Hot Mommas founder Kathy Korman Frey shared the secrets of mentoring success with more than 150 participants at the University of Mary Washington’s 21st annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium on Thursday, Nov. 6. Frey said that exposure to role models and mentors is a major factor in career success for women. Developing a personal board of advisors allows women to gain specific, relevant advice and feedback that leads to professional growth. “Five is the magic number of mentors,” said Frey. According to a recent survey, women “with five or more mentors had significant differential in their perception of success and confidence, in addition to satisfaction in the workplace.” It’s not just about mentoring though. Frey also told participants that it is important to be surrounded with people who positively influence their lives and thoughts. Frey, a former Harvard graduate student, established the Hot Mommas concept when she designed a firm comprised of highly skilled consultants who specialized in planning bootcamps with a 94 percent success rate. The project gained momentum through student interest during her time at George Washington University, and Frey decided to write her first case study. The Hot Mommas Project is the recipient of a Coleman Foundation Case Award, and Frey currently serves on the board of United Women in Business and The Closet. The colloquium also featured a panel discussion on mentoring, professional development workshops, a Metzger Award presentation and networking opportunities. Amanda Talbert, public affairs coordinator at GEICO, was awarded the 2014 Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award. Talbert has served as a board member for many area organizations, including the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, and The Rappahannock Area United Way. She was also the 2013 recipient of the Women of Distinction Award for Community Outreach, awarded by the Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Metzger award recognizes individuals who uphold high standards in their personal and professional lives while fulfilling a career goal of significant stature. The award is given in memory of Patricia Lacey Metzger, a University of Mary Washington professor and a founder of the Colloquium, and has been given annually since 1999. For information on future colloquium networking events, visit umw.edu/lcpw/.