What is the NYWICI mentoring program?

Our new mentoring program is designed to provide information, encouragement and support in this initial stage, to our student and young professional members. If the program proves successful, it will be extended to accommodate the full NYWICI membership community.

The program will provide "real world" information, encouragement, advice and access to a network of support that is otherwise unavailable to young women pursuing careers in the communications fields.
Mentees will be matched in one-on-one e-mentoring relationships with NYWICI members who have work experience, and NYWICI will provide the training, coaching and support for them to pursue a one-year mentoring relationship.

The NYWICI mentoring program’s objectives:

• Enhance the NYWICI membership offering
• Help our student members grow professionally in a supportive environment
• Provide both parties with a rewarding relationship that imparts real-life wisdom to workplace situations

What is the platform for the NYWICI mentoring program?

We have chosen to adapt a platform used by the New York-based organization iMentor. The program combines weekly guided email messages between mentor and mentee with periodic in-person meetings and group events. This platform has the benefit of accommodating the busy schedules of our membership via the email mentorship correspondence.

Who can participate?

Mentors must meet the following criteria:

• Be a member of NYWICI in good standing
• Have at least three years experience in the communications industry
• Have reliable and consistent access to the Internet
• Commit to participating in a consistent weekly email exchange for at least one year
• Be able to attend NYWICI Mentorship events (a one-hour training and one social event)

Mentees must meet the following criteria:

• Be a student or young professional member in good standing of NYWICI
• Be considering or pursuing a degree program in a communications field through an accredited high school, community college, college or university, or graduate program
• Have reliable and consistent access to the Internet
• Commit to participating in a consistent weekly email exchange for at least one year
• Be able to attend NYWICI Mentorship events (a one-hour training and one social event)

How do I participate?

Prospective Mentors/Mentees fill out detailed questionnaires and participate in personal/telephone interviews and reference checks. Pairs will be matched electronically through NYWICI’s proprietary platform. Matches will then be reviewed by members of the NYWICI mentorship committee and notified by email.

Apply to become a Mentor!

The Foundation's Mission

New York Women in Communications Foundation, the philanthropic arm of New York Women in Communications, Inc., cultivates leaders in our field by providing financial support, opportunities for professional development and mentoring, and entrée to a diverse community of communications professionals. We are the largest foundation for women’s communications scholarships in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut-Pennsylvania region.