Webinar explores how mentors, peer networks, employee resource groups and community connections help individuals access support, opportunities and shared learning

PHOENIX, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix will host the next installment of its Bridging Perspectives webinar series, “Build the Network That Advances Your Career: Mentors, Peers & Community,” on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. MST. Presented by the Office of Collaborative Learning and Educational Engagement, the webinar is designed for higher education leaders, employers, nonprofit organizations, University of Phoenix faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. The session will explore how individuals build meaningful networks and leverage mentorship, peer relationships, and community connections to access guidance, share knowledge, and create opportunities for growth.

“Professional growth is often fueled by the connections we make along the way,” said Tondra Richardson, MBA, director, Engagement Strategy & Program Development at University of Phoenix. “This conversation will highlight practical ways individuals can cultivate meaningful networks, exchange knowledge, access mentorship, and help create opportunities for themselves and others.”

Exploring the Role of Networks, Mentorship and Community

Across workplaces, campuses, nonprofit organizations, and community settings, individuals are often navigating environments where formal support structures may be limited, evolving, under-resourced, or difficult to access. As a result, many turn to trusted networks including peers, mentors, employee resource groups, student organizations, alumni communities, and colleagues for guidance, support, and shared problem-solving.

The webinar will examine how these networks are built, why they matter, and how they help individuals move from isolation to connection and from uncertainty to shared learning. Panelists will discuss how mentorship, peer communities, and shared experiences can foster trust, facilitate knowledge-sharing, help individuals navigate unwritten rules, and provide access to opportunities and resources.

Panelists Share Perspectives on Connection and Shared Learning

Featured panelists include:

• Jelisa Dallas, Student Organization Program Manager and AACE ERG Lead, University of Phoenix
• Mari Marques-Thomas, Vice President, Impact & Belonging, Crum & Forster, and University of Phoenix alumna
• Evener Scott, Director, Belonging, HonorHealth

Together, the panelists will share perspectives on mentorship, relationship-building, peer communities, and the role networks play in helping individuals share knowledge, gain support, build confidence, and access opportunities.

Practical Strategies for Building Supportive Networks

Rather than focusing on broad discussions of belonging, the session will explore practical approaches individuals can build within their own communities and organizations, including mentoring circles, peer check-ins, resource exchanges, leadership pathways, warm introductions, shared knowledge hubs, and community practices that do not depend on formal authority or perfect systems. Participants will leave with strategies they can use to strengthen mentorship, support, and connection within their own spheres of influence, one relationship, one resource, and one bridge at a time.

The Bridging Perspectives webinar series aims to foster cultural awareness around timely issues, encourage thought leadership, and strengthen community connections through meaningful dialogue and shared learning.

Register for the webinar here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life^® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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SOURCE University of Phoenix