Reflections as a Mentee in the Lochner Mentorship Program

Participating in a mentorship program can be a transformative and rewarding experience, offering valuable insight and opportunities for growth. When I learned Lochner was launching its first formal mentorship program, I was immediately intrigued. After eight months and an incredible wrap-up event in Austin, I can confidently say the experience exceeded all expectations.

Inspired by the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International Mentorship Program, Lochner’s program, led by Shwetha Pandurangi and Harper Minor, followed a structured eight-month timeline that included one-on-one mentor pairings, group learning opportunities, and facilitated discussions designed to support personal and professional development across all levels of the company.

As a fully remote employee based in southern Utah, I joined the program seeking a broader perspective that extended beyond my day-to-day responsibilities and immediate team. I had the option to participate as either a mentor or a mentee, and I chose to be a mentee, recognizing the opportunity to learn from someone with a different background and professional lens.

I was fortunate to be paired with Danni Jorgenson, a transportation planner and engineer from Tampa, Florida. From the beginning, our conversations were open, honest, and grounded in mutual respect. Danni quickly became a trusted confidant, offering thoughtful guidance and professional insights. Her mentoring was genuine and unbiased—focused entirely on helping me grow, reflect, and view challenges from a new perspective. Our sessions became a space for me to discuss both personal and work-related topics, share ideas and challenges, and build confidence with someone who truly listened.

A highlight of the program was the Mentorship Celebration Event, held in Austin, Texas. We kicked off with a dynamic workshop, Elevating Your Influence, led by Stacy Armijo, Chief Experience Officer at Amplify Credit Union. Her session provided practical tools and thoughtful strategies for leading with authenticity and presence, skills that resonated with everyone in the room.

Following the workshop, we transitioned into a standout panel discussion moderated by Lochner’s Water Practice Lead Karen Friese. The panel featured three highly respected leaders in the infrastructure and water sectors including L’Oreal Stepney, Chairwoman of Texas Water Development Board, Robert Daigh, Sr. Director of Infrastructure for Williamson County, Texas, and Shay Ralls Roalson, Director of Austin Water. Each panelist shared their personal journey of leadership, growth, and the shift from technical expert to strategic leader. Their insights were candid and inspiring, while reinforcing the importance of staying true to your values, embracing change, and recognizing that learning is a lifelong process.

The celebration event closed with a speed networking session. The quick, topic-driven conversations were energizing and thought-provoking, sparking meaningful dialogue around career goals, challenges, and future possibilities.

Throughout the entire eight-month journey, Shwetha and Harper served as the program’s dedicated facilitators. Their thoughtful planning, consistent communication, and personal investment in the mentorship experience were evident in every detail. Their leadership truly set the tone for the supportive and inclusive environment we all benefited from.

As I reflect on my experience, I’m incredibly grateful for the relationships built, the perspective gained, and the space to grow outside of my role. The Lochner Mentorship Program has had a lasting impact both personally and professionally. It’s a reminder of the value of community, curiosity, and connection within our organization. The program offered a rare opportunity to grow through honest conversations, fresh perspectives, and purposeful relationships that will extend far into the future.