How did you first hear about Urban Synergy, and what inspired you to get involved?
I actually found out about Urban Synergy through Leila, who’s a mutual friend. I knew she was doing amazing things in the community and wanted to be part of it somehow. Back then, it was still in the early stages, but I’ve always wanted to contribute to the community in some way, especially through volunteering.
I thought it would be great to mentor a young person, particularly because I never had a mentor myself growing up. Working in journalism, I often wished I’d had someone in the same industry to guide and support me. So when I heard about Urban Synergy, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to give back and share what I’d learned. I spoke to Leila, she invited me to a mentor training day, and everything started from there. That must have been about 16 years ago, before my son was born. So it’s definitely been a while!
Tell us a bit about your current role and career journey.
I’m currently the Content Editor for the Home section at Tom’s Guide, which is a tech lifestyle website covering all things home and garden. That includes “how to” features, interior design inspiration, product reviews, like the latest Dyson launches and home-related news stories.
Before that, I worked as a features journalist, writing lifestyle stories for women’s magazines, particularly Pride Magazine, which is actually where I was when I first started mentoring Maxine. Over time, my work evolved from entertainment and women’s issues into home and interiors, which has always been a passion of mine, so the transition felt really natural.
Before joining Tom’s Guide, I freelanced for about 10 years after having my son. That period was busy but rewarding, as I got to explore a wide range of feature writing across different publications.
When you started mentoring, what was your vision for the kind of mentor you wanted to be?
At the time, I was still new to mentoring, so my goal was really to see how I could offer guidance based on my own experiences, not just in journalism, but in life in general. I wanted to be the kind of mentor who could support someone in building confidence, developing communication skills, and navigating everyday challenges.
When I was younger, I struggled with confidence. That’s something I had to develop over time. So for me, it was important to be the kind of person I wish I’d had growing up, someone who could offer reassurance, motivation, and encouragement when it’s needed most.
What changes did you notice in Maxine during and after your mentoring journey together?
The transformation has been amazing to see! Maxine’s confidence has grown tenfold since I first met her. Of course, part of that comes with age and experience, but she’s truly flourished. She’s proactive, creative, and never afraid to take initiative.
When she was younger, she might not have had the confidence to put herself out there, but now she’s running workshops and sharing her own experiences online. I’ve watched her become someone who not only uses her voice but also inspires others to do the same. Her communication skills are incredible. I love watching her YouTube workshops. Seeing her give advice and mentor others now feels like everything has come full circle.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about becoming a mentor with Urban Synergy?
I would say absolutely do it. Mentoring isn’t just about giving back to a young person; it’s also incredibly rewarding for you as the mentor. I found that it gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I didn’t expect.
It’s easy to get caught up in your own career; working hard, achieving, and chasing success, but sharing what you’ve learned with someone else adds a whole new layer of meaning. Seeing your mentee grow, gain confidence, and reach their goals is such a powerful experience. It’s definitely a two-way journey, you both grow from it.