Michael Lombardi,
Explorer, Ocean Opportunity of Providence ~
RI Very early in my career, both during college, and
for a few years thereafter, I benefited from the
mentorship of Dr. Michael Lesser from the University
of New Hampshire. While he made it clear that it was
my hard work and dedication that earned a spot under
his wing, Michael provided opportunities for me as
an undergraduate student that far
exceeded those of a typical marine science student.
Gaining invaluable field experience in the Bahamas,
Belize, Florida Keys, Gulf of Maine, and even
Antarctica under his guidance inspired me to pursue
my career as a professional undersea specialist, and
commit to his ideals of the relentless work ethic
that is necessary to realize success both on and
under the world's oceans. See Michael's Web site at
www.oceanopportunity.com.
Joel McCoy,
Coordinator, Aquidneck Island Mentoring Program ~ My
childhood piano teacher, Robert Boberg, was an
important mentor and a key source of inspiration for
a young musician struggling to find his voice.
Pamela Leonhardt,
Coordinator, Warwick Mentor Program ~ My Mom,
Blanche Sherman, has always been my mentor – even if
I didn’t acknowledge this during my “teen years”!
She is the most inspirational woman I have ever
known. I am the youngest of 7 siblings and every one
of them would confirm this wholeheartedly. My mom
did not have much growing up in the way of material
things but she had the love and support of a close
knit family. She was forced to drop out of school in
the 8th grade to care for my grandmother who was
very ill. Growing up, she always stressed the
importance of learning. She wanted the best for each
of us and encouraged us all to persevere in
achieving our own goals. Although she didn’t have
the opportunity to graduate from high school and go
on to further her education, she has excelled in
every aspect of her life. She has taught me that
everything in life happens for a reason, even though
it may not be clear at the time. I recently
celebrated my mom’s 85th birthday with her. I sang
happy birthday – but she baked my favorite chocolate
cake from scratch! I can’t put into words the value
of our relationship. Thanks mom for all you’ve
taught me and for the encouragement and support you
show me every single day going forward.
Jo-Ann Schofield,
Vice President, RI Mentoring Partnership ~ My mom,
Lorena Gardiner, was my mentor. She always
listened without prejudice, believed in me and
emphasized the importance of family. She
taught me the value of being a good mother, by being
one for me. I hope that her legacy will be
that if you ask either one of my daughters who
her mentor is, she will
say, "My mom."
Stacey Thompson,
Coordinator, Woonsocket Mentor Program ~ My parents
are my mentors because they taught me to be an
independent woman and never settled for anything
less than my best. They support me in every decision
I make and they are the first people that I turn to
whenever I need advice.
Back to Who Mentored
You? list
