Reflecting on Women's History Month and the Impact of Mentorship and Cultural Heritage on My Journey

As we wrap up Women’s History Month, I find myself reflecting on how every month offers us a chance to recognise and celebrate the countless contributions women have made — not just to history, but to our workplaces and communities. These contributions continue to shape our world every single day.

Throughout my life and early career, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring women who have shaped my path, taught me valuable lessons, and empowered me to pay it forward through mentorship. As my first job in the ad world, David&Goliath has been an incredible experience, because of the strong, empowering women who have surrounded me. From the very first day, I’ve been inspired and mentored by women who lead with not only intelligence and creativity but also with kindness, courage, and resilience. Their ability to break barriers, challenge the norm, and uplift those around them has been truly inspiring. They've taught me what it means to be bold, to stand up for what you believe in, and to always push forward even when faced with challenges.

These women have shown me that success isn’t just about reaching personal goals—it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their best selves to the table. It showed me that growth comes from helping others. Mentorship isn’t just about providing advice—it’s about learning, growing, and evolving together. Every time you help someone else, you become a stronger version of yourself. The act of giving back is transformational for both mentors and the mentees.

As a young Armenian woman in advertising, my cultural heritage has shaped my approach to empowering women. Growing up with values of hard work, perseverance, and community, I’ve been inspired by the strong women in my life, especially my mother, whose strength and resilience have shaped who I am today. Along with the guidance of incredible mentors, I’ve learned to stay true to my roots while pushing for success.

Through the mentor and mentee program at David&Goliath, I’ve had the privilege as a mentee of learning firsthand just how powerful mentorship can be. One mentor shared a personal story with me about a time she failed, but rather than seeing it as a setback, she saw it as a lesson. That shift in perspective opened my eyes to the power of resilience and vulnerability. She showed me that mentorship isn’t just about giving advice—it’s about modeling courage, even in the face of uncertainty. Watching her navigate challenges, and yet teaching me the value behind it, has made me want to pass that same support onto others.

Now, as a mentor myself in a program that helps guide high school students, I’m able to give back in the same way. It’s incredibly fulfilling to share my experiences and offer advice to young women who are just starting to explore their own paths. There’s something so powerful about providing that support—seeing their confidence grow, watching them overcome doubts, and knowing that I’m helping to build a foundation for their future success.

Mentorship is a two-way street. The more we lift others up, the more we strengthen ourselves and the communities we belong to. One of my mentees took a brave step when she decided to start her own small business in high school. She feared failure and judgment from others, but she pushed through and launched her idea. Her bravery in pursuing something so ambitious at a young age has inspired others to take risks in their own lives as well. I've learned that empowering others is one of the greatest forms of success. By supporting those around you, especially other women, you create a ripple effect that leads to collective strength and growth. The more you give, the more you receive, and the more we all thrive together. Now, being able to guide these students not only helps them grow but also reinforces the importance of creating spaces where women support one another. It’s an ongoing cycle of empowerment that truly makes a difference, and I’m proud to be part of that.