Building People Who Lead: National Mentoring Month at Rodgers
January is National Mentoring Month, and at Rodgers it is one of our favorite times to pause and reflect on the people who help shape careers, build confidence, and open doors. Mentorship shows up in so many ways. It might be a superintendent teaching an emerging engineer on the jobsite, a project manager taking time to answer questions, or a teammate who simply checks in and offers encouragement when it is needed most.
That same spirit of mentorship also reaches far beyond our offices and jobsites. Through partnerships with the ACE Mentor Program, ROC Charlotte, and the Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center, Rodgers team members are helping introduce youth and job seekers to careers in construction. From mentoring high school students who are exploring design and construction through ACE, to supporting ROC Charlotte’s direct to work pathway for students earning industry certifications, to volunteering with Goodwill’s training programs that prepare individuals for skilled trade careers, our people are proud to help open doors and build real opportunities in the communities we serve.
Here is what mentorship looks like to a few of our teammates.
Virginia Sutton, VDC Director, Building with Rodgers for 12 years
“I have been fortunate to have many mentors in my career, and I have learned that mentorship is everywhere if you are open to it. My early mentors included my draftsman and my female civil engineering boss, and I still seek their advice today. At Rodgers, mentors like Pat and Eric have been invaluable as sounding boards, and I have learned a great deal from colleagues at every level. All of it has made me more effective in my role.”
Victor Pinott, Systems Manager, Building with Rodgers for 18 years
“Mentorship has been a significant part of my career. I have mentored many IT coworkers and interns, many of whom have gone on to work at other technology companies. I have also been fortunate to have great mentors at Rodgers and in previous roles. In the ever-evolving field of technology, having strong contacts and mentors is essential to help guide decisions and solve challenges along the way.”
Katie Fortson, Project Manager, Building with Rodgers for 10 years
“For a long time, I thought mentorship was something formal and rigid. But I have realized how many mentors I have had throughout my career, whether they knew it or not. People at Rodgers have encouraged me to grow and push myself, especially the superintendents who have shared their knowledge with me. Now I get to mentor others starting their careers, and I have learned just as much from them. It has made me a better communicator and leader, and it is incredibly rewarding to see others succeed.”
Sam Anderson, Assistant Project Manager, Building with Rodgers for 6 years
“I have been fortunate to have mentors who guided me early in my career and taught me the importance of asking questions, staying calm under pressure, and being dependable. Now I enjoy mentoring others, whether that is helping teams adopt new tools or simply being someone they can rely on for guidance.”
Mentorship is not just something we talk about. It is something we live out every day through our work in the field, in the office, and in the community. By sharing knowledge, encouraging curiosity, and investing in one another, we help ensure that no one grows alone at Rodgers.
As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, take a moment to think about the people who have helped you grow and the ways you are helping others do the same. You may not always see the impact, but your guidance and encouragement can shape someone’s future in ways that last a lifetime.
