b'MentorshipsMany new employees, studentsJana Richens has been an amazingBradly Pence, a manager with and researchers at INL havementor this summer. Despite herInstrumentation and Control, was benefited from the guidance ofbusy schedule, she always findsFY-23 Mentor of the Year. Heres mentors. Our official roster oftime for each of her 17 interns.what one of his mentees said mentors includes over 100 expertsShe exhibits a genuine personalabout his work:who have assisted countlessinterest in their development and . He has been supportive in newcomers. In fact, it doesnt haveencourages them to make theevery way I needed and willingly to be a formal designation; we canmost of the opportunities at INL,answered numerous questions. all be a mentor to others. However,according to one intern who wasHe made me feel like part of the as the workforce grows, the labsurveyed and worked with Richens. team and turned my internship requires more mentors to facilitateCurtis Isaiah Barlow, alsointo a remarkable experience.training and support. a member of the Workforce Here are the highlights of someDevelopment team, showcasedPence was honored to win the awarded mentors during FY-23. his talent as a first-year mentor. Heaward. Being named Mentor of was the runner-up for Mentor ofthe Year for the INL Internship Jana Richens, a veteran mentorthe Year and made a lasting impactProgram gives me a sense of working with the Workforceon his mentees: gratitude and accomplishment, Development team in National andhe said. It validates the impact Homeland Security, was honoredMy mentor is new to mentoring,that we have on our student as the labs Mentor of the Yearbut he has truly excelled in theinterns professional growth and in FY-22 sharing the award withrole. He has created a welcomingthe meaningful relationships we Eleanor Taylor. Richens received anenvironment for all of us interns. Hehave the opportunity to build. It honorable mention for the awardconsistently emphasizes his desireinspires me to continue investing this year. Her interns hold her infor our success and isnt afraid to bein the development of new talents high esteem, and their feedbackvulnerable, setting an exemplaryand helping them navigate their reflects her dedication andstandard for a mentor. Instead ofearly careers. Its a reminder of the exceptional support. treating us as mere interns, he valuesimportance of mentorship and the us as valuable team members. difference it can make in shaping someones future. Jana Richens (center) Curtis Isaiah Barlow (center) Bradly Pence12 R E S E A R C H E XC E L L E N C E'