IESNYC Mentorship Highlight with Jean Jacques
Randy Reid, editor of Edison Report and designing lighting (dl) interviewed Jean Jacques, Chair of the IESNYC Mentorship Program and Executive Vice President of SDA Lighting & Controls to discuss the pilot program. "Mentorship is about accessibility and creating connections," Jean explained. "It's not about shortcuts but rather fostering guidance and mutual respect. This program brings people together to share knowledge, tackle challenges, and grow on both sides of the relationship."
The IESNYC introduced the Guiding Lights Circle in 2024, a new mentorship initiative designed to enrich the careers of both seasoned and emerging professionals
"Jean shared a surprising aspect of the program: 'The level of commitment and excitement from the mentors has been incredible. These are busy professionals, yet they’ve volunteered their time wholeheartedly. It speaks volumes about the generosity and dedication within our industry.' ”
"As the inaugural cycle nears completion in March 2025," the article explains, "the committee is already considering improvements for future iterations. Extending the program's duration from six to eight months, incorporating mid-term learning modules, and expanding participation are among the ideas being explored. Jean emphasized the importance of participant feedback in shaping the program’s future. 'This first group has been instrumental in shaping the program,' he said. 'Their feedback will guide us as we refine and grow this initiative.' ”
"The IESNYC Mentorship Program has set a new standard for mentorship in the lighting industry. With its high reward and low cost, it serves as a blueprint for other IES sections to adopt. Jean expressed hope that similar programs could flourish in cities like Washington D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, further strengthening the industry nationwide," Reid shared.
