Elizabeth Mannshardt, 2019 GSS Chair

The Government Statistics Section (GSS) hosted a mentoring roundtable at JSM 2019 designed to encourage diverse participation and engage young professionals and students via interaction with more advanced-career members of the GSS community. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive from both mentee participants and GSS mentors.

“They were all personable and shared their more human aspects of their stories with us. I walked away with advice for applying to government positions, a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of working in the government, and leadership tips.” –Nancy Murray, Emory University

“The mentors were very informative, particularly in regards to advice on finding careers and securing jobs in government.” –Katherine Allen, North Carolina State University

“I had a wonderful time! It was interesting to hear about what the mentees are hoping for with their careers and also to hear about the experiences of the other mentors. It made me realize that we all come to our place in life, education, and careers in different ways, bringing home the point that there is no one “right” way. … The students were great. I was impressed by their reasons for attending the session and how carefully they listened and participated in the session.” – Wendy Martinez, Bureau of Labor Statistics

“I know I found that I learn as much, if not more, by being a mentor and by participating in the session. … I hope we succeeded in honoring Steven Spielberg’s quote: “The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” – Stephanie Shipp, University of Virginia

“It was fun being a participant at the mentoring roundtable. We indeed had a very open conversation. – Barry Nussbaum, US Environmental Protection Agency (retired)

To participate in the GSS mentoring roundtable at JSM 2020, visit the GSS Professional Development Mentoring page at or contact 2019 GSS Chair Elizabeth Mannshardt.