Today we’d like to introduce you to Anjulie Ponce.
Anjulie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my professional career as a trial attorney. I now run the Leadership Forward Mentoring Program, a small but mighty nonprofit that empowers Dallas High School students through mentoring. It is a little surreal for me to reflect on how I got here.
In 2017, I was practicing law at a boutique firm in Dallas. I was good at my job, with two big trial wins that year and a successful track record, but there was something missing. At the same time, I was mentoring a student at Adamson High School here in Oak Cliff, with a young non-profit – The Leadership Forward Mentoring Program. No matter how busy my week was, or how long my work day felt, by the time I left from mentoring my student, I was energized. I was filled with purpose.
A short while later, I found out that Leadership Forward was going to be hiring its first executive director, and I thought – I can do that. I would be great at it. This is what I should be doing.
I think I took a lot of people by surprise, making this huge change in careers. But for me, it made sense. I’ve always had the ability to think big picture – to see the potential in things. Here I saw all the ways I could help grow this wonderful organization so that we could reach even more students and help transform their lives. Beyond that, we could share this incredibly meaningful mentoring experience with more people, to help build a stronger community.
Overall, has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? Any advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road, as much as an unmarked trail that you occasionally get lost on, but that is incredibly beautiful and awakens your soul (I am reminded of several hiking adventures with my husband).
I jumped headfirst into a new career, during which time I also found out I was pregnant. There were several times when I stopped to think, am I really doing this? Am I really prepared to leave behind a steady job, where I know what to expect, for the uncertainties and challenges of running a start-up non-profit, all while navigating becoming a new mom? But then I thought, if not now, then when. It was reassuring to me that I was making choices that I would be proud to tell my daughter about one day. So, that she would know that she too could take chances and live a life filled with interesting challenges and adventures.
One of the biggest pieces of advice I have for women is that you have to be your biggest advocate. Believe in yourself, and speak up for yourself. I think a lot of times we as women think, I shouldn’t have to ask for a raise or a promotion – I’ve worked really hard and proven myself, so my boss should recognize that. What your boss should do and will do are two completely separate things, which is why you need to be your biggest champion and go after it.
It’s also important to have a great support system, whether it is through your partner, family, or friends. I am incredibly fortunate to have all of these, but especially a wonderful husband who encourages me to pursue my dreams. We make a great team.
Please tell us about the Leadership Forward Mentoring Program.
The Leadership Forward Mentoring Program is a mentoring program for high school students in Oak Cliff. We connect our students with local professionals through one-on-one mentoring that is focused on college, career, and community readiness. In doing so, we empower our students to take control and ownership of their future.
We are lucky to be in such a great city with so many people who are interested in forming a connection and making a difference. We have a passionate and dedicated team of volunteer mentors who are the lifeblood of our organization. Each mentor is matched with a student who they meet twice a month, over the course of the student’s time in high school. Our mentors challenge our students to think boldly about their future and provide them with the information and resources they need so that they can make informed decisions while they are in high school and once they graduate.
We are dedicated to strengthening our local public high schools by providing support for our students and their families, by creating connections between people regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or age, and by helping build a nurturing community. Through our work, we are breaking down barriers and opening more doors for all of our students and families.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Step out of your comfort zone. I don’t think anyone likes networking for the sake of networking, and especially if you are an introvert like me, it can seem like torture. But, I’ve had some of the most rewarding experiences and met people that have made the biggest impact on my life when I have pushed myself out of what I would consider my safe space. It has provided me with the opportunity to meet new and interesting people who have challenged me to be great.
Something that has really helped me is looking at networking from the perspective of any activity that helps form connections. It’s not just exchanging business cards at a happy hour. Instead, it’s about being present when you meet someone (regardless of where you are), listening to their story, and getting to know them. That is networking, and the relationship you form might be the foundation of great mentorship.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leadershipforward.org
- Email: anjulie@leadershipforward.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadershipForward/
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