Former GRAWA President Kate Callery hosted a mentor/mentee gathering for the Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys on Wednesday, June 28. Quite appropriately, Kate is also a past recipient of GRAWA's Hanna S. Cohn Mentoring Award.

“I have seen Kate open her door – literally and figuratively – to anyone seeking help,” stated current GRAWA President Sara Ashcraft, who was among the mentors in attendance for food, wine, and socializing. “This is the third mentoring ‘event' since September and it provides an informal atmosphere for mentors and mentees to get better acquainted.”

Laurie Giordano and Jennifer Nuhfer were among the mentor/mentee pairs on hand that evening, and were talking about getting together for tennis, in addition to more traditional work-related contact.

“GRAWA's mentoring program has been a very positive experience for me,” state Laurie. “Jennifer and I have met for lunch, e-mailed, and spoken on the telephone. In addition, the relaxed atmosphere of the program has allowed for social relationships. In the near future, Jennifer and I are hoping to play tennis. I look forward to being beaten badly by her!”

At this busy time of year, there were only a few “pairs” of mentor-mentees on hand, but the relaxed atmosphere allowed everyone to chat casually—regardless of designated relationship. Early discussions may have focused on court cases and legal matters, but before long ideas were shared about vacation plans, family reunions, and college-age children.

“I would definitely encourage others to participate in the mentor/mentee program,” noted Shelly Fagan, an associate at Connors and Corcoran. “Having someone to talk to for advice and insight is very helpful -- especially when just starting out in the legal profession. I stay in contact with my mentor by e-mail, and sometimes by phone. In addition, being an active member of GRAWA provides a great opportunity to meet many attorneys and judges whom you may otherwise not get the chance to meet.”

ENJOYING THEMSELVES -- Monroe County Family Court Judge
Gail Donofrio joins Eileen Buholtz and Diane Cecero in a fun discussion.