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• CoSIDA Adds Mentorship and Advocacy Committees
Registration for the 2019-20 CoSIDA Mentorship Program is now active. Questions on joining the program can be directed to CoSIDA Director of Membership Engagement Laurie Bollig at lauriebollig@cosida.com.
First-ever mentorship committee will administer the program along with CoSIDA staff; signups for 2019-20 now open
In 2015 soon-to-be CoSIDA president Andy Seeley decided he wanted his presidential legacy to be a coordinated mentorship program within the association. CoSIDA staff said, "What are we waiting for?" Thus began CoSIDA's official foray into an organized mentorship program.
Approximately 80 CoSIDA members signed up for the first full year of the program in 2015-16. Fast forward to 2018-19, and more than 200 members took advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow through interactions with peers in the program.
Brian Morales
"In my opinion, the CoSIDA mentorship program has been a tremendous resource for many of our fellow members and a program that truly continues to foster new relationships within an ever-changing field that we are all graciously apart of," said Brian Morales, Wagner assistant director of media relations.
Morales will chair the new Mentorship Committee and has been part of the program since the first year.
"I have said in the past, being part of a mentorship program is an extension of giving back. I know I have been very fortunate that so many people have advised me and counseled me along the way and continue to do so. In turn, we have this amazing program that has grown exponentially over the last five years and why not continue to collaborate and share our experiences while paying it forward for those that are just embarking on their athletic communication journey?
"It is not about just talking about what works on gameday or how to write better press releases, or dealing with the day-to-day grind; this program is more than that. It is about a shared relationship that ultimately helps all of us grow professionally and even personally. When you are in a position to be a mentor and even be a mentee, it gives you an opportunity to listen and learn, regardless of your current position or title. Ultimately, it makes you a better person and gives a sense of fulfillment," Morales said.
Chelsey Chamberlain, assistant communications director at LSU, has participated in the program both as a mentor and as a mentee. This year, her mentor was CoSIDA second vice president Sam Atkinson, associate athletic director for communications for Gallaudet University.
"I've had such a great experience with my mentor Sam this year. It has meant so much to have someone that is so highly respected in our industry to learn from. We check in about every two weeks or at least once a month whether it's a phone call, text or FaceTime. When we check in with one another, we'd talk about what was happening in our jobs, but also talking about life outside of work. I love the mentorship program because it gives you someone else to talk to in the profession and it's a great way to network and get to know new people in the business," Chamberlain said.
To sign up to be a mentor or mentee for 2019-20 , the online registration is now closed but to join or if you have questions, contact
Laurie Bollig at
lauriebollig@cosida.com. What are you waiting for?
Mentorship Committee Vice Chair Theresa Kurtz and Eastern Michigan GA Maddie Heaps on Their Mentee/Mentor Relationship in 2018-19
 Kurtz: From the moment that Maddie and I first emailed, it was an instant connection. We started to get to know each other through email and quickly learned we had so much in common. I think that's what helped us quickly form this bond. From being members of the same sorority at a Pac-12 school to moving half way across the country to chase a dream, I've been in Maddie's shoes. I've gone through what she's doing now, only 10 years later. And, the best part is that I learn a new perspective from her and learn from her, just as much as she's learning from me.
I think one of the biggest similarities was losing a parent a young age. We just have so many life experiences in common that we can relate to each other and its events that others haven't experienced.
After several long emails, we followed each other on every social media platform and traded phone numbers. Now, a week doesn't go by where we aren't talking. Whether it's our team's successes, a book we're reading, personal triumphs or just a hello. My favorite is finding quotes that are perfect for what the other is going through at the time. We can always find one to lift the other up.
To think that I haven't even known her a year is crazy, because she's one of the first people I share good news with and even bad. She's my biggest cheerleader and supporter.
There's no better way to end this great first year of being a mentor than spending the day at Disney World with Maddie before we go to the CoSIDA convention.
I signed up to be a mentor because I wanted to help younger SIDs transition into the industry, but I can honestly say that I learned and grew with Maddie this year. It's been fun to see her grow and be on this journey with her. The best part is that this isn't just a yearlong pairing, we are now going to be supporting each other with every step we take for a long time to come.
 Heaps: Finding out I was paired with Theresa was a dream come true— she exemplifies what I want to be in this field: a strong woman, an incredible storyteller, and always willing to support others in their journeys to success. We bonded instantly over the fact that we were both Alpha Chi Omegas in college, and from there, found a bond through constant communications and similar personality traits. Theresa has been there for me every step of the way during this hectic year— she's mentored me through content in the field, but also has helped me immensely with the difficulties of moving across the country and adjusting to a new position. TK is my biggest cheerleader, my constant support system, and a friend more than anything— something that meeting in person will only grow to a new level. She inspires me to be better, and she doesn't allow me to doubt my abilities and talents in my position.
Note: Theresa and Maddie will meet in person for the first time at #CoSIDA19. |