More Than Mentorship: How TechWomen Transformed My Leadership Journey by Kristy Bonham

Guest post by Kristy Bonham, TechWomen Mentor, Global Program Leader at Apple

TechWomen isn’t just a program—it’s a journey of transformation, connection, and
purpose. When I first heard about it through my company’s Women Employee
Resource Group, I was intrigued but hesitant. I questioned whether my expertise would
be enough to make a meaningful contribution. Could I, as one person, truly make an
impact in such an ambitious program? But the mission of empowering women leaders
in STEM resonated deeply, and I decided to take a leap of faith, stepping out of my
comfort zone and into an experience that would change me forever.

This opportunity held deep personal significance for me to show up for these women
of color in STEM across Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. In the
tech world, we often find ourselves in isolated bubbles within an already exclusive
industry. I wanted to be a tangible reminder that even in Silicon Valley—a space that
can feel inaccessible—there is room and opportunity for women of all backgrounds from around the world. My presence was a statement: you belong here, and together, we can redefine
what leadership and innovation look like.

From the very beginning, I learned that being a mentor isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, sharing your journey, and building relationships rooted in trust and growth. My first Emerging Leader, Dorcas Owinoh from Kenya, taught me this in the most profound way. We didn’t start with business or strategies; we began with her story—her life back home, her challenges, and her bold, audacious dreams. What struck me was how our differing backgrounds and experiences were not barriers but opportunities to learn, connect, and grow stronger together. Our conversations revealed the quiet power of empathy and active listening. Together, we built a bridge of trust that transcended divides and inspired mutual growth. It was
Dorcas who encouraged me to apply as an Impact Coach, saying, “I think you’d make a great Impact Coach.” Her belief in me was transformative, reminding me of the power of mentorship—not just to guide others but to help us see our own potential in a new
light.

As an Impact Coach for Team Nigeria, I had the privilege of mentoring extraordinary women who were experiencing the United States for the first time. Through their eyes, I
rediscovered the world around me. Everyday moments I took for granted, like the convenience of grocery shopping, became profound when seen through their perspective. Their stories of resilience and determination, such as combating childhood malnutrition in their communities, inspired me deeply.

The journey of coaching wasn’t just about advising—it was about collaboration. Week after week, I watched diplomacy and leadership in action as we tackled challenges, refined bold ideas, and turned vision into impact. Together, we crafted a pitch that was more than a project; it was a commitment to create lasting change for the children in
their country. Witnessing their success was one of the greatest joys of my life.

But the impact didn’t stop there. This experience awakened something within me—a
deeper understanding of what it means to lead with empathy, to listen with intention,
and to act with purpose. It showed me that diplomacy isn’t confined to governments;
it’s a way of connecting across differences to create lasting change. Leadership, at its
core, is about inspiring progress—not just for today but for generations to come.
Through this journey, I saw firsthand how the interconnectedness of leadership and
diplomacy can transform lives. TechWomen isn’t just about solving problems or
building careers—it’s about creating a ripple effect of hope, progress, and possibility. It
leaves every participant—mentors and Emerging Leaders alike—stronger, more
connected, and more inspired to shape a better future.

To the women who are considering joining this program: say YES. You don’t need to
have it all figured out on Day 1. What matters is your willingness to show up, to try, and
to trust in the process. Allow yourself the grace to explore something new, to grow in
unexpected ways, and to discover the power of your own voice. These bold, brilliant
women—the Emerging Leaders—are ready to change the world, and they need your
expertise, your passion, and your belief in their potential.

Here’s the truth: as much as you give, you will receive even more in return. Their
courage, vision, and determination will reignite your own sense of purpose and remind
you why you lead. So take the leap. Say yes to this extraordinary journey. Say yes to
empowering these women. And say yes to discovering how much of a difference you
can make. Together, we are shaping a future brighter than we’ve ever imagined.

Kristy Bonham is an executive leader at the intersection of innovation, ethics, and global strategy, specializing in leadership development and organizational strategy. With extensive experience as a board director and founder, she  possesses a deep understanding of how influence and governance shape industries and create opportunities. Currently, she focuses on AI ethics, guiding organizations in building emerging technologies with clarity and accountability. Kristy believes that principled innovation is essential for leading the future, not just reacting to it. Additionally, she serves as the President Elect of the Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula and has spent over 14 years at Apple as a Global Program Leader, where she leads immersive people development experiences.