Graduate Student and New Evaluators
Jennifer Mursaloglu, PhD, PMP (she/her/hers)
Owner & Principal
REL Strategies, LLC
Alexandria, Virginia, United States
Rakiah Anderson, MPH (she/her/hers)
Evaluation Manager
Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
Location: White River Ballroom E
Abstract Information: Evaluators, at any stage of their career or evaluation training, know firsthand the value of formal and informal mentor relationships. This session will spark informative discussions on how to build authentic and intentional mentor/mentee relationships in the field of evaluation. This session will shine a light on the power of storytelling in mentor/mentee relationships to deepen knowledge and foster trust between mentee and mentor, which extends to telling a better evaluation story. Facilitators of this session will draw upon their experiences in developing mentor relationships in local AEA chapters, AEA TIGs, AEA GEDI program, and in the workplace. The session will ask participants to consider individuals and groups historically excluded from mentor/mentee relationships and how we use our knowledge and privilege to build greater inclusion into the field of evaluation through mentor/mentee relationships. Guiding questions include: How to find and maintain a successful mentor/mentee relationship? How to foster equity in mentor/mentee relationships? How to build trust and authentic mentor/mentee relationships while attending to the technical requirements of evaluation work? What is the difference between mentorship and coaching, have you engaged in either?
Relevance Statement: Critical to the AEA Competency in Professional Practice and Interpersonal domains, a competent evaluator (1.7) pursues ongoing professional development to deepen reflective practice, stay current, and build connections and, (5.1) fosters positive relationships for professional practice and evaluation use. This session, led by two female facilitators representing different fields and career stages, will provide an opportunity for early career evaluators and graduate students to share and hear lessons learned in building positive mentoring relationships.