Did you know that GMI is powered by a global community of volunteer mentors? They dedicate time, care and expertise to empower the next generation of leaders around the world. Behind each mentor is a story of drive, passion and purpose.
This National Volunteer Month, GMI is highlighting a few stories from our mentors about why they volunteer. We hope their stories inspire you to reflect on your own career journeys and consider becoming a mentor yourself.
Michelle Bozeman
Sr. Director, AI Business Solutions – U.S. Financial Services at Microsoft | 6x GMI mentor and Leadership Council Member
What was your first professional role and how did you get there?
My first professional role was as an IT consultant, focused on desktop solutions and server administration. That role taught me the importance of IT service management and relationship building, which ultimately led me to Microsoft where I now focus on helping enterprises unlock the value of technology through Agentic AI.
What prompted you to join GMI as a volunteer mentor?
I joined GMI because mentorship played a critical role in my own career journey. I wanted to give students access to the kind of guidance and perspective that helps them navigate early career decisions with more confidence
What prompted you to join the GMI Leadership Council?
Joining the Leadership Council gave me an opportunity to contribute beyond one-to-one mentorship and help scale GMI’s impact. I’m passionate about expanding access to career mentorship for students who may not otherwise have professional networks to rely on.
What’s one surprising lesson you learned about yourself during the GMI mentorship experience?
I learned how impactful simply listening can be. Sometimes the most valuable thing we can offer as mentors is space for students to talk through their goals and challenges out loud.
Are there any student stories that were particularly memorable or impactful for you?
One of the most memorable moments was working with a student who was unsure how their academic experience translated to a professional setting. Seeing their confidence grow as they recognized the value of their skills was incredibly rewarding.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a GMI mentor?
Mentorship is one of the most meaningful ways to invest in the future workforce. Even a few conversations can make a lasting difference in how a student sees themselves and their career possibilities.
What’s one career tip or piece of advice that you would share with a student as they enter the professional workforce?
Focus on building relationships as much as you focus on building skills. The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively will accelerate your growth in any role.
GMI’s global community is made up of people who care about building meaningful careers. What do you think makes for a meaningful career?
A meaningful career is one where your work aligns with your values and allows you to positively impact others. It is less about titles and more about growth, contribution, and purpose over time.
Sthephanie Assad Morales
Senior Human Resources Business Partner – Azure Core at Microsoft | 3x GMI mentor
What was your first professional role and how did you get there?
My first professional role was as an intern at an HR consulting firm in Brazil called LFG, where I supported leadership and Talent Assessments. I was fortunate to find the opportunity through conversations with friends and family who encouraged me and helped make introductions, opening the door for me to learn and grow early in my career.
What prompted you to join GMI as a volunteer mentor?
I joined GMI after one of my leaders, Justin Thenutai, shared their experience with the organization, which sparked my interest in learning more. I strongly believe that access and guidance can change lives, and having navigated my own international and professional journey, I wanted to help students see possibilities they may not yet see for themselves.
What’s one surprising lesson you learned about yourself during the GMI mentorship experience?
I learned that leadership is less about giving direction and more about creating access. This experience reinforced how much work remains to advance equity, and how deeply listening and opening doors at the right moment can be career defining.
Are there any student stories that were particularly memorable or impactful for you?
One of my students struggled with significant impostor syndrome and cultural challenges when coming to the U.S. Watching their confidence grow with each session, recognizing that their skills were highly marketable and that they already had what it takes to land a job, was incredibly rewarding.
What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a GMI mentor?
Do it. You don’t need all the answers, just honesty, time, and care. The impact goes both ways, and you’ll walk away learning even more than what you give.
What’s one career tip you’d share with a student entering the workforce?
Build relationships early and be bold about sharing what you want with your network. Stay curious, ask questions, don’t wait until you feel “ready” to step up and enjoy the journey. Growth happens in the stretch!
What makes for a meaningful career?
A meaningful career is one that makes you feel proud of yourself and confident that your time at work is truly worthwhile. Work takes up a significant part of our lives, so if it isn’t helping you move toward your life goals, it may be time to pause and rethink your path.
George Spanakis
Strategic Client Executive at Microsoft | 6x GMI mentor
What was your first professional role and how did you get there?
Back in late 1997, I worked for a company named NetVision where I started as an intern and worked my way up to Service Manager. That early opportunity gave me a foundation in both technology and leadership and ultimately helped shape the direction of my career.
What prompted you to join GMI as a volunteer mentor?
The opportunity to give back and support someone who is actively looking for guidance really resonated with me. I was fortunate early in my career to have a company take a chance on me, and that experience has stayed with me to this day. Mentoring through GMI allows me to pay that forward.
What’s one surprising lesson you learned about yourself during the GMI mentorship experience?
I’ve learned just how much I truly have to share. The mentees are eager to hear about real-world experiences, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how stories from my own journey can provide encouragement and perspective for someone else starting out.
Are there any student stories that were particularly memorable or impactful for you?
All of my mentees have shared memorable stories, but one that stands out is a student whose father was from one country while he was raised in another. His long-term goal is to one day work in his father’s home country, which was a powerful reminder of how personal experiences often shape professional aspirations.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a GMI mentor?
Do it — just do it! It’s an incredibly rewarding experience that will stay with you long after the mentorship ends.
What’s one career tip or piece of advice that you would share with a student as they enter the professional workforce?
Stay curious and continue to learn. There will be bumps in the road, but don’t give up, persistence and a growth mindset will help you reach your goals.
What do you think makes for a meaningful career?
I’ve been at Microsoft for over 24 years and have been approached about opportunities outside of the company along the way. I’ve stayed because I love this company and I genuinely enjoy what I do. The work can be difficult, stressful, and sometimes even chaotic, but that’s part of what makes it meaningful. Being able to work with State Government and contribute to initiatives that positively impact the State where I live is what makes my career truly rewarding.
Ready make meaningful impact as a GMI mentor? Sign up today: https://globalmentorship.org/be-a-mentor/
