Mentorship is a powerful thing. In my journey, I’ve learned that it’s not just about sharing knowledge or advice but about opening doors that others may not have seen before and believing in someone until they can fully believe in themselves. I’ve been fortunate to mentor many talented people over the years, and today, I want to reflect on the impact this has had through my mentorship relationship with Sharon, a tenacious and talented entrepreneur who’s also a proud Latina. Together, we’ve navigated the ups and downs of running a successful business, explored personal growth, and supported each other on this remarkable journey.
When Sharon reached out to me, she was already a visionary at heart. Her story was one of resilience and drive—juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet and eventually finding the courage to launch a childcare business from scratch. Today, her dream has grown into Discover New Horizons Montessori, a school where she’s not only teaching children but shaping lives in meaningful ways. But like every entrepreneur, Sharon faced challenges that needed more than hard work; they needed strategy, vision, and someone to guide her when the way forward was unclear. And that’s where our mentorship began.
Sharon’s reflection on our journey together highlights the core of what mentorship is truly about: trust, vision, and growth. I’ve watched Sharon’s growth as a leader who not only cares deeply about her staff and the families she serves but one who is grounded in her mission and vision. Sharon is deeply committed to her team and family. She lives her values. It has been a privilege to work with her as she gained clarity in her long-term business goals—whether it was refining operational strategies, navigating complex financial decisions, or dreaming about the expansion of her Montessori school.
Our conversations about strategic business planning have been some of my favorite moments. Sharon has such a bold spirit, and helping her channel that energy into concrete plans, from expanding her current location to dreaming about a second one, has been both inspiring and rewarding. Sharon learned to envision the next step, make informed decisions, and lead with intention—skills that have empowered her to build a thriving school environment. She’s not just running a business; she’s creating a space that uplifts her community and enriches the lives of everyone involved.
The journey of mentorship, though, is more than the business strategies. For Sharon, becoming a confident, visionary leader has been as much a personal transformation as a professional one. When I see her face the difficult decisions and make tough calls, I see someone who leads with heart and purpose. Her growth as a leader reflects her commitment to the values that drive her, and it’s beautiful to witness her stay true to these values in every choice she makes. Sharon’s dedication to her mission reminds me of the importance of keeping our core principles close—no matter where the journey takes us.
One of the most touching aspects of my time with Sharon has been the influence on her family, particularly her teenage daughters. It’s remarkable to see how the mentorship we’ve shared has impacted the way she connects with her children. Together, we have spent time reflecting on growth, resilience, and overcoming adversity—lessons I shared in my book Lost Girl, which Sharon and her teen daughters have read together. Those moments are more than just mother-daughter time; they’re an inspiration for the next generation, empowering her daughters to see their own potential and to understand that obstacles are not barriers but stepping stones.
Mentorship’s true beauty lies in the ripple effect it creates. Sharon’s journey and growth haven’t just transformed her school; they’ve also sparked her to become a mentor herself. She’s committed to paying it forward, using the lessons we’ve explored to guide other Latina entrepreneurs who are walking similar paths. She has shared how her own financial mindfulness, her strategic planning, and her expanded vision have inspired her to support others who face the unique challenges that often come with the journey of minority-owned businesses. Sharon’s passion for mentoring others not only keeps her story moving forward but creates a cycle of empowerment that I’m honored to be a part of.
In this season of gratitude, I am deeply thankful for the incredible privilege of being Sharon’s mentor. She is a testament to the profound impact that mentorship can have—not only on the lives of the mentee but also on the mentor. I’ve learned from her resilience, her courage, and her heart, and I’m reminded that every person we invest in has the potential to touch countless lives beyond what we can see. Mentorship, at its core, is about believing in someone until they fully believe in themselves and giving them the tools to break through the limitations that once held them back.
As I reflect on Sharon’s journey, I am grateful to be part of a community of women who empower each other to dream bigger and go further. If there’s one message I’d leave with anyone considering mentorship, it’s this: never underestimate the power of your investment in someone else. We are all busy, but we gain wealth that goes beyond a monetized asset when we take the time to invest in people. Mentorship isn’t just a gift you give; it’s a legacy you build together. And as Sharon’s story shows, it can change lives, inspire families, and transform communities. I look forward to seeing how she continues to grow and scale her business and all the great things to come in her life, as she continues to train and care of God’s heart, little children.
To stay in touch, be sure to subscribe to www.rebeccacontreras.com or find Rebecca on social media through Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Comentários