Marvel Team Members Share the Joys of Mentorship on International Women’s Day

What’s your origin story at Marvel?

As an animation writer, I worked for Marvel many times over my career. But in 2015, I was hired to write on “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy” and met Steve Wacker, who at the time was the VP of Current Animated Series. Not long after that, Steve took a huge leap of faith and offered me the opportunity to work for him as a Director of Current Series – a gesture for which I am eternally grateful. And when Steve eventually left the department to embark on a new creative role in the company, both he and Cort Lane, our SVP of Family Entertainment, took an even bigger chance and promoted me to take over for Steve as VP of the department. I owe them, as well as our President Dan Buckley, a lifetime of thanks.

Who was your mentor/mentee and what did you do for them or they do for you?

They’re not women (I don’t hold that against them), but both Steve Wacker and Cort Lane have generously taught and supported me throughout my tenure at Marvel. But when it comes to my mentees, it has been one of the great joys of my life to help guide the young women on my staff. I’ve tried to provide them with an example of what it means to be a strong, thoughtful woman with an independent voice in a very competitive industry. Although to be honest, as I’ve mentored them, they continue to teach and inspire me each and every day, helping me to grow as much as I hope they will.

Which character would you compare your mentor/mentee to and why?

My mentees are forces to be reckoned with, embodying the best and fiercest attributes of Marvel’s greatest female heroes. On any given day, they’re the lovechild of Black Widow, Ms. Marvel, Squirrel Girl, Gamora, Ironheart, Shuri, and Ghost-Spider.

What makes a great mentor?

You need to believe in the people you’re guiding – it’s not just about seeing them as employees, but as people. Knowing something about who they are as an individual is key because it impacts what they bring to the table professionally. You can’t try to change who they are, but help them adapt their own unique personality and skills to reach their potential in the job. And always be their advocate – protecting them when needed, pushing them out of their comfort zones, and allowing them the freedom to find their own solutions to a problem. Finally, build trust, be patient and listen – advice I remind myself to follow constantly.

Why is it important for women to have or be mentors?

Mentors are important for everyone, so I hesitate to say that it’s more important for one group over another. But when it comes to women, the playing field is far from equal. Life and work from a female perspective is simply different. There are universal truths we all must deal with, but the female experience… demands and challenges are unique. Women reaching out to other women benefits us all.