Mentoring program bolsters leadership pipeline, mission readiness

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support (Columbus) advanced its leadership pipeline and organizational mission readiness April 17 with a graduation ceremony for its 2025-2026 Mentoring Program. Held in the Defense Supply Center Columbus Operations Center Auditorium, the ceremony recognized the resilience and dedication of 14 Tier 1 and 19 Tier 2 mentees who completed the program, alongside the 33 mentors who guided them.

Navy Rear Adm. Julie M. Treanor, DLA Weapons Support (Columbus) commander, provided keynote remarks, emphasizing the critical role of mentorship throughout her 32-year military career.

"The value of having someone invest in you, and the deep satisfaction that comes from investing in others is immeasurable," she said. "It is one of the most important relationships you can build and that you can offer in your careers."

Treanor said she is a firm believer in the power of mentorship, having had the privilege of participating in mentorship programs throughout her career as both a mentee and mentor.

"I can personally attest to the profound and lasting impact these relationships have had on both my personal and professional growth," she added.

The mentoring program is divided into two levels. Tier 1 focuses on early-career professionals seeking foundational guidance and provides professional development and learning opportunities to build core competencies with customized training in leadership, professional presence and networking.

Tier 2 is geared toward mid-career individuals aiming to refine leadership abilities and navigate advanced career challenges. Its customized curriculum includes courses on leading and embracing change, the art of questioning and moving from conflict to collaboration.

Both tiers involve regularly scheduled engagements, mentor shadowing, special projects, volunteer opportunities and leadership events. Each mentee also delivers a capstone presentation prior to graduation.

Although the program faced significant hurdles this year that led to a five-month pause, Treanor said participants demonstrated incredible adaptability by mastering a 12-month curriculum in an accelerated six-month timeframe.

"That is nothing short of remarkable, and it's a true testament to your dedication," Treanor said.

Alyssa Martell, a management analyst and Tier 1 mentee, described the program as challenging but incredibly rewarding, adding that her mentor was with her every step of the way.

"Whether I was working through something at work I didn't fully understand yet, figuring out how I could have handled a misunderstanding better or trying to figure out my next career steps … she offered thoughtful feedback whenever I needed it," Martell said. "She helped me prepare for the interview for my current position, which boosted my confidence tremendously. I truly can't thank her enough."

Martell noted that one of her biggest takeaways from the program was the lasting sense of community it provided.

"It's reassuring to know I now have a group of people I feel comfortable reaching out to for advice and support," she said. "I'm walking away with greater confidence, stronger communication skills, and a much clearer sense of my professional goals."

Treanor thanked the mentors for sharing their time, knowledge and expertise.

"You have not only helped [mentees] navigate the challenges and opportunities presented, but you have inspired them to reach higher, to dream bigger and to become the leaders of tomorrow," she said.

She challenged the new graduates to continue their journey of self-improvement.

"As you move forward, I encourage you to stay curious and keep that fire for growth alive," she urged. "I challenge each of you to pay it forward. Continue to seek out mentors for yourselves, and just as importantly, be that mentor to someone else."

Chrissy Schall, director of operations, echoed that sentiment in her closing remarks, highlighting how the program's lasting impact is rooted in the supportive network built by the participants.

"The projects, the capstones and the classes brought you to this point, but from this point forward, I ask you to take the lessons learned and take the community you've built among the mentees and mentors and move that forward," Schall said.

Comparing careers to the cyclical nature of life, she reinforced the importance of relying on a trusted community during both easy and difficult times.

"You will have hard questions … and having the right person to call is so important," Schall told the graduates, asking them to consider who they would call to answer those hard questions. "Think about who that is for you. But also, who calls you? Who are you the lifeline for … that trusted confidant? For a moment, take pride in that, but then get your advice ready because they're coming to you for the good stuff."

This emphasis on shared experience and professional growth is what the program aims to cultivate across the workforce. Its completion serves as a component of the DLA Weapons Support leadership pipeline and the organization's long-term strategy to foster a culture of continuous improvement.