Mentorship in action

During this past hurricane season, Patrianna Ebanks found herself working alongside Dart’s various teams to deliver clear and accurate messaging to the public, an important job with some high-pressure moments. 

“It deepened my appreciation for effective teamwork and underscored the role of thoughtful communication in ensuring smooth operations,” she said. 

Ebanks, a team member at Camana Bay’s Visitor Centre and a student at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI), is pursuing a degree in business administration with plans to specialise in management. She's found mentorship to be a bridge between academic studies and her professional growth. 

“As a full-time employee at Dart and a student pursuing my academic and professional development, I qualified for the Local Business Practicum for lifelong learning at UCCI,” Ebanks said. “This has been an excellent opportunity to bridge my education with practical, hands-on experience.”

Her practicum involved working with multiple departments and the variety of tasks — from data analysis to creative brainstorming — helped her sharpen decision-making skills and expand her understanding of organisational operations.

Lorena Morejon, Dart senior marketing coordinator, worked closely with Ebanks during her practicum. 

“Mentoring others is important because it fosters growth, both for the mentee and for our team as a whole,” Morejon said. “For the mentee, it’s a chance to gain invaluable practical experience and build confidence in their skills. For us as mentors, it’s a rewarding opportunity to share our knowledge and inspire fresh ideas for Camana Bay.”

For Ebanks, mentorship has been a cornerstone of her personal and professional journey. 

“Knowledge is one of the most valuable tools we have," Ebanks said. "Exploring different departments allows me to broaden my perspective, sharpen my decision-making skills and contribute meaningfully to the organisation." 

The aim of International Mentoring Day is to encourage a global understanding of the mentoring movement throughout the world and raise awareness for the global contributions of mentoring. Ebanks' story serves as a reminder of the power of mentorship to transform not only individual lives but also organisations and communities. 

This article was first published in the December 2024/January 2025 print edition of Camana Bay Times.