Abstract
Purpose. This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the effect of mentoring in the degree attainment and career paths of first generation Mexican American women who are employed in senior administrative leadership roles at Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs). Methodology. This exploratory study employed a phenomenological research methodology to identify the lived experiences of the participants. Using snowball sampling, the researcher interviewed 10 women of Mexican American descent who were the first generation in their families to attend college. The women were senior administrators in Hispanic-serving institutions and held master's or doctoral degrees. Participants provided rich, in-depth responses regarding their mentoring experiences. Findings. Mentoring helps students and professionals overcome various barriers. Mentors can help prepare mentees for challenging situations and build their self-confidence. While formal mentoring was experienced by 50% of the participants, informal mentoring was experienced by all mentees and was the mentoring method most valued by all participants. Additionally, attending an HSI did not necessarily relate to the mentoring the participants received, but it did give them deep knowledge and provide them with lessons to pass on to others. Because of the personal effect mentoring had on 100% of the participants, they made robust or intentional efforts to mentor others. Conclusions. Supervisors mentored 90% of the senior administrators, followed equally by colleagues/friends, dissertation chair/committee members, and teachers/faculty. Mentors can cross over between academic and career paths. Mentoring has a positive effect on the degree attainment and career paths of first generation Mexican American women employed in senior administrative leadership roles at HSIs. Recommendations. It is important for young Latinas to dream, to find mentors who can help them succeed, and to give back to their communities. Mentors should help mentees grow their network and connect to resources. HSIs should focus on hiring and promoting qualified Latina/o faculty and administrators, creating holistic mentoring approaches, and producing outreach efforts for Latino families and communities to inform them about educational access.