Beach Connection Magazine : Fall 2017 Spring 2017 | Page 7

DARRYL TAMADA 2012, B.A., SOCIOLOGY Benefits Advisor, Aflac Inc. “As a mentor for SCPD’s Junior mentoring program under CBA, I can tell you that communication is key between a mentor and a mentee. Both sides have to make a proactive effort to fully benefit from the program. The focus should be on the development of the mentee, so having a mentor who is ready to commit to the partnership will help both sides. The mentee has to be open and accepting, and ready to take initiative.” VALERIE VALENTINE 1982, M.A., POLITICAL SCIENCE Retired, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals “Dr. Sherain was my mentor. The experience was academically, professionally and per- sonally rewarding, as well as encouraging. He supported my goal of an M.A. in political science in every way that he could. While not making allowances, he did encourage members of the department to work with me due to the fact that I was a full-time corp rate sales and marketing employee, graduate student, and ballet/tap instructor. Dr. Sherain cemented my determination to continue and to succeed.” HAROLD WILLIAMS 1976, M.S., CIVIL ENGINEERING Director, West Basin Municipal Water District “Over the past 23 years that I have known Wayne Smith `97 as his mentor and friend/ colleague, he tells me that one of the most important suggestions I made was for him to develop his public speaking skills. Wayne now credits this suggestion as one of the key factors in his advancement to manage- ment. Now he is a registered California Civil Engineer and Construction Manager for the Engineering Service Bureau of the Port of Long Beach.” ESHELE WILLIAMS 2000, B.A., HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Consultant, Trainer/Educator, Child Welfare League of America “I met my colleague and mentor, CSULB professor Eileen Mayers Pasztor (pictured on right), while working at Children’s Bureau of Los Angeles. With her close men- torship over the past four years, I have become a consultant with Child Welfare League of American, a Board member of the National Foster Parent Association and trainer/educator specializing in the field of Foster Care, Kinship Care and Adoption. Our work focuses on The Impact of Fostering, Kinship Care Are you and Adoption on Birth Children.” interested in sharing your expertise and wisdom with a Beach alum? You can become a mentor today by filling out an interest form at www.csulb.edu/alumni/ association/mentor.php. For questions or concerns, contact [email protected]. SPRING / SUMMER 2017 7