Mentorship program strengthens leadership pipeline and mission readiness

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support (Columbus) celebrated the graduation of its 2025-2026 Mentoring Program on April 17, recognizing 33 mentors and 33 mentees who completed an accelerated curriculum after a midyear pause. The ceremony, held at the Defense Supply Center Columbus Operations Center Auditorium, honored 14 Tier 1 and 19 Tier 2 mentees.

Navy Rear Adm. Julie M. Treanor, the organization’s commander, delivered keynote remarks underscoring mentorship’s role in career development. “The value of having someone invest in you, and the deep satisfaction that comes from investing in others is immeasurable,” she said. “It is one of the most important relationships you can build and that you can offer in your careers.”

A longtime participant in mentoring as both mentee and mentor, Treanor added, “I can personally attest to the profound and lasting impact these relationships have had on both my personal and professional growth.”

The program’s two-tier structure is designed to serve employees at different career stages. Tier 1 targets early-career professionals with training focused on core competencies, leadership fundamentals, professional presence and networking. Tier 2 supports mid-career employees seeking to sharpen leadership skills and manage complex challenges, with coursework on leading change, effective questioning and moving from conflict to collaboration. Both tiers include regular engagements, mentor shadowing, special projects, volunteer opportunities, leadership events and a capstone presentation.

This year’s cohort navigated a five-month program pause and completed what is typically a 12-month curriculum in six months. “That is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s a true testament to your dedication,” Treanor said.

Tier 1 mentee and management analyst Alyssa Martell described the experience as demanding but transformative, crediting her mentor’s steady support. “Whether I was working through something at work I didn’t fully understand yet, figuring out how I could have handled a misunderstanding better or trying to figure out my next career steps … she offered thoughtful feedback whenever I needed it,” Martell said. “She helped me prepare for the interview for my current position, which boosted my confidence tremendously. I truly can’t thank her enough.”

Martell said the lasting community formed among participants was a key takeaway. “It’s reassuring to know I now have a group of people I feel comfortable reaching out to for advice and support,” she said. “I’m walking away with greater confidence, stronger communication skills, and a much clearer sense of my professional goals.”

Treanor thanked mentors for their commitment and influence on the cohort’s progress. “You have not only helped [mentees] navigate the challenges and opportunities presented, but you have inspired them to reach higher, to dream bigger and to become the leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

She encouraged graduates to sustain their momentum and extend the cycle of mentorship. “As you move forward, I encourage you to stay curious and keep that fire for growth alive,” she urged. “I challenge each of you to pay it forward. Continue to seek out mentors for yourselves, and just as importantly, be that mentor to someone else.”

In closing remarks, Director of Operations Chrissy Schall highlighted the program’s network-building impact. “The projects, the capstones and the classes brought you to this point, but from this point forward, I ask you to take the lessons learned and take the community you’ve built among the mentees and mentors and move that forward,” Schall said.

“You will have hard questions … and having the right person to call is so important,” Schall told the graduates, adding a challenge to consider who they rely on—and who relies on them. “Think about who that is for you. But also, who calls you? Who are you the lifeline for … that trusted confidant? For a moment, take pride in that, but then get your advice ready because they’re coming to you for the good stuff.”

Program leaders said the mentoring initiative continues to feed DLA Weapons Support’s leadership pipeline and supports a long-term strategy of continuous improvement across the workforce.