09/05/2026
There is something special about the first Mentor Day of a new Central Illinois CEO year. It really does feel a little like the first day of school — new faces, new personalities, a few nerves, lots of questions, and the excitement of wondering what this group will accomplish together.
This year, I had the opportunity to meet 13 new juniors and seniors from our local high schools who have made the choice to invest their time in learning, growing, challenging themselves, and discovering what entrepreneurship and leadership can look like in the real world.
And somehow, I’m lucky enough to keep getting invited to the table.
This marks my fifth year as a mentor, and I can honestly say the joy of it hasn’t worn off. Every class is different. Every student brings a different story, personality, dream, strength, and perspective. As mentors, we may walk in thinking we’re there to teach, encourage, and share a little wisdom from the road we’ve traveled — but the truth is, we learn right alongside them.
Today was simply the first chapter.
The first conversations.
The first introductions.
The first laughs.
The beginning of learning who these young adults are — and watching them begin to discover who they are becoming.
There will be plenty of business lessons ahead, but there will also be lessons about confidence, communication, relationships, mistakes, resilience, leadership, and believing in yourself.
I’m grateful to be a small part of their journey and even more grateful that programs like Central Illinois CEO give our young people a seat at the table before they ever leave high school.
Mentor Day #1 is officially in the books.
Thirteen new students. A whole lot of potential. And one five-year veteran mentor who is already looking forward to the next one. 🧡
Can’t wait for the next Mentor Day!
