Mentor Spotlight: Dr. Stephanie Webb on Growth, Self-Advocacy, and Perspective

Stephanie Webb

“A common myth is that a title alone defines a leader. True leadership extends beyond position, it is demonstrated through influence, integrity, and impact.”

At Girls With Impact, mentorship is a dynamic exchange that strengthens both mentor and mentee. For Dr. Stephanie Webb of Alter Domus, that exchange has become a meaningful reminder of the power of connection, reflection, and shared growth.

Stephanie was drawn to GWI by a desire to give back in a way that was both intentional and impactful. Having experienced her own professional journey without consistent access to mentorship, she recognized the value it could provide to young women navigating their futures. As she shares, “Mentorship is something I recognize would have been incredibly valuable in my own journey.” Her academic research and broader studies only reinforced what she already believed: mentorship is a critical driver in advancing and empowering women.

Over the past year, that belief has taken shape through her work with her mentee; an experience that has proven to be as transformative for Stephanie as it is for the young woman she supports.

Through their time together, Stephanie has been reminded that mentorship is never one-sided. “I have learned that mentorship is mutually beneficial,” she explains. Staying connected to her mentee’s experiences has given her insight into the evolving challenges young women face today, while also reinforcing the importance of perspective. Watching her mentee grow in confidence has been especially meaningful and has offered proof that consistent support and encouragement can create lasting impact.

Looking back, Stephanie wishes she had learned earlier that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength. “Effective leadership does not require doing everything alone. There is strength in collaboration,” she reflects. This mindset has shaped how she leads today, with an emphasis on connection and shared success.

Her career path has also been defined by moments that required resilience and clarity. A pivotal turning point came when she was laid off from a role where she had demonstrated deep loyalty and made significant personal sacrifices. While difficult, the experience became a catalyst for growth. It pushed her to reevaluate her priorities, align more closely with her core values, and advocate for her own long-term well-being. It was a powerful reminder that professional success must be rooted in self-awareness and intentional decision-making.

That commitment to self-advocacy now informs how she mentors others.

Stephanie encourages young women to build what she describes as a personal “board of directors”: a diverse network of individuals who offer different perspectives, experiences, and guidance. “Being open to different perspectives strengthens decision-making and fosters both personal and professional growth,” she says. In her view, success is not built in isolation, but through relationships that challenge, support, and expand how we think.

She also emphasizes the importance of developing core skills that enable long-term growth: strong communication, relationship building, self-advocacy, and a commitment to continuous learning. These are the tools that allow young women to navigate complexity, influence effectively, and lead with confidence.

At the same time, Stephanie is passionate about challenging outdated ideas around leadership.

“A common myth is that a title alone defines a leader,” she notes. In reality, true leadership is defined by influence, integrity, and impact. It’s not about what position you have—it’s about how you show up, how you support others, and how you use your voice. She encourages young women not to accept ineffective leadership at face value, but to think critically and feel empowered to challenge it when necessary.

At the heart of her mentorship is a clear and empowering message: “Young women should feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves into any organization,” she says. They should never feel obligated to remain in environments that are toxic or psychologically unsafe. Instead, they should seek out spaces and people that recognize their value and support their growth.

She also encourages mentees to think beyond mentorship alone and pursue sponsorship. These are relationships with individuals who not only offer guidance, but actively advocate for them and open doors to new opportunities.

For Stephanie, mentoring with GWI has been both personally fulfilling and professionally grounding. “It keeps me grounded, reflective, and connected to the importance of developing others,” she shares.

What begins as mentorship becomes something deeper: a relationship rooted in growth, perspective, and the shared belief that when young women are supported, there is no limit to what they can achieve.

Ready to make a difference? Join our mentor community and help shape what’s next.