title: In memoriam: Continuing my journey through Project LEAD.
abstract: The author spent 20 years serving in leadership positions on a local and national level. Before attending Project LEAD, the author did not value mentorship because she believed that mentoring was limited to neophyte nurses. After her experience at Project LEAD, she realized the importance of having a mentor who knew her strengths and weaknesses, and provided consistent guidance. She also realized that a mentor could also help her avoid some of the obstacles she faced during her leadership journey. Although she had some guidance from colleagues, the Project LEAD experience was instrumental in exposing her to different leadership styles and in showing her the need for mentorship on a consistent basis. The author 's mentor from Project LEAD helped her make the transition from being the head of a department to working as a faculty member who is using her leadership skills to establish collaborations with community leaders.
authors.forename: Ruth W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American; D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008611:Mentors; D013192:Staff Development; D014481:United States