Yeganeh Asadian (BSc(Natural Resources Conservation)’07, MSc(Forestry)’10) is currently at the Vancouver Airport Authority as a Manager, Climate and Environment. Yeganeh volunteered as a mentor with UBC Forestry’s Tri-Mentorship Program in 2024 and as a Speaker/Lecturer at the Industry Nights, Building a Sustainable World: Careers in the Green Economy in 2022.
UBC Forestry’s Tri-Mentorship Program is a unique program that provides the opportunity for students to connect with industry professionals. This program develops networking skills, communication and the confidence for entering the workforce.
Yeganeh shares why she decided to become a mentor, her experience being apart of this program and why it is important to her.
When I first stepped into a Canadian classroom, everything felt foreign—the language, the culture, the education system. Having moved to Canada just five years before starting university, I struggled to navigate this new world. I lacked a mentor to help guide me through the challenges of language fluency, adapting to the academic structure, and finding a sense of belonging. Those early years were marked by uncertainty and isolation.
It wasn’t until later in my career that I met mentors who profoundly shaped my professional and personal journey. Their guidance was more than just career advice—it was about human connection, shared experiences, and personal growth. They taught me that mentorship is not just about opening doors professionally but also about fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Their impact instilled in me a deep appreciation for the role of mentorship and a commitment to paying it forward.
That commitment led me to volunteer as a mentor with UBC Forestry’s Tri-Mentorship Program in 2024 and as a speaker at Industry Nights: Building a Sustainable World—Careers in the Green Economy in 2022. These experiences allowed me to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, helping students and emerging professionals find clarity in their career paths.
Through the Tri-Mentorship Program, I had the opportunity to connect with students, sharing insights from my journey and offering the kind of guidance I once wished I had. The most rewarding moments came when I saw mentees gain confidence, realizing they had the skills and knowledge to pursue their ambitions. Similarly, speaking at Industry Nights was a powerful experience—it was inspiring to engage with individuals passionate about sustainability and to witness their excitement about the possibilities within the green economy.
But mentorship, to me, is not just about structured programs or formal engagements. Throughout my career, I have made it a priority to support anyone who seeks guidance—whether through a scheduled meeting, a casual conversation, or a quick message seeking advice. I have never turned anyone away because I understand what it feels like to navigate a path without a guide.
Mentorship is about lifting others as we climb, creating a cycle of support that strengthens both individuals and communities. The lessons my mentors imparted to me continue to ripple outward, shaping the next generation of leaders in forestry, sustainability, and beyond. In every mentoring moment, I see an opportunity to give back, to empower, and to ensure that no one has to walk their path alone.