Understanding Race and Culture in Enhancing Mentorship
- Jun 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Written by Dr. Kaylarge Eloi, Founder
Dr. Kaylarge Eloi is an accomplished educator and expert in the fields of leadership, healthcare administration, and forensic psychology. With a rich academic background that includes an Ed.D. in focus on Organizational Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Human Services, Dr. Eloi possesses a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
In our rapidly globalizing world, the concepts of race and culture are often intertwined, misunderstood, or even misused. Yet, understanding the distinction and the synergy between the two is essential for building empathy, inclusion, and unity. Mentorship has long been recognized as a cornerstone of personal and professional growth. Yet, traditional mentorship models often overlook the critical influence of race and culture, particularly for individuals from underrepresented or marginalized communities. Integrating cultural awareness and racial equity into mentorship practices not only enhances outcomes for mentees of these groups but also strengthens institutional cultures overall.
Race vs. Culture: What’s the difference?
While often treated as interchangeable, race and culture are not the same:
Race is generally understood as a social construct tied to physical traits like skin color, facial features, and hair texture. Though biologically superficial, race has had a profound impact on how individuals are perceived and treated in society.
Culture, on the other hand, encompasses the customs, values, beliefs, language, cuisine, arts, and shared history of a group of people. It’s learned, passed down, and ever evolving.
Culturally responsive mentorship acknowledges that a mentee’s racial and cultural background shapes their worldview, experiences, and challenges. Mentors who are attuned to these dynamics are better equipped to provide guidance that resonates on a deeper level. This includes recognizing the impacts of systemic racism, microaggressions, stereotype threat, and unequal access to networks or resources.
For example, an underclass/poor medical student mentored by someone who understands the nuances of navigating predominantly upper-class institutions may feel more empowered and understood. Conversely, a well-meaning but culturally unaware mentor might unintentionally reinforce harmful dynamics or dismiss a mentee’s lived experiences.
Recognizing the difference helps avoid reductionist thinking, assuming all people of one race share the same values or behaviors. It allows us to move beyond surface-level identity and into richer, deeper human understanding.
Understanding collective differences isn't just an intellectual exercise; it’s a moral and social imperative. Misunderstandings around race and culture have historically led to stereotyping, marginalization, and conflict. But when we foster deeper knowledge and respect, we:
Break down prejudice and fear
Promote collaborative problem-solving
Encourage cross-cultural friendships and innovation
Build inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities
Bridging the gaps: How to foster better understanding
Creating a world that celebrates both common humanity and cultural richness takes intentional effort. We can begin with:
Listening with curiosity, not judgment: The best way to understand someone’s lived experience is to ask, listen, and learn, not to assume. Culturally open dialogue invites mutual respect.
Educating beyond the basics: Move past textbook definitions. Learn the histories, struggles, and triumphs of different racial and cultural groups. This includes recognizing colonization, systemic racism, and the resilience of marginalized communities.
Celebrating differences without exoticizing: Cultural appreciation means honoring traditions, not reducing them to costumes or stereotypes. Diversity isn’t a spectacle, it’s a strength.
Acknowledging intersectionality: Race and culture intersect with class, gender, religion, and other identities. A holistic approach respects how these experiences shape people differently.
Creating safe spaces for dialogue: Schools, workplaces, and public forums should encourage conversations around identity without fear of retribution. Empathy flourishes in safe environments.
Effective cross-cultural mentorship requires mentors to:
Engage in ongoing cultural humility and anti-bias training
Validate and uplift the unique strengths of mentees from diverse backgrounds
Recognize the structural barriers that mentees may face
Avoid “colorblind” approaches that erase important aspects of identity
A collective journey
Understanding race and culture is not a destination; it’s a lifelong journey. It requires humility, openness, and a willingness to unlearn biases. But as we learn to see one another more clearly, we begin to build bridges where there were once walls.
Summary
We all carry stories, shaped by our ancestry, environment, and identity. To foster a better understanding of our collective differences is not to erase them, but to honor them in unity. When we embrace diversity with respect and curiosity, we lay the foundation for a more compassionate and connected world. Race and culture are not peripheral to mentorship; they are central. When mentors recognize and integrate these dimensions, they foster more meaningful, impactful relationships. For institutions aiming to improve retention, advancement, and equity for underrepresented populations, culturally responsive mentorship is not optional; it is essential.
Read more from Dr. Kaylarge Eloi
Dr. Kaylarge Eloi, Founder
Dr. Eloi is not only an educator but also a prolific researcher and author. Her publications delve into critical topics surrounding cultural competence within healthcare and criminal justice settings. She has contributed to the understanding of how Pacific Islanders perceive the cultural competence of Western healthcare providers, as well as exploring the views of released offenders regarding hiring managers' cultural sensitivity. Her seminal work, "Creating an Organizational Culture that Supports Offender Rehabilitation Towards Maintaining Gainful Employment for Returning Citizens," highlights her commitment to fostering inclusive environments that promote rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
