Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest hosted a Joint Speed Mentoring Session Aug. 29 in San Diego.

"Speed mentoring allows employees to be exposed to a broad range of senior leader mentors in a short period of time where topics of conversation could range from professional development such as training, education and advancement to topics as quality of work life or how to become more visible in the command to name a few," said Katie Emery, NAVFAC Southwest Human Resources deputy director.

Government civilian and military personnel from SPAWAR and NAVFAC Southwest interacted and received first hand mentoring advice and networked with top level leadership from NAVFAC Southwest and SPAWAR. Individuals asked questions, exchanged ideas, and heard expert advice.

"The speed mentoring event was fantastic, said Eley Decuba, NAVFAC Southwest Acquisition People & Processes contract specialist. "It was wonderful to have access to some of the great leaders in our organizations. I was truly impressed by their sincere interest in our career development and the valuable advice they had to offer."

The Speed Mentoring Session event featured one-on-one short 10 minute mentoring sessions with a minimum of four senior level mentors and featured group mentoring areas that pulled in groups of four or more mentees and mentors. The following mentors who contributed to group mentoring were M-Dash Group, Inc. Leadership Coach & Design Thinker Megan Ragsdale, SPAWAR Civilian Human Resources Director Margaret Malowney, SPAWAR MIDS CHENG and APM-E Supervisor Jeremy Mucha, and Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Life Style Logistics Professor Greg Schlauch.

"The speed mentoring session gave me invaluable face time with senior leaders both inside the organization and at SPAWAR," said Aaron L. Roll, NAVFAC Southwest financial analyst. "I received great feedback on specific ways to continue to develop myself professionally. I look forward to future events like this and appreciate all of the hard work to put the event together."

Leaders from both organizations provided insight to the value of mentoring at the beginning of the event. These leaders were SPAWAR Corporate Operations Head Kimberly Kesler, SPAWAR Executive Director Patrick Sullivan, NAVFAC Southwest Business Director Ron Plaseied, and M-Dash Group Inc. Leadership Coach Megan Ragsdale.

"I really enjoyed the comfortable environment to interact with senior leaders and experts," said June Wheaton, NAVFAC Southwest Water Program engineer. "The mentors quickly got to know my background and aspirations, and provided a variety of strategies to grow in my career and play to my strengths. I highly recommend speed mentoring for anyone who wants to challenge themselves to optimize their contributions and maximize their success."

In addition to the mentoring sessions that took place, tables were set up with leadership materials and leadership development program information provided by both commands to ensure mentees could gain insight into career development opportunities available.

"The event was unique to allow cross collaboration with another command which gave a different perspective to our employees that they would not otherwise get as well as the opportunity to interface one on one with senior executives," said Emery. "This event was a great success and one that we hope will be the start of many more to come"


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