During this month’s International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Crawford is celebrating with a several events and activities: We announced the winners of the Virginia Crawford Awards and hosted a women-led panel discussion. A common theme that has emerged throughout is that women flourish with the support and encouragement of other women. One of the best ways to achieve this is through mentorship. We asked a mentor/mentee dynamic duo to tell us more about their relationship and how it has made a difference in both of their careers.
Meet Tenesha Frazier-Levett, VP, Client Solutions, U.S, Loss Adjusting & Platforms and Leslie Focsa, global process engineer, Global Transformation Office. The magic began in 2023 when Leslie asked Tenesha to have a casual conversation about her career path, and a new friendship was forged. We asked them to tell us more about their relationship. Here’s what they told us:
How did you establish your mentor/mentee relationship?
Leslie: “In March 2023, I was at a career crossroads and wanted to learn more about different roles at Crawford. I reached out to Tenesha and asked if we could have a general career discussion, so I could learn about what she does and her area. I already knew Tenesha well from ZEAL. Tenesha enthusiastically agreed, and it led to us having monthly mentoring meetings.”
What are the benefits the mentor/mentee relationship?
Leslie: “Tenesha has been a significant source of guidance and support. I have been promoted and moved to a new team since our meetings began, and she provided valuable advice to help me navigate this change. Last summer, she also met with the interns I was managing and had a mentoring discussion with them. It has been beneficial to have someone to assist me in learning and growing.”
Tenesha: “Mentor/Mentee relationships foster connection, collaboration, and commitment to others. I quickly recognized Leslie’s willingness and desire to help others through her volunteerism at Crawford. We connected well and organically established a mutual mentor/mentee relationship. Through our discussions, we explore ways to support her professional development plus short-term and long-term career mapping. An added benefit is learning attributes about each other that go beyond work and lean more toward purpose and life aspirations.
What valuable lessons have you learned from your mentor/mentee?
Leslie: “Tenesha has helped me hone my networking and negotiation skills and has inspired me to advocate for myself more. She has introduced me to others within and outside of Crawford, aiding in the expansion of my professional network. More than anything, I’ve learned to me more confident from Tenesha. She is so uplifting and has faith in me, and it helps me believe in myself more.”
Tenesha: “I’ve shared with Leslie that I benefit significantly from our mentor/mentee relationship. When we’re discussing an opportunity or an important decision she faces, the questions and conversations which guide her often provide me with a renewed perspective and support my own development.”
What advice can you give to someone looking for a mentor?
Leslie: “Don’t be afraid to ask! Don’t wait for someone to reach out and offer to mentor you. Find someone who you admire and ask!”
Tenesha: “Once you establish a connection and relationship, come prepared to receive and execute. Make the most of the relationship by listening and applying guidance. For mentors, stay open to learning from your mentee.”
When you join the Crawford team, you become part of our family of 10,000 employees worldwide. Your future mentor is waiting to meet you! Our work restoring lives, businesses and communities is our purpose and means fulfilling careers helping people recover from losses. Check out our careers page to discover opportunities.
