Mentor Spotlight: Troi Sharpp
We’re thrilled to shine the Mentor Spotlight on Troi Sharpp, a client consulting manager in the Visa Consulting Analytics practice at Visa. A class of 2016 LINK alum, Troi graduated from Nazareth Academy and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Howard University. Prior to joining Visa, she spent two years at KPMG as a deal advisory and strategy analytics associate.
Troi moved back to Chicago a few months ago and wanted to get involved with LINK through becoming a Mentor. Recently we had a chat with her to ask about her mentoring experience.
As a LINK alum, why did you feel it was important to come back as a Mentor?
One of my mentors was a LINK alum, and it was such an empowering experience to see someone who once was in my same position come full circle and give back to the same community that poured into him. I’ve always been taught to reach back as you climb to bring as many people along with you to the top. This is a full-circle opportunity for me to reach as I climb and give back to the LINK community that gave so much to me.
If you could go back and give your Scholar self one piece of advice, what would it be?
If I could give my Scholar self one piece of advice, it would be to welcome failure. I have learned so much about myself and what I truly want out of my life by embracing making mistakes and falling down. It’s only through the experience of failure and rejection that I’ve learned the art of the pivot. Don’t be afraid to dream big, take risks, and learn from it all.
What parts of your experiences in high school, college, and into the workforce will help you support your Scholar?
When I was in high school and college I experienced many setbacks that required me to become resilient and resourceful. I think those combined experiences will allow me to support my Scholar and especially prepare them for the unexpected in their college experience. I also had a unique experience of leaving home and attending an HBCU, Howard University, so I hope to offer that perspective to my Scholar as well.
What do you think makes a Mentor/Mentee relationship successful?
I think being open to learning and ultimately building trust makes a mentor/mentee relationship successful. I am prepared and willing to meet my Scholar exactly where she is, and I plan to be authentic to who I am so that she feels comfortable being her authentic self as well.
What are your hopes for your Scholar over the course of the next year and beyond?
My hope is that we have open and honest conversations about what she wants for her future and that she leaves her senior year feeling like she has the tools to embrace the highs and lows that college may bring.
You’re making an incredible impact, Troi! Thank you for the time and effort you’re investing in LINK and your Scholar!
If you’re interested in becoming a LINK Mentor, visit linkunlimited.org/be-a-mentor/ or email Simon Jeffrey, Director, Mentor Recruitment & Engagement, at sjeffrey@linkunlimited.org.
