Mentee Spotlight: Chi Isiogu
Take a minute to get to know WLI mentee, Chi Isiogu, by reading the Q&A below!
Please share a few of your favorite things you have learned in the class sessions.
I learn through making connections with others. WLI taught me that personal relationships are even more precious than networking. And that building relationships with the women in my cohort and my mentor gave me access to an overwhelming amount of wisdom and support during my never-ending journey to be my most authentic personal and professional self.
How have you stayed involved with WLI since your year ended?
I have clicked like on several posts in our private FB group…Kidding! I have had lunch, coffee, and zooms with people I met through WLI. I was honored to speak to the new mentors about my experience as a mentee. I hope to attend some of our monthly brunches. And of course, I will remain a proud member of Rabbi Kanter’s minion army and work toward bringing as much love, joy, and kavod to my WLI family.
What is your occupation and have you been able to apply what you learned in WLI to your job?
I am the Director of Adult Programming at the Valley of the Sun JCC. I’ve relied on my WLI network for advice, feedback, and encouragement. I apply what I learned about the power of relationships to all of my interactions with JCC members, my colleagues, and community partners. I am also bringing an emphasis on collaboration that I learned from WLI to as many programs as possible.
Please tell us more about yourself, your family and/or your involvement in the Jewish community.
I am married to and still nauseatingly in love with my high school sweetheart, Matthew. Together we are raising a fiercely independent, awe-inspiring little girl, Ekwi. I feel deeply entrenched in the Jewish community as I work for the JCC, a Jewish organization, my daughter attends Chanen Early Childhood Center, a Jewish preschool, and I attend services and Jewish holiday celebrations, and Jewish networking events as often as I am able. I love the Jewish community deeply and am grateful for the love I receive in exchange.
In your spare time, what are some hobbies or activities you like to do? (and/or share some fun facts about yourself)
Can a cherished nap while my toddler naps be considered a hobby???? I am an artist and in a former life. B.E. (Before Ekwi) I created custom stained glass windows and glass mosaics for homes, gardens, and offices. Some fun facts are:
- My daughter is an only child but has a sister who was adopted by another family minutes before we adopted Ekwi and they are a big part of each other’s lives.
- I am a proud 1st generation Nigerian American.
- I feel energized and spiritually fulfilled by attending shivas and providing love and care for mourners and those going through a difficult time.
- My first job was as a cow milker on a dairy farm
- I’m obsessed with indoor and beach volleyball and pray that it will become more popular in the United States so that I can have people to watch it with.