission; it's a practice we live by. As part of our ongoing dedication to community service, we are thrilled to announce our latest volunteer initiative: providing career coaching to delegates from CEMA, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s Committee on Ethnic and Minority Affairs. This project is a testament to Vaya's belief in the power of mentorship, diversity, and continuous improvement.
A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Our career coaching volunteer project is a 10-month commitment, with each volunteer dedicating one or two hours per month to mentor minority members who are I/O psychology students. This initiative is part of Vaya Serves Our Community, the non-profit arm of Vaya Group that is devoted to providing assistance and fostering growth within our communities.
Mentorship That Makes a Difference
The purpose of this project is to offer pro-bono mentoring to I/O psychology students, focusing on developing essential leadership skills that are crucial for career advancement. Our coaching program is designed to cover a comprehensive range of components that lead to effective leadership:
Career Advancement: Guiding mentees on their career paths, helping them identify and seize opportunities for growth.
Skill-Building: Enhancing their professional skill sets to meet the demands of the modern workplace.
Communication: Improving their ability to convey ideas clearly and persuasively.
Decision-Making: Empowering them to make informed and impactful decisions.
Strategic Thinking: Encouraging a forward-thinking approach to solving problems and achieving goals.
Networking: Teaching the importance of building and maintaining professional relationships.
Resume-Building: Assisting with the creation of compelling resumes that highlight their strengths and experiences.
Investigating and Researching Areas of I/O: Providing insights into the various fields within industrial and organizational psychology.
Gaining Insight into I/O: Offering a deeper understanding of I/O psychology principles and practices.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and included.
Empowering Big Decisions: Encouraging mentees to take bold steps and make significant career choices.
Tools for Success
To ensure our mentees receive the best possible guidance, Vaya is providing access to Hogan Assessments online, followed by detailed debriefs. These assessments are valuable tools for understanding individual strengths and areas for development, enabling more personalized and effective coaching.
Our Commitment to Ongoing Learning and Improvement
This volunteer project aligns perfectly with Vaya's overarching commitment to making leaders better through continuous learning and improvement. By supporting the professional growth of minority students in the field of I/O psychology, we are not only contributing to their individual success but also promoting a more diverse and inclusive future for the profession.
Vaya Group: Making a Difference
We are proud of the work being done through Vaya Serves Our Community and the positive impact it will have on the next generation of leaders. Through mentorship, we are helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future, one student at a time.
By participating in this project, Vaya continues to honor its commitment to leadership, learning, and community service. We look forward to the positive outcomes this initiative will bring and the lasting impact it will have on our mentees and the broader field of industrial and organizational psychology.
