Who helped you become the person that you are today? Who taught you how to make good decisions, helped you find confidence and encouraged you to succeed in school? Who mentored you when you needed it most?

Kitty Piercy
Mayor of Eugene

My second grade teacher comes to mind. I was a shy little girl and she took the time to encourage me on a daily basis to write and illustrate stories. She made me feel I had worthwhile contributions to make and valuable talent and skills. That encouragement made all the difference to me in how I saw myself and in my self confidence.

Jerry D. Smith
Chief of Police, Springfield Police Department

My baseball coach and my father are two very important individuals that had tremendous impact on my life. Both had high work ethics and a manner of encouragement that made me feel that I could succeed at whatever task I chose if I applied myself. My father would always respond to “I can’t” with “Can’t means don’t want to.” My baseball coach, like my father would always encourage me to push myself a little harder to excel. Both were instrumental in developing confidence in my abilities and a willingness to challenge myself to reach beyond what I thought my limitations would otherwise be.

Giancarlo Guerrero
Music Director & Conductor, Eugene Symphony

My percussion teacher at Baylor University had a deep impact in my life; Dr. Larry Vanlandigham not only taught me how to become a fine musician, but through his example, inspired me to become a better person and have the highest work ethic. Ever since his passing, I think of him often and will forever be grateful for his guidance and trust.

Nancy Golden
Superintendent, Springfield Public Schools

Herb Schwartz, a community member agreed to tutor me in Algebra when I was in high school. I needed to get a 100 on my Algebra test and Herb spent time with me after school to tutor me in Algebra. Thanks to Herb I got that 100! I also have to mention Curtis Huey. He was the director of Springfield Public Schools and I was his assistant. I was 28 years old and it was my first administrative job. He taught me that any question is a fair question. Thank you Herb and Curtis for being my mentors!

Stephanie Kimmel
Owner, Marche Restaurant

The earliest mentor I had was my father who supported all of my endeavors, athletic, academic or arts-related, and helped me to believe that a positive attitude and an unflagging work ethic would lead to good things in life. I also consider Julia Child a mentor – she transformed the potential for women to be respected members of the professional kitchen. She gave me the confidence that you don’t have to be a man in a tall white hat to succeed as a chef. You need to have the skills, to be sure, but also vision, humor and a hospitable spirit.