Women Need Each Other: Meagen Senn on Mentoring From Both Sides

"Reminding me that women need each other and to be able to trust each other. We can cheer each other on."

Meagen Senn is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she works as Director of Risk and Fraud and AML Officer for ProphetX, a predictive markets company. Meagen takes part in the Global Gaming Women mentorship program as both a mentor and a mentee, and her story reflects what the relationship looks like from each side of the table.

As a Mentor: Wanting Other Women to Have Someone in Their Corner

Meagen's reason for becoming a mentor comes from a specific gap she noticed in the industry. "I wanted to be there for other women in the gaming space who may not have someone they trust looking out for their best interest."

What keeps her motivated is watching her mentees succeed. "I like seeing my mentees win. One received a raise and a promotion while we were working together!"

That same theme shows up when she talks about the moments that have stayed with her. "Seeing my mentee win with her direct reports, coworkers, and boss. Hearing how things improved based on our conversations making her life easier was amazing."

Mentoring has also changed how Meagen thinks about her role among other women in her company. "Reminding me that women need each other and to be able to trust each other. We can cheer each other on. When I first started mentoring I was the only woman in my company. Now we have 5. Making sure to foster relationships with each of them and fostering their relationships with each other."

For anyone weighing whether to become a mentor, her advice is to. "Do it! Stretch yourself even if you don't think you are ready. You have something to give no matter your experience."

She sums up why mentorship matters in similarly plain terms. "Having someone who has been there where you are to lean on and glean from is career changing."

As a Mentee: Finding Support Through an Unexpected Diagnosis

Meagen also sought out a mentor for herself, choosing to take part on both sides of the program at once. "I decided to be a mentor and mentee to pay it forward and learn from someone. There was nothing to lose and it was worth it."

The relationship gave her something she did not expect to need at the time. "Confidence and support through a trying time for myself. She listened and offered her own experience."

That trying time turned out to be a health diagnosis that reshaped both her personal and professional life. "My mentor has supported me in both professional and personal growth. During our match, my life changed when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Turns out she is familiar with this disease as well and helped me through the emotional and professional aspect to make peace with the diagnosis. She supported me through my internal turmoil about my career with my new diagnosis. I will be forever grateful."

To anyone considering becoming a mentee, Meagen frames it as a chance worth taking. "There's always a woman who has come before and experienced what you have to a degree. If you don't meet them, they can't help guide you and you can't make a life changing relationship. Step out of your comfort zone and connect with women who will understand you."

When asked to describe what mentorship has meant to her in a word, she chooses "Supported."