I’m Lauren Jones McKown, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX at the University of Kansas (KU). It’s a role I’m deeply passionate about, but it can also be incredibly daunting. I was on the fence when I first considered becoming a mentor for ATIXA’s Mentor Match program. Today, I’m here to tell you why it was one of my best decisions — and why you probably have more to offer than you think.
The Journey to Mentorship
I began my career in Title IX in 2016, and in 2022, I made a significant leap from smaller institutions to the complexities of KU. Imposter syndrome hit me hard. I questioned my qualifications and whether I had anything valuable to contribute.
Then, during ATIXA’s DEIB Community of Practice (CoP) meeting, Jessica Harris, M.A., ATIXA’s Senior Program Coordinator for Membership & Programs, suggested that we all consider mentoring. Her encouragement, combined with my desire to give back to a community that had given me so much, convinced me to take the plunge.
The Impact of Mentoring
My first mentee brought a fresh perspective that reinvigorated my passion for Title IX work. Her background in the public sector and her experiences transitioning into a compliance role opened my eyes to new challenges and solutions. Our conversations were dynamic and thought-provoking, often running over time because we had so much to discuss.
Engaging with my mentee forced me to revisit aspects of my job that I hadn’t considered. It was like dusting off old skills and rediscovering their value. Our mentorship cycle was mutually beneficial, giving me a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in my abilities.
The Power of Connection
One of Title IX work’s most isolating aspects is the feeling that you’re navigating these waters alone. I’ve been in a one-person office, and isolation can be overwhelming. At KU, I’m fortunate to have a robust team and the support of the Big XII Title IX Coordinators Group, as well as other colleagues. However, not everyone has this kind of network.
Mentoring through ATIXA provides that much-needed connection. For those who don’t have state-required organizations or big conferences to lean on, ATIXA offers a community where you can share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and find solace in knowing you’re not alone.
Bridging the Gap
The DEIB CoP has offered a space to connect with other Title IX Coordinators facing similar issues and discuss how to overcome them. This was incredibly comforting when I started at KU and felt out of my depth. It’s essential to have these touchpoints, whether through formal groups or informal mentorships, to bridge the gap in our often-solitary work.
Words of Wisdom
If you’re considering becoming a mentor but are plagued by self-doubt, my advice is simple: Don’t underestimate yourself. You have more to offer than you think. The experience of mentoring not only benefits your mentee but also enriches your own professional and personal growth. You might find, as I did, that you’re more capable than you’ve given yourself credit for.
I look forward to continuing my mentorship role with ATIXA and hope to inspire others to take that leap. The time commitment is manageable, and the rewards are immeasurable. Together, we can foster a stronger, more connected Title IX community.
I encourage you to explore the opportunities that mentoring can bring. You never know whose life you might touch—or how much your own might change.
At ATIXA, we know our members make great mentors. We encourage interested individuals to apply as mentors or mentees in the next cycle starting August 2024. To learn more about the Mentor Match program, visit www.atixa.org/mentor-match.