University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Leaders for Leaders, Elk Mountain relationships remain strong
01.21.2021 | General, Athletics News
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Despite these difficult and challenging times of today, the UNC Asheville Athletics "Leaders for Leaders" program, sponsored by Elk Mountain Wealth Partners, continues to flourish. January is National Mentoring Month and "Leaders for Leaders" now begins the seventh calendar year of the program and the third consecutive year that Elk Mountain Wealth Partners has been the exclusive corporate sponsor.
"We have been involved with 'Leaders for Leaders' because we know what a valuable influence `leaders' have been in the lives of our partners," said Elk Mountain Wealth Partners Managing Director Ben Lewis. "Great leaders are not born, they develop, largely because of the people with whom they have associated. Sometimes leaders come from our family, a teacher or college professor, a coach, or perhaps a successful career professional. If we are especially lucky, all four. "
"UNC Asheville is deeply grateful for the investment by Elk Mountain Wealth Partners in the 'Leaders for Leaders' program," said UNC Asheville Chancellor Dr. Nancy Cable. Our student leaders and the community leaders who mentor them create a powerful model of mentoring and leadership development. It's an impressive win-win for all!"
Founded in 2014, the "Leaders for Leaders" program provides UNC Asheville student-athletes and its mentors benefits such as helping with job placements, successful research grants, industry connections and meaningful relationships.
"One of the best aspects of the UNC Asheville 'Leaders for Leaders' program, powered by Elk Mountain Wealth Partners, is the mentors and mentees both feel they are getting more from the partnership than they provide the others," said Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Success Rebecca Nelms. "It offers a true multi-generational connection allowing both to grow closer by learning from each other."
Bruce and Maryann Jones, who belong to the UNC Asheville Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), have been a part of the "Leaders for Leaders" program since its inception, mentoring nine Bulldog student-athletes between the two of them over the years.
"Each mentor-mentee relationship is a bit different," Maryann Jones said. "It also depends on the time of the year. We are able to meet more during their offseason, but just to be able to send them a text before or after a game and check in with them, it's a great feeling."
A few Bulldogs that Bruce and Maryanne have mentored over the years include: Tryree McFalling, Kimani Anderson, Khaila Webb and Ali Trani. Bruce and Maryann are continuing the "Leaders for Leaders" tradition, with Track and Field's Ke'Shonna Gay (Maryanne) and Akin Williams (Bruce) being two Bulldog student-athletes they are currently mentoring. What seems to keep both sides coming back, in addition to the learned skills, is the memories.
"For me, the most memorable experiences were being invited by teammates to go to their mentor's house for a chance to get off campus, enjoy great food and have a good time," Williams said.
"I remember one time we had the whole women's basketball team over," said Maryann Jones. "It was just so much fun. It's so rewarding to be a part of the 'Leaders for Leaders' program and work with these great young individuals."
The program relies on people like Bruce and Maryann, but the feedback and commitments from the 79 UNC Asheville student-athletes themselves allows the "Leaders for Leaders" program to continue thriving.
"I'm constantly telling first-year students on the team to go get a mentor," Gay said. "It is life changing and definitely a future starter. Anytime Maryann invites me over, I try to bring at least two underclass students so they can see how helpful it is."
The past year has been challenging for just about everyone. However, even in the times of COVID-19, the fact that the "Leaders for Leaders" program continues to thrive is a testament to all those involved.
"During this very uncertain and difficult time, our 'Leaders for Leaders' mentors continue to provide emotional support, career advice, a listening ear, a wealth of real world experience, and so much more to each student-athlete," stated Athletics Director Janet R. Cone. "We are so grateful for Elk Mountain Wealth's continued sponsorship of the 'Leaders for Leaders' program and for the more than 70 community leaders who invest their time, talents, and treasures in our Bulldog Scholar-Athletes."
"The mentors, through UNC Asheville's 'Leaders for Leaders', choose to live in this community and give back to the community," said Elk Mountain Managing Director Christopher Amys. "Our hope is that the fine young people that are mentees at UNC Asheville will do the same. On behalf of all the partners at Elk Mountain Wealth Partners, thank you for this opportunity."
To learn more about the "Leaders for Leaders" program, click here. To find out more about Elk Mountain Wealth Partners, visit their website here.
