HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. — The Contracting Directorate held a mentor event this week to connect early-career personnel with senior leaders and strengthen professional development, networking and mission readiness across the organization.
Anna Morris, director of Contracting at Hanscom AFB, highlighted how mentorship plays an important role in helping personnel navigate career growth, workplace challenges and long-term development.
“Mentorship can accelerate learning in a way no formal system can,” said Morris. “Shared insight provides a clearer path forward and the confidence to take it. Mentorship shows up in career decisions, approach to challenges, relationships and growth.”
The event brought together personnel with fewer than three years of experience and experienced mentors from across the organization, including OSF leaders, division chiefs, branch chiefs, colonels and senior enlisted leaders.
The “mentor mixer” began with a networking lunch, providing attendees an opportunity to engage directly with leaders in a relaxed setting and discuss career paths, workplace experiences and contracting-related topics.
Participants later took part in tailored 40-minute mentoring sessions, where mentees were matched with mentors based on shared interests and career goals. The focused discussions allowed attendees to seek guidance on professional growth, leadership development and workplace challenges.
Peter Lynch, one of the event organizers, said the mixer supports efforts to develop a stronger and more connected workforce.
“Providing opportunities for early-career personnel to learn from experienced leaders helps strengthen both the individual and the mission,” he said. “Events like this encourage collaboration, build confidence and help develop the next generation of contracting professionals.”
The event concluded with an informal gathering off base, where attendees continued conversations and expanded professional relationships outside of the structured mentoring sessions.
Organizers said the first-time event reflects the directorate’s continued focus on building a resilient workforce through mentorship, collaboration and professional development opportunities.
AJ Bazdanes, who manages workforce development for the Hanscom AFB-connected contracting workforce, said the event gave participants an opportunity to “move quickly and stay ahead of the pace of change.”