JFCS Navigate Director Valecia Quinn has only been with us for less than a year, but she’s already making an impact, showcasing our services for local entrepreneurs and meeting with community partners to strengthen our relationships. As she begins to pilot a new mentorship program at JFCS, we asked her about the secret to her success. The answer is her mentor and friend of over 25 years, Ed Graves.
Ed is currently the CEO of New Mexico Magazine and lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He and Valecia met when they both worked in the newspaper industry. Ed was a Circulation Director and Valecia engaged in a three-year circulation management program. As he became aware of Valecia’s career goal to be a director herself, Ed began to provide her with growth opportunities that grew her skills and opened doors for her professionally.
Since then, Ed has been a sounding board, counselor, gentle critic, friend and even mentee. “If you ask Ed, he will quickly say I’ve been his mentor as well,” Valecia said. “It’s a 2-way partnership! From the start of the mentoring partnership, coupled with a long-lasting friendship, we have both learned from each other, sharing the skills and knowledge that made us better as professionals and made us grow as people.”
The best advice Ed has given Valecia over the years is not to compromise your beliefs or the truth and to do what you know is right. In the end, you must live with yourself and feel confident about the decisions you make. That advice has guided Valecia through her career and continues to do so to this day. Ed, like most great mentors, spotted potential in Valecia for new adventures and endeavors, even if she initially second-guessed herself. This is true mentorship, and luckily for us, most recently led to Valecia joining JFCS Navigate after a successful career with the news publishing industry!
Everyone can benefit from mentorship and even multiple mentors – it’s all about your willingness to learn, share and grow. Each person has something to bring to the relationship. Sharing experiences and being sounding boards for one another can make you feel valued, make smart and educated career choices, and most of all, supported. As Valecia states, “My successes, as well as my stumbles, are a result of my dedication and drive to be my best and my mentor, Ed Graves, has been there the whole time. You’re missing out if you do not have a mentor!”
JFCS Navigate is piloting a new mentor program this year. If you are searching for a mentor or if you are a professional interested in mentoring in your industry, please contact JFCS at 502-452-6341 x120 or services@jfcslouisville.org.
JFCS echoes the statement below from the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies. If you or anyone you know need support in the aftermath of this traumatic experience, please reach out to JFCS Louisville at 502-452-6341 x120.
January 16, 2022
The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies joins in expressing deep gratitude for the heroic efforts of the FBI, and of all law enforcement partners, in bringing about a safe resolution to the hostage crisis at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. Once again, a synagogue, a place of peaceful worship, was the scene of a hate filled anti-Semitic act, leaving the members of this congregation to fear for the safety of their Rabbi and of fellow congregants. The Network stands with its member agency, Jewish Family Service, Dallas, as it begins to support the community to manage the impact of the lasting trauma that inevitably follows such a horrific episode. We encourage anyone in need of support to contact their local Jewish human service agency, and for those in the Dallas region to contact JFS Dallas at 972-437-9950. Recognizing that the actions of one individual do not reflect the values of an entire community, the Network is hopeful that this tragedy will bring us all an even greater resolve to advance efforts that support meaningful partnerships between different communities. May the hostages and their families, the members of Congregation Beth Israel, and the community of Colleyville find comfort and peace in the days ahead, and may each of us find a way to honor the heroism of those who worked to bring a peaceful resolution to this crisis, by engaging in acts of unity and working toward a global society that has no tolerance for antisemitism and other forms of hate.
Judy Halper, Board Chair
Reuben D. Rotman, President & CEO
Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies
Before JFCS Navigate client Landry Dunn ever considered a career in the insurance industry, his would-be mentors were already encouraging him to try it out. Even with his father Larry, uncle Rodney and cousin Tarik established in the insurance field, Landry tried other avenues and business ventures on his own. Looking back, he realized his obstacles were in part driven by a need to do it alone and not seek help. When Landry began to reach out to his family about insurance, everything changed for the better.
Landry’s cousin Tarik had been encouraging him to look at the insurance industry well before Landy ever considered it a realistic possibility. But when he was ready, Tarik was there, providing him with all the initial information he needed to get started. Landry also relied on his father and uncle for advice as he began to build his business. Landry told us, “Having someone who has already accomplished the goals I am working towards, who has a blueprint for success – is priceless.”
Working with mentors has been crucial to Landry’s success in his new venture, The Landry Dunn Agency.
While Landry is lucky that his mentors are also members of his family, he believes it’s important to have a mentor who knows you well and understands what it takes to be the best version of yourself in all facets of life. His mentors have counseled him through the process and given support, even visiting him in Louisville as his business officially opened. Even as he struggled, it was comforting to vent to his mentors – family who knew him and insurance professionals who understood the specific issues.
The best advice Landry’s mentors gave him? “Embrace the mess. The mess is where you learn and cleaning up the mess is how you improve. The goal is to not make the same mess twice.” Most people don’t like to make mistakes and focus on being perfect, but we all know that’s just not how life goes. Embracing the imperfections leads to greater accomplishments down the road.
Mentorship made Landry’s dreams possible. It’s true that Landry did a lot of work on his own and should be commended for that; but as Landry explains it, nothing ever truly happens on your own:
“Good athletes become great athletes when they find the right coach, good students become great students when they find a teacher that motivates them, and good businessmen become great by listening to their mentor. That voice in your head telling you, you don’t need any help, that is your ego. Listening to your ego will leave you broke. A real voice, pushing you, motivating you, teaching you how to learn from their mistakes, that’s a mentor. Listening to a mentor will put you in position to win as long as you put in the work.”
Landry was referred to JFCS Navigate looking for some assistance to continue supporting his small business. We worked with Landry to evaluate his business plan and last month, Landry received a microloan from JFCS Navigate. With some extra capital and the tools needed to grow his business, along with the continued encouragement of JFCS Navigate and his mentors, we see great things happening for this entrepreneur.
Landry Dunn provides home, auto, life and commercial insurance through The Landry Dunn Agency.
Since August, Greater Louisville has welcomed over 180 individuals from Afghanistan. These individuals and families are known as parolees, meaning they were given entrance to the United States on a temporary basis because of humanitarian reasons. We know most fled a dangerous situation in their country and left with little to no belongings. JFCS has coordinated efforts with other local organizations to ensure these families are supported, both in the short- and long-term.
Two families of students in our Pledge 13 Program assembled 50 bags of personal care items and cleaning supplies to support the Afghan parolees. Students from Louisville Beit Sefer Yachad Hebrew School made welcome cards to include in the bags, and we included contact information to access our services. The bags were delivered to Kentucky Refugee Ministries, where they will be distributed to families as they settle into housing.
The resettlement agencies have been referring new Afghan parolees to JFCS to help access our food pantry and receive case management. We are connecting these families with resources for housing, legal assistance and other supportive services. When individuals are ready to find work, JFCS will be there to support those efforts for people wishing to return to their previous profession or find a new career in the U.S.
Every day we work to expand possibilities for refugee and immigrant families. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact services@jfcslouisville.org.