Finding your voice. Mentorship and leadership in higher ed digital teams

We are two web developers with a combined 30 years in higher education IT, working on digital teams where much of the work happens behind the scenes. Leadership showed up for us long before we had the title. Mentorship shaped that growth, not just through formal programs, but in everyday moments. Code reviews, CMS trainings and team meetings where speaking up didn’t always come easily. Over time, those moments helped us build confidence, ask better questions and contribute more intentionally. As we stepped into mentorship roles, we saw what works, what doesn’t and how often expectations are left unspoken in digital teams. This session shares real examples and practical ways to support quieter voices, strengthen mentorship and lead more effectively in everyday work.