Mentor Sessions: Q&A with Vivian Ekchian

July 11, 2025

51ÂÜÀò mentors help district leaders see their own potential, navigate complex challenges and stay focused on what matters most for students. In this conversation with Vivian Ekchian, a mentor of the 51ÂÜÀò-USC Urban Superintendents Academy, you’ll read why mentorship is essential for today's urban education leaders and how the right guidance can transform both careers and communities.


 From your perspective, what are the qualities that make a good mentor?

A good mentor is instrumental in developing future leaders, understanding that each individual's leadership style is a blend of different emotional intelligence components. An effective mentor guides leaders in honing their ability to manage themselves and their relationships, focusing on fundamental capabilities such as self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness. Good mentors, enlightened by the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, are sensitive to the impact they have on their mentees and adjust their strategies and support accordingly.

 Why do you think it's important to have a mentor early in your career?

Mentoring is a collaborative part of leadership development, a continuation of professional learning that brings professionals together. The process is all about building collegial relationships, fostering reflective practice, and redefining leadership. 

...by embracing mentoring, leaders can gain valuable insights, learn from others' experiences, and develop a broader perspective.

In the early stages of a career, many leaders may feel like they're working in isolation, believing they already possess all the knowledge they need. However, by embracing mentoring, leaders can gain valuable insights, learn from others' experiences, and develop a broader perspective. This can significantly enhance their leadership skills and professional growth, making them feel connected and part of a larger community of leaders.

 What does effective leadership look like in today's urban districts? And, from your perspective and experience, how have the demands and complexities of the role shifted over recent years?

Today's urban districts face significant challenges, including pressure from federal and state mandates, resource constraints, and demands from vocal and well-organized interest groups. In the face of these challenges, effective districts, through their commitment to a clear set of priorities, focus their attention toward doing the things that matter most and doing them well.

In an increasingly polarized environment, the role of leaders has become more demanding, with a significant emphasis on navigating complex political landscapes. Effective leaders, in the face of mounting challenges, recognize that communication is crucial in making their community feel reassured and confident by humanizing the process and acknowledging uncertainty. They employ collaborative and productive approaches to ensure ongoing attention to the issues that enable students to experience success. They facilitate alignment and find common ground through the use of data, respectful dialogue, and shared goals, instilling confidence in their strategies. These leaders are good listeners, steady communicators, and able to manage both empathy and boundaries. 

Modeling grace under pressure builds long-term credibility, even with those you may disagree with.
 What is the most valuable piece of advice you have received from a mentor?

Trust is built over time. Listening first is key, and it's important not to come in assuming you will 'fix' things. Building relationships and understanding the history are crucial steps. Be present —both in formal settings and in schools, cafeterias, and community events. Remember, equity isn't a separate conversation. By continually bringing the conversation back to student wellness and outcomes, it's embedded in every decision. Modeling grace under pressure builds long-term credibility, even with those you may disagree with.