Woman to Woman Mentors
The mentoring relationship is at the heart of our Woman to Woman program. WtW mentors are professional women who are individually paired with a participant for at least one year. They are motivated by their:
- Commitment to the mission of the program
- Desire to teach and learn in a mentor-participant relationship
The responsibilities of a WtW mentor are to:
- Help the participant establish realistic career goals
- Model independence, responsibility and professionalism
- Offer support and guidance with professional challenges
- Support the participant's career development and growth
- Teach problem solving skills
- Network professionally for Woman to Woman
Some requirements include:
- 1-2 hours per week with participant (flexible schedule)
- Some telephone availability
- Attendance at mentor support workshops
Mentors can expect to work with participants in a variety of ways:
- Assist the participant with her resume and interview skills
- Provide job shadowing opportunities
-
Assist with college research and application process
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a mentor?
- What is the time commitment of a mentor?
- What's in it for me?
- Who are the women of Woman to Woman?
- How would I be matched with a participant?
- Are there any requirements?
- When do I need to sign up by?
- How do I sign up?
A mentor is a professional woman who serves as a role model and lends supports to a participant as she masters new skills, sets career goals, and searches for a job in her journey to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
What is the time commitment of a mentor?
A mentor makes a year-long commitment, agreeing to meet one-on-one with her participant at least once monthly and to maintain email and telephone contact the rest of the time. Mentors must attend one two-hour training session and three one-hour training sessions during the year.
Woman to Woman mentors report experiencing a sense of deep pride and satisfaction in helping to support another woman through her career development journey. Mentors also learn a lot about what it's like to rely on public assistance, the barriers that low-income women face, and the strength and determination participants possess.
Who are the women of Woman to Woman?
Woman to Woman participants come from very diverse backgrounds. Seventy-percent of last year's participants were African or African-American; 15% Latina; 10% white; and 5% from other ethnic groups. All were from low-income households, and a majority had one or more children. Some of the women were entering the workforce for the first time; others had a long work history but were laid off, retired, or out of work for other reasons. All participants are extremely motivated to achieve their goals.
How would I be matched with a participant?
Mentors and participants are matched based on areas of interests and skills. For example, if a participant has indicated higher education as a goal, the mentor should have the skills to help her identify schools, apply for financial aid, etc. Location and availability of both the mentor and participant are also considered. Although meetings may take place at CWU's City Hall Plaza location, mentors and participants can meet any place they please.
A mentor must make a year-long commitment and be able to devote one to two hours a week to working with her participant either in person, on the phone, or via email. Mentors must attend one two-hour training session and three one-hour training sessions throughout the year.
The recruitment process for mentors is ongoing. The 12-week Woman to Woman program offers four sessions per year and requires mentors for each session. If you are not ready to become a mentor right now, you can wait a few months. There is no deadline, and it is better to wait until your schedule allows you the time to dedicate to this transformational experience for you and your participant.
Send your resume by mail to Marisela Gomez, Director of Education & Workforce Development, at Crittenton Women's Union, One Washington Mall, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02108, or by email to: mgomez@liveworkthrive.org. Please indicate you're inquiring about becoming a mentor. You will be contacted and invited to an orientation session where you'll learn even more about the program and have an opportunity to ask questions.
