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Nurturing Connections: Wellness, Reflection, and Growth in Mentoring
Friday, April 26
6-7:15PM ET
virtual event; open to Girls Write Now mentors, staff, and peer-to-peer mentees. Required for mentors
Join us for an engaging mentor professional development session focused on fostering connections, promoting wellness, and cultivating growth in mentoring.
Through practical activities such as wellness writing prompts, contemplative practice, and reflective discussions, mentors will deepen their understanding of themselves, connect with their peers, and contribute to a supportive mentoring community.
As mentors dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others, we’ll explore how mindfulness, empathy, and connection can enrich our mentoring experiences and lead to positive outcomes for our personal and professional growth and mentorship relationships.
Meet the Teaching Artists
Jessica Jagtiani
Jesse Jagtiani is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and researcher of Indian-German heritage residing in New York City. Jesse earned her Doctor of Education in Art & Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, complemented by an MFA in Studio Art from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, and a degree in Visual Communications from the University of Arts, Berlin. Her research centers on the formative dimensions of intuition, bridging indigenous wisdom with contemporary scientific perspectives to foster a balance of the intuitive and the rational mind within Western educational paradigms. Jesse’s artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and her scholarly contributions extend to various publications, including chapter three of the book Developing Informed Intuition for Decision Making. Jesse has taught in (and outside of) higher education for numerous years and is passionate about supporting emerging artists, writers, and leaders on their creative, academic, and career pathways.
Ayana Perkins
Ayana Danae Perkins, a versatile creative, originates from the South Bronx, NY, where she spent 23 years before settling in Jersey City in 2021. In February of 2020, she earned her A.A. Degree in English from Bronx Community College and proudly joined the Phi Theta Kappa International College Honor Society the prior year. Her journey as an employee at Bronx Community College spanned nearly five years, beginning as a dedicated peer mentor and progressing to achieve a Level 3 CRLA International Peer Educator Training Program Certification. Ayana’s role evolved into a College Assistant where she supervised a student organization, managed program social media, and designed compelling marketing materials. Her versatility shines through, bringing a distinctive vision to digital content, marketing, event planning and beyond. Alongside her professional experience, she has a keen interest in interior design and visual art mediums. Thrilled to be at Girls Write Now, Ayana anticipates fusing her creative passions with her extensive experience in community building and engagement.
This event is open to:
all mentors, GWN staff and peer-to-peer mentees