When I first found out I was selected for the Executive Mentorship Program I was ecstatic, but if I’m being honest, I was also unsure of what to expect. Everyone kept telling me it was a fantastic opportunity, something that would give me real-world career experience, something that would help me shape my future. But I didn’t realize just how much it would impact me until I stepped into my placement.
A Placement that Gave me Purpose
My current placement with Connecting Windsor-Essex has been nothing short of extraordinary. I’m surrounded by mentors and coworkers who not only support me professionally but also personally. They listen to my ideas, guide me through projects, and even have become my daily Wordle partners.
The work culture here has taught me just how valuable a positive and healthy environment is. I have learned how to communicate effectively, take initiative, manage project deadlines, and build meaningful connections with different people. This hasn’t been just a placement to me, it’s been a starting point for my professional growth.
As a part of my placement, I had the chance to talk with Joanne Soave, CEO of Connecting Windsor-Essex, to talk about why they joined the program and what stood out about bringing me onboard.
“I first heard about the United Way Employment Mentorship Program through my role on the Executive Leadership Council a few months back, and right away, I knew we wanted to be part of it. When we met Ashley, it was clear she’d be a great fit for our team — she came in with a real eagerness to learn, fresh ideas, and a clear sense of the skills she wanted to develop, especially in marketing and content creation. We loved this!
What makes this kind of experience so special is that it’s not just about giving a student a placement, it’s about everyone on our team playing a part in mentoring, guiding, and supporting the next generation workforce. It’s truly one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity.”
Ashley Dunn interviews Rebecca Rafca Saad (Education Program Manager, Multicultural Council) during the Ignite Academy Summer Camp
United Way / Centraide Windsor-Essex County: A Monumental Part of my Journey
My journey with United Way / Centraide Windsor-Essex County started unexpectedly in the summer going into Grade 9. My grade 8 teacher encouraged my grandma to sign me up for one of their youth programs, and at the time, I didn’t fully understand what it was or why I was in it.
Looking back now, I realize that moment changed the trajectory of my entire life.
United Way / Centraide Windsor-Essex County became more than just a support system; they became a lifeline for me. They provided me with guidance, resources, and community I didn’t even know I needed.
Through every phase I’ve been through, they’ve been there, helping me grow into someone I never thought I could be.
As Kaila DiCecco, Post Secondary Transition and Alumni Team lead, explained:
“The Executive Mentorship Program (EMP) is an extension of the On Track on Campus program which is an extension of [our high school program,] On Track to Success. It’s a very long way of saying United Way!”
From left to right: Ashley Dunn poses in front of a CWE banner on her first day; Ashley speaks to Natalie Hatch (Manager of Support Services, Essex County Library) at the Leamington Library; Ashley hands out TELUS Wise critters (llamas) during the Ignite Academy Summer Camp
EMP, launched in 2022, was created specifically to support students like me – On Track to Success graduates now navigating college or university. Kaila shared some of the key objectives of the program:
“The Executive Mentorship program addresses systemic barriers to employment for youth from low-income households. Since its launch, EMP has placed 25 students with over 22 unique organizations across Windsor-Essex and Leamington. Students come from a wide variety of programs and majors such as healthcare, law, engineering, social work, forensics, linguistics, education, skilled trades, and business to name a few.”
One of the program’s most impactful components is the 30 hours of paid pre-mentorship training. The training made a lasting difference in how I approached the program and even my future.
“What sets EMP apart is,” Kaila, added, “is that it prepares students before they even begin. We cover things like professional conduct, workplace communication, interviewing skills, self-advocacy, and how to navigate feedback. There are so many unspoken rules when you enter the professional world, and we wanted to create space for young people to discuss and prepare for those ‘why didn’t anyone tell me this?’ moments ahead of time.”
That’s exactly what EMP has done for me, it lifted the pressure and helped me walk into a professional space with confidence.
Aislyn Laurent (ICT Research Analyst, CWE), Ashley Dunn and Bryson Doherty (Intern, CWE) post in front of the Windsor sign during the City of Windsor’s 133 Birthday party
Where I’d be Without Them
Without United Way / Centraide Windsor-Essex County, I wouldn’t have had the resources to graduate high school, let alone be on the verge of graduating post-secondary. Their support has touched nearly every part of my life in the most personal and practical ways.
When my family was struggling, they helped provide groceries to keep food on our table. When my family couldn’t get me home from school or to appointments or after school activities, they arranged free rides so I could get everywhere safely. They called me, sometimes out of the blue, just to check in when life felt overwhelming, reminding me I wasn’t alone. They helped my family with free uniforms for the school I attended so we wouldn’t have to stress about back-to-school expenses. When I was accepted into college, they provided me with a laptop, something I couldn’t have afforded otherwise.
They ran workshops at the start of the semester that helped ease the stress of transitioning into post-secondary life. Even before that, throughout high school, they connected me with countless volunteer opportunities to help me earn my 40 community service hours. And whenever they could, they made sure we had access to donated toys, books, and clothes.
United Way / Centraide Windsor-Essex County has helped me not just survive but has given me the chance to truly live. They helped turn my obstacles into steppingstones and gave me the confidence and resources I needed to keep moving forward. Because of them, I feel prepared for the future. I feel empowered, and more ready than ever.
CWE visits CenterLine to hear about how their teams collaborate: From left to right: Eric Bondy (Network Developer, CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd.), Daniel Di Donato (Network Developer, CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd.), Joanne Soave (CEO, CWE), Ashley Dunn, Bryson Doherty (Intern, CWE), Laura McCabe (Senior Project Manager, CWE) and Judy Abbott (HR Systems Administrator, CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd.).
Now it’s my Turn to Give Back
After everything United Way / Centraide Windsor-Essex County has done for me, giving back isn’t just something I want to do, it’s something I feel called to do.
Over the past year, I’ve organized multiple fundraisers with friends to help support their initiatives. I chose United Way / Centraide Windsor-Essex County as my primary advocacy platform during my reign as Miss Windsor, using my voice to raise awareness and funds for an organization that has given so much to me. I also have a few more projects and fundraisers in the works, including community events and outreach efforts, all designed to pay forward the kindness, knowledge, and opportunity I received.
Full-Circle Moment
From a confused high school student to a soon-to-be college graduate, I owe so much of who I am today to the Executive Mentorship Program and United Way / Centraide Windsor-Essex County. They didn’t just help me find a career path; they helped me find my purpose. Now, every time I step into my placement, raise funds, or advocate for United Way / Centraide Windsor-Essex County I’m reminded that success isn’t just about what you achieve – it’s about who helped you get there and how you lift others up in return.
Meaningful, stress free change starts with engaging your team in collaborative communication. Find out how CWE can facilitate the those conversations by learning more about membership today.
