People often ask me how I’ve gotten to where I am. I always tell them right away: I didn’t do it alone. My fierce network of supportive mentors, sponsors and bosses helped me elevate my career to incredible heights. Recently, I spoke about the power of executive sponsorship among women of color at the 2016 Black Enterprise (BE) Women of Power Summit. I’d like to share some tips with you.

I’ve had some of the greatest bosses, mentors and sponsors in my career. Their advice and advocacy have been some of the most important ingredients in my recipe for success. And I’ve always said that once you’re in the position to reach back and help others, it’s imperative that you do so. It’s not only a responsibility, but the right thing to do.

I’ve always been a people person. Early on, I knew I wanted to work in human resources. AT&T was the place for me because we value our people above all else. As life would have it, my career led me to experience several areas of the business. But my inner HR guru was always at work in everything I did. And like so many others, it was the people around me that helped guide me to the place I was destined to be.

Mentors and sponsors, while somewhat similar, can vary a bit. Both are essential to your career and professional growth. Mentors can serve as sounding boards. They give great career advice, even if their work touches a different area. I see sponsors as “super-mentors.” They commit themselves to your professional success and personal well-being. While a mentor’s responsibility ends at offering advice and counsel, a sponsor leverages their own clout and resources to advocate on your behalf when necessary.

Why is it so important for black women to identify sponsors when climbing the corporate ladder? Because recent studies show that a lack of sponsorship is the most critical factor crippling hyper-qualified women of color looking to enter the C-suite.

Last year at the BE Conference, I met an emerging young female leader at AT&T who spoke on a panel about social media. Her knowledge blew me away. I went up to her afterward and decided that I would become a mentor and sponsor for her within AT&T. I learned a lot from her that day and that relationship continues. Every interaction is an important opportunity to make an impact.

There’s an old proverb that says, “Each one, teach one.” As Chief Diversity Officer with AT&T, I know that my responsibility is to help bring up those coming behind me. It’s your responsibility too.

As we reflect on our years of progress during Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize that if it were not for those who came before us, many of today’s opportunities wouldn’t exist. That said, I always leave people with a few words that have helped me along the way: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

Sponsors care. Mentors care.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T)