From Strangers to Sisters

When Joanna Share, Strategic Account Executive at Groupon, began mentoring Gaby she quickly realized that if their relationship would have any chance at flourishing she would have to take an intentional role in developing their bond.

Gaby admits she was very shy and nervous at the beginning of their relationship, and that it took nearly two months for her to open up. However, that did not stop Joanna from consistently engaging in their relationship. "I was intentional about pushing Gaby to open up, by asking questions that required her to give more than one-word answers," Joanna mentioned while reflecting on the early days of their relationship.

Now after three and a half years of mentoring, their relationship has taken off! Their relationship has beautiful reciprocity, reaching out to one another each week. Whether its dinner or a movie, both ladies love how their relationship has grown. From strangers to sisters.

"I am so proud of the confident young lady Gaby has grown into," said Joanna. Gaby will be graduating this spring and then heading to Northeastern Illinois University to study Special Education. "Even if I had the chance to choose a different mentor, I wouldn't because she’s such a caring, understanding, special person to me," Gaby emphasized.

Making an impact through mentoring doesn't happen overnight. Joanna and Gaby are great examples of what can happen when you consistently commit to building a life-changing relationship.