Mentor Spotlight: Michaiah Crump on Curiosity, Confidence, and Defining Your Own Path

Michaia Crump

“No one is ever fully ready; You have to see yourself as your primary advocate.”

It’s a core GWI belief that mentorship is about expanding perspective, building confidence, and helping young women realize they don’t have to navigate their journeys alone. For Michaiah Crump, Sr. Director of Technical Applications, that belief is deeply personal.

With more than 20 years of mentoring experience and over a year with GWI, Michaiah was drawn to the organization by both its mission and its impact. “I was looking for a meaningful way to give back, and when I came across Girls With Impact, I was immediately drawn to its mission,” she shares. Having benefited from mentors throughout her own career, she understands firsthand the value of guidance and the cost of having to figure things out alone. “If something I’ve learned can help someone avoid having to ‘figure it out’ on their own, that feels like a win.”

That commitment has shaped her experience as a mentor, one that continues to evolve through her connection with her mentees.

Through mentoring, Michaiah has been continually inspired by the young women she works with, especially by their curiosity, resilience, and willingness to take on challenges. “They are incredibly smart and dedicated, and that motivates me to show up as my best self for them,” she says. Their drive has not only reinforced her belief in the next generation, but has also pushed her to grow personally. “Their curiosity and determination have inspired me to revisit my own interests, stretch myself, and try new things as well.”

Her career itself has been shaped by moments of intentional change. A defining turning point came when Michaiah shifted her mindset from productivity to purpose. Rather than focusing on how much she could accomplish, she began aligning her work with what she wanted to be known for. “I intentionally shifted to raising my hand for work that aligned with my brand and what I wanted to be known for: strategic thinking,” she explains. That decision marked a move toward greater clarity, ownership, and long-term impact.

It’s a lesson that directly informs how she mentors others today.

Michaiah emphasizes the importance of building skills that extend beyond any single role. Among the most critical, she highlights continuous learning, critical thinking, and humility. These qualities, she believes, enable young women to navigate complexity, adapt to change, and lead with both confidence and intention.

At the same time, she encourages mentees to approach their decisions with less pressure and more perspective. “Very few decisions are truly irreversible,” she says. “You can change your college, your major, your job, and even your career path.” Rather than striving for perfection, she urges young women to stay agile, embrace change, and trust that growth comes through experience.

This mindset is especially important in today’s world, where expectations can feel overwhelming. “Mentorship creates a supportive space where young women can build confidence, ask questions, and hear alternative perspectives before they enter higher-stakes environments,” Michaiah explains. By normalizing imperfection and sharing real experiences, mentorship helps young women take risks and step into opportunities with greater clarity.

She is also passionate about challenging one of the most persistent myths around leadership: that someone else will decide when you’re ready. “No one is ever fully ready,” she says. “You have to see yourself as your primary advocate.” Rather than waiting for validation, Michaiah encourages young women to take ownership of their growth, step into opportunities as they arise, and learn in real time.

For Michaiah, mentoring with GWI has been both grounding and energizing. It’s a constant reminder to stay aligned with her own advice, reflect on her decisions, and continue growing alongside the young women she supports. It has become a shared journey rooted in curiosity, resilience, and the belief that when young women are empowered to trust themselves, they can define success on their own terms.

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