Editor's Note: The application period for our Spring 2024 Mentoring Program is January 10 through February 23, 2024. The program will run March 19 through June 4, 2024.

The Secured Finance Foundation, in conjunction with SFNet’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee helped support the SFNet’s second iteration of its Mentorship Program, which ran from mid-June to August 2023. This year’s program encompassed a diverse cohort, hailing from 14 U.S. states and two countries. The program was designed to encourage diversity and foster inclusivity by enabling established veterans in the secured finance industry and those new to their careers to build relationships and learn from one another through a virtual mentoring initiative.

Within this vibrant community, 40 one-on-one mentor-mentee pairs were established to foster individual growth and development. An impressive 55 companies enthusiastically contributed their expertise and resources to the program’s success. This year, there were 80 participants, compared to 44 in 2022. Women consisted of 36% of the program’s participants, emphasizing SFNet’s commitment to inclusivity and gender diversity. The initiative represented a convergence of talent and opportunity, showcasing the program’s wide-reaching impact and potential for growth.

SFNet thanks this year’s mentors for their guidance, support, and insights, and mentees, for their enthusiasm, receptiveness to learning, and proactive engagement. SFNet would also like to extend its deepest appreciation to the program chair, Bianca Barredo, managing director, ABL underwriting and originations, MidCap Financial Services, and program champions: Betty Hernandez, EVP & chief credit officer, SLR Business Credit; Terry Keating, CEO, Access Capital; Mignon Winston, vice president – underwriting, Great Rock Capital; Victor Pena, Gaurang Vyas, founder and CEO, Rise Line Business Credit; Candice Hubert, director, business development; Mike Jackson, U.S. director, equity & inclusion, BMO Commercial Bank ABL and Mark Cuccinello, managing director, JPMorgan Chase Bank, who provided unwavering support, guidance, and leadership throughout the program.

SFNet’s virtual Mentorship Program offers a series of 1:1 meetings, structured group events and online discussions, facilitated through a private LinkedIn page and Zoom meetings. The program’s focus is on professional development, providing Mentees with the chance to engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance their skills and knowledge.

SFNet recognizes the value of a workforce that represents all members of its community and the importance of providing equal opportunities, but growth and development of those in the industry is just as important for DEI initiatives as is hiring and retaining. The program will provide a supportive environment for mentees to enhance their skills, gain valuable insights and network with professionals who share similar interests and experiences. Additionally, mentors have the opportunity to give back to their industry by sharing their expertise, experience and insights by contributing to the development of the next generation of industry leaders.

The Mentee and Mentor Experience
As a first-time mentee participant, Greg Frattaroli, senior manager, Commercial & Industrial, Gordon Brothers, found the program informative and beneficial and said it allowed access to successful mentors and like-minded and motivated mentees.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect as this was my first time participating in a program like this as a mentee, but my mentor, Kevin Maitland of PNC Business Credit, did an excellent job of helping guide me through the process,” Frattaroli said. “While we shared different industry experiences—him as a technology-focused ABL underwriter at a large bank and me, a commercial and industrial liquidator at a mid-size investment firm—he was able to find similarities between what we do and taught me a lot about career growth that superseded our day-today activities. I consider him a friend and look forward to maintaining our relationship beyond the program.”

“The mentorship program is worth its weight in gold,” said mentee Emily Neuherz, senior associate, Portfolio Management, Capital Foundry, who was paired with mentor Terry Keating. “This program has given me the time and space to connect with so many incredible mentors who ‘walk the walk and talk the talk’. Doors are opening for me that I didn’t know were possible. I’m now connected with thoughtful and insightful mentors who care about the growth and development of ABL’s next generation of leaders. I am blown away by the generosity of our mentors and what we’ve accomplished in our sessions.”
Mentors also cited their experience as rewarding, with each group bringing different experiences to the table.

“It becomes more evident every time I speak with young professionals, that it is essential to take into account the intrinsic power drawn from diversity in the market,” said mentor Oscar Rombola, managing director, eCapital. “Seasoned professionals bring experience, younger ones bring innovation and a combination of both, bring success!”

“Mentoring the next generation in finance isn’t a task, it’s a joy,” added Raphael Torres, head of business development, Access Capital. “Sharing my experiences in hopes of imparting wisdom, seeing potential ignite, and helping shape success is a reward in itself.”

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