L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program Luncheon by Brianna Hernandez - NAMIC Blogger

The L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program Luncheon was definitely an attendee favorite this year, as James C. Jones, NAMIC VP of Education Programs, facilitated an engaging and lively forum with Sunny Anderson, host of The Food Network’s Cooking For Real.

At 34-years-old, Anderson’s professional journey is both extensive and impressive. After following in her father’s footsteps and serving in the Air Force, Anderson began a career in broadcast as a radio host at stations in New Orleans, Montgomery, Detroit and New York. She was also a host for MTV2, penned her own column, “Belly of the Beast,” in Hip Hop Magazine, and was named “Ruler of the Airwaves” by Vibe magazine.

Luncheon attendees were instantly intrigued by Anderson’s sparkling personality and listened intently as she divulged various secrets to her success, which included one reoccurring theme: mentorship.

Anderson stressed the significance of mentors on young professionals and dreamers and assured the audience that without her many mentors (her grandfather and father, her first base commander, a news station sportscaster at her first internship, and many others) she might not have challenged herself to take risks and ultimately, become a successful media personality.

“A good mentor is someone who sees something greater in you than you see in yourself,” Anderson said. “I always acted on faith, never really knowing if the decision I made would work out. But knowing that someone else believed I could do it made all the difference in the world.”
Anderson’s insight proved to be the perfect presentation for the L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program Luncheon. The program gives NAMIC members a chance to be matched with a mentee or mentor to help young professionals navigate through their new career. As seasoned industry leaders, mentors have a chance to offer their valuable knowledge and expertise to mentees as they begin their careers, while mentees have the opportunity to expand their professional networks and gain insight to the industry. For more information about the L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program, visit the NAMIC website: http://www.namic.com/ or to become a mentor/mentee, email mentor@namic.com.

The luncheon received great feedback, with many attendees commenting on the great dynamic between Jones and Anderson, and left everyone eager to see what the rest of Day Two had in store for them.

After more break-out sessions, attendees will have the chance to honor some of the most influential industry leaders at the Excellence in Multi-Cultural Marketing Awards (EMMAs) and will have the chance to network at the conference reception later tonight.

Stay tuned for coverage from the EMMAs and more pictures from Day Two of the 2009 NAMIC Conference and be sure to read our coverage of Day Three’s do-not-miss events, such as the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award Luncheon honoring CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Brianna Hernandez - NAMIC Blogger