In a world where 70% of jobs are found through someone you know, “social capital” is more than just a buzzword—it’s a gateway to the future. But for many first-generation students in under-resourced communities, those networks are often out of reach.
In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, Grayson Harris sits down with Heather Wathington, CEO of iMentor, to discuss their ambitious new campaign: Open Doors, Ignite Possibility.
Heather shares how iMentor is working to mobilize a movement of mentors, corporate partners, and communities to open 1 million doors for students by 2035. From the profound impact of social capital to the simple power of a listening ear, this conversation is a masterclass in how relationship-driven support can improve the human condition.
Show Notes: Key Takeaways
- Social Capital is the Great Equalizer: Success isn’t just about what you know, but who you know . iMentor focuses on building “social capital” for students, helping them access the networks and professional knowledge required to navigate convoluted career pathways.
- The “Everyday Mentor” is the Best Mentor: One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need to be a corporate mogul or a community leader to mentor. Heather emphasizes that students simply need an advocate—someone willing to listen, offer patience, and believe in their limitless potential.
- Long-Term Relationships Yield the Highest ROI: iMentor prioritizes sustained, years-long relationships over transactional interactions. Trust and confidence are built over time, providing a stable foundation for students as they transition from high school to post-secondary life.
- Mentorship as a Lifelong Practice: The goal isn’t just a one-time connection . iMentor aims to instill a culture of mentorship where students learn to seek out mentors at every stage of their career and eventually “pay it forward” to the next generation.
The Q&A: A Conversation with Heather Wathington
Grayson Harris: You recently launched the “Open Doors, Ignite Possibility” campaign. Tell us about the vision behind that.
Heather Wathington: We are mobilizing mentors, corporate partners, and communities to strengthen mentorship networks. Our goal is to ensure as many students as possible have the guidance and confidence needed to pursue their ambitions. Specifically, we are calling for one million “doors” to be opened by 2035. An “open door” is a pledge to become a mentor, make a donation, or activate your network in support of first-generation students. It’s about igniting possibility.
Grayson Harris: What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about what it means to be a mentor?
Heather Wathington: We see them all the time. People often think they need to be a community leader or a corporate mogul to be a champion for a student. There is just no need for those things. Rather, a mentor is simply a person who wants to advocate for and support a young person in the next generation. We encourage mentors to “come as they are”. If you care about a young person, you have advice and encouragement to impart. We also provide staff support and training to give mentors the skills and confidence they need to connect.
Grayson Harris: You mentioned the importance of “social capital.” How do you describe that in the context of the students you serve?
Heather Wathington: About 70% of jobs are found through someone you know. That connection often provides the necessary relationship for someone to access work. We realize it’s vital for young people to get to know others who can connect them to opportunities. We often say it’s not just what you know, but who you know. While becoming skilled in your chosen path is essential, the way you’re going to get where you’re trying to go is often through people. That infrastructure and network are invaluable as you grow in your career.
Grayson Harris: iMentor focuses on long-term relationships. Why is that sustained commitment so critical to the model?
Heather Wathington: I really love the long-term nature of our relationships. In the beginning, it can feel hard because you’re just getting to know a person without a “dossier” of who they are. But that effort really pays off two or three years later because you’ve truly come to know each other. You’ve built trust and confidence all along the way. That sustained relationship is critical to building a strong pair relationship that can truly support a student through their trajectory.
Grayson Harris: As you look toward 2035, what is the ultimate impact you hope this million-door movement will have on the mentees?
Heather Wathington: We want every young person to have a relationship with a mentor. We want opportunities to be opened where they can tangibly see, “I am here because this person made it possible for me”. Beyond that, we want young people to realize that help and support are immeasurable and should be paid forward. We want them to think about mentorship for the rest of their lives—both in finding new mentors as they reach different stages of life and in reinvesting in the next generation. It’s about mentorship writ large to improve the human condition.
