Mentorship Projects
The foundation of the TechWomen program is the four-week professional mentorship at a company, organization, or institution in the San Francisco Bay Area or Silicon Valley. During the mentorship, strong bonds are formed that inspire a rich exchange of ideas and expertise. Prior to arriving in the United States, each Emerging Leader and her Professional Mentor design a collaborative project based on the Emerging Leader’s professional goals. Four days per week, for four weeks, the Emerging Leader and Mentor work together on the project at the Mentor’s company. Projects vary depending on each Emerging Leader’s areas of expertise and interests, as well as on the needs of the host company.
Professional Tracks
To facilitate rewarding and relevant professional experiences for the TechWomen Emerging Leaders, each participant is asked to choose a TechWomen Track based on her area of expertise and interest. This track is used to help match the Emerging Leader at a host company that aligns with her career interests and professional background. Tracks also offer a sense of community while making it easier to identify like-minded professionals and foster new connections.
Each applicant must select a track during the application process. Applicants are encouraged to choose the track that best fits their area of expertise and interest. The following tracks are offered for the 2017 TechWomen program:
- Biotechnology
- Green/clean technology
- Information technology
- Internet
- Science
- Telecommunications
In addition to Track specific programming, the TechWomen Emerging Leaders participate in all-program activities such as leadership seminars and entrepreneurship workshops, serve on panels at community events, and network with industry leaders.
Washington, D.C. Trip
The TechWomen program concludes with a week of meetings and special events in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Professional and Cultural Mentors are invited to join the group in Washington, D.C.
Past D.C. events have included
- Visits to tech companies
- Meetings with STEM-focused public policy organizations
- Targeted discussions at the U.S. Department of State
- Formal luncheon honoring TechWomen at the U.S. Department of State
- Fourth of July fireworks reception at the U.S. Department of State
- Tour of the White House
- Monument and city tour
