Professional Mentor Overview

The Fall 2022 mentor application deadline has closed.

We expect our 2023 program mentor applications to open in Summer 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Miles lmiles[at]iie.org.

TechWomen Mentorship in 2023

IIE is planning for an in-person fall 2023 program in the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago that will include virtual programming where appropriate. All activities are subject to change based on health and safety recommendations or restrictions. Please refer to the mentor applications for all potential updates to the mentor roles.

IIE will be monitoring mentors’ comfort and ability to attend in-person Bay Area and Chicago events as we approach fall 2023, and the TechWomen team will keep mentors informed of all program updates. Bay Area and Chicago-based mentors should aim to attend in-person events where possible; modifications will be made for mentors outside of program cities. IIE will closely follow CDC health and safety recommendations at all in-person events, and will require all event participants to use PPE.

Learn more about what IIE is doing in response to COVID-19 here.

TechWomen Professional Mentors

Inspire emerging women leaders to become change agents in their communities
Build relationships with professional women across the world
Gain a cross-cultural perspective on your work
Join a dynamic, supportive network of more than 1000 TechWomen mentor alumnae
Give back and share your experiences with others

What is a Professional Mentor?

A Professional Mentor is a TechWomen volunteer who works closely with an Emerging Leader to help her grow and thrive professionally. Each mentor facilitates experiences that expose the Emerging Leader to an extensive professional network and inspire her with the energetic, innovative and risk-taking culture embodied by Silicon Valley and beyond. A Professional Mentor also supports the Emerging Leader in her professional learning goals and exposes her to the unique network and environment of the mentor’s company.

What will a Professional Mentor do?

A Professional Mentor:

Enhances the Emerging Leader’s learning by facilitating time and contact with colleagues, subject matter experts and others in the mentor’s company and professional network.
Spends an average of one hour per workday with the Emerging Leader, providing professional guidance and supporting the implementation of her mentorship project. Past Emerging Leaders have noted that having extensive time with their Professional Mentors was critical to a successful mentorship experience. Successful mentors have been approachable, accessible and willing to dedicate time to supporting their Emerging Leader.
In partnership with the Emerging Leader, develops a project for the Emerging Leader to execute during the mentorship. This project should:
- Be designed collaboratively by the mentor and Emerging Leader, keeping in mind the professional goals and objectives of the Emerging Leader and the mentorship timeframe.
- Foster networking within the mentor’s company and facilitate exposure to a vast network of professionals.
- Be planned prior to the Emerging Leader’s arrival in the San Francisco Bay Area or Chicago.

Professional Mentors are required to attend virtual trainings in late August/early September and are invited to a pre-program mentor networking event in September. Several exciting kickoff events with Emerging Leaders will be held in the first week of the program, which begins on September 21. Tentative event dates are provided to prospective mentors as part of the mentor application.

Become a part of the TechWomen community!

TechWomen mentors describe the mentorship experience as an invaluable opportunity to join a vibrant, supportive and committed global community of women. Mentors share that supporting emerging women leaders in similar fields is a meaningful and mutually beneficial experience; Emerging Leaders bring new and exciting perspectives, inspiring Professional Mentors to grow, lead and learn.

Want to learn more about being a TechWomen mentor? Contact us here.