Dr. Stephanie Fujii Wins the ACEL Mentor of the Year Award

Friday, January 17, 2020
A photo of Stephanie Fujii and a friend.
A photo of Stephanie Fujii at a ceremony posing with a group of other professionals.

Scottsdale Community College’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Stephanie Fujii, was named Mentor of the Year by Asian Corporate & Entrepreneur Leaders (ACEL) at its recent 2020 ACELebration of Leadership Gala.

ACEL is a non-profit organization serving the greater Phoenix metro area committed to providing Asian American professionals opportunities to work together in service of leadership, mentorship and higher education.

Dr. Fujii was recognized for her strong support of the ACEL mentoring program and the individual paired with her. She and her mentee would meet at once a month and check in via text periodically to discuss her goals, expansion plan and the growth of her business. Leadership and gender perceptions as women of color were common issues.

“I am so grateful to have had the experience with my mentee, as I believe I learned a lot from her as well, professionally and personally,” said Dr. Fujii. “In many ways, one could say, she even mentored me.”

The ACEL Mentoring Program solicits applications from business and community members and leaders throughout Arizona. Applicants to be a mentor or mentee are interviewed, and then mentor and mentee are matched based upon the mentee's goals, and the experience and background of the mentor.

Additional information on the program and how to become a mentor.

The Maricopa County Community College District has been an ongoing partner with ACEL for many years and was a 2019 Silver Sponsor of the organization.

Additional information on ACEL.

Additional information on Scottsdale Community College.

Bottom photo (from left to right): Larissa Train, Scottsdale Community College; Dewi Sudjano, Rio Salado College; Dr. Stephanie Fujii, Scottsdale Community College; Ivy Jane Avanzado, Gateway Community College; Jessica Wong, Mesa Community College; and Tin Hguyen, Mesa Community College.