A Leader's Commitment to Giving Back

An interview with Pam Ryan, President at Lucent Quay Consulting.

Written by Patricia Bonghanoy, Leaders of Tomorrow 2025-26 Mentee 

Mentorship for Pam, began with a realization. Trained as a transportation planner, she discovered that what energized her most was not technical design but the conversations behind it, leading her to build a career in transportation communications and community engagement. For over two decades, she has been guided by one question: How can communication and engagement be done more meaningfully? A simple conversation with a student changed Pam’s perspectives. While attending a Board of Trade event, Pam learned about the Leaders of Tomorrow program from a student who encouraged her to apply as a mentor. Intrigued and wanting to give back, she joined and has returned year after year. Mentorship quickly became a meaningful extension of her leadership. For Pam, it reflects the same belief that has guided her career: that conversations have the power to shape growth.

A Philosophy of Ownership and Growth

Pam views mentorship as a lived experience rather than a rigid format. Having benefited from informal mentors throughout her career, she understands the value of asking honest questions and learning from those who have walked the path before. With her mentees, she begins by asking what they hope to gain and how they would like to shape their time together. Each session revisits goals, reflects on progress, and ends with clear next steps. Her philosophy is simple: the mentee sets the pace.

The Power of Mutual Growth

What Pam values most about mentorship is that it is never one sided. While students gain confidence and clarity, she gains fresh perspectives that sharpen her coaching and leadership. She believes mentorship rewards initiative and participants get out of it what they are willing to put in.

For Pam, walking alongside the next generation is both a responsibility and a privilege. In choosing to give back with intention, she proves that the most meaningful leadership is measured not by titles, but by the lives we help shape.

"In my brain, they’re the young leaders of tomorrow. I look at their experiences and think, ‘I’ve learned so much from my mentees.'”

This article is from Mentored to Lead, Connected to Serve, a newsletter created by the 2025-26 Leaders of Tomorrow cohort that highlights the meaningful connections students are building beyond events and meetings. Read the full newsletter for more content.