Mentoring a Student in the Women's Leadership Initiative

Mentoring is a cornerstone of the Women’s Leadership Initiative. The mission of the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) is to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of female leaders with the core values, attitudes and skills that are the foundation of quality leadership. Mentoring helps us to fulfill this mission. A key component of the WLI since its inception, the WLI mentoring program provides opportunities for women students to observe, interact with, and learn from outstanding established leaders.

Become a Mentor

We are now accepting applications from individuals who would like to serve as mentors to WLI students during the 2020-21 academic year. Please apply by June 1, 2020.

What do mentors do?

Mentors share their wisdom and experiences with their mentees throughout the year through both formal assignments and informal communication. As a mentor, you are asked to:

• Be in touch with your mentee at least monthly by e-mail, telephone, visit, or mail
• Be interviewed by your mentee for several written assignments during the course of the academic year
• Meet with your mentee in person at least once during the academic year. The WLI provides a number of opportunities for a personal visit, including our fall kickoff dinner, workshops throughout the academic year, and our spring Celebration Luncheon. If your mentee lives near you, you can arrange a visit when the student is at home. You can also invite your mentee to visit you at your place of business.
• Be committed to fostering your mentee’s continued leadership development during her "WLI year" (the current academic year). Many mentors and mentees stay in touch long after the WLI year.

Guide for Mentors in the Women’s Leadership Initiative

The guide for mentors in the Women’s Leadership Initiative provides mentors with information about their roles and responsibilities, tips on how to get started with their mentee, and ideas about how to make the most of the mentoring relationship.

Guide for Mentors in the Women’s Leadership Initiative