Mentorship can be a catalyst for personal and professional growth, but impactful mentoring doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention, empathy, and the right tools. This session is engaging and hands-on designed to equip you with practical strategies to build strong, sustainable mentoring relationships.

During this session you will explore the “magic” behind successful mentorship—how psychology, connection, consistency, experience, and communication create relationships that inspire growth. Drawing from real-world examples and inclusive practices, we will unpack common mentoring challenges and provide you with accessible tools to foster trust, set goals, and navigate conversations with people throughout the solid waste and recycling industry. 

You leave with a Mentor Toolkit, including reflection prompts, relationship-building strategies, and outside development resources to enhance their mentorship practice—whether you are a first-time mentor, a seasoned coach, or designing mentoring programs in your organization. By the end of the session, you will feel more confident in your ability to connect meaningfully with others, empower growth, and lead with purpose through mentoring.

About the Speakers

Colleen Foster
Senior Project Manager | HF&H Consultants, LLC

Colleen Foster is an experienced Environmental Officer with a demonstrated history of working in government administration, regulatory oversight, environmental compliance, policy, advocacy, and utility services (Water; Public Works; Solid Waste). She is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Corporate Social Responsibility, Public Speaking, Environmental Compliance, Government, Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS). Foster is a strong business development professional with a Master’s Degree focused in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School.

 
Haley Kunert
Project Manager | HF&H Consultants, LLC

Haley Kunert is a Senior Project Manager with HF&H Consultants, has almost a decade of assisting public agencies in managing solid waste franchise agreements, completing negotiations for new programs, legislative compliance and reporting specific to California, diversion reporting, solid waste procurements, rate reviews and surveys, organics program planning, grant support, and community outreach. She has her BS from UC San Diego in Environmental Systems with a minor in Psychology. Also, she is on the Southern California SWANA Board (President) and on the SWANA YP National Steering Committee. When not at work, you can find her staying fit, trying new desserts, chasing dogs, or painting at her favorite local brewery.