The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) recently finished its second year of the Mentoring Program, a unique way to connect employees across the agency. The program pairs mentors and mentees to support career growth, share knowledge and build lasting professional relationships.

For me, it's been a chance to learn, open up, and find guidance. My name is Jonathan Silva, and I am a Public-Service Aide working under the SFPUC’s Infrastructure division for our Building Management Department. I joined the Mentorship Program to learn more about the SFPUC and to create a roadmap for my career. 

Building Relationships Through Mentorship

I was paired with Donovan Gomez from the Communications team in External Affairs. One of the most important lessons I learned from him was the value of networking and putting yourself out there. Hearing his career journey and those of other colleagues has made my goals feel much more achievable.

Donovan shared the impact this program has had on his life, both professionally and personally. “Being part of this program has been very meaningful for me in more ways than one,” Donovan said. “Not only was I able to get to work alongside Jonathan, but I was also able to get to know him on a more personal level. We formed a great friendship that might not have even happened without this program.” 

The Importance of Mentorship Programs

Beyond one-on-one meetings, the program also included online classes, which boosted my confidence and gave me tools to grow independently while still supported at the SFPUC. I appreciated the ability to ask questions, explore different roles in our organization, and network with like-minded peers. Seeing mentors excited to share their knowledge and meet with mentees made everything feel much more welcoming. 

Speaking with one of the program's founders, Michael Giorgis, helped me see the bigger picture. “Mentorship programs are crucial for fostering professional growth, knowledge sharing, and a supportive workplace culture. They provide mentees with guidance and development opportunities, while mentors gain fresh perspectives, enhanced leadership skills, and the satisfaction of helping others succeed,” Michael shared. “In line with this, I have facilitated informational interviews for my current mentees with staff specializing in their areas of professional interest and helped them access resources at the SF City Career Center.”

Accomplishing Goals, Together

For me, the biggest takeaway is that mentorship matters. This program shows the SFPUC is committed to helping staff grow and succeed. Setting goals and holding yourself accountable is easier when you have someone supporting you along the way.