Women’s mentoring programs play a crucial role in addressing gender inequality in the workplace and creating a supportive and inclusive environment. These programs offer numerous benefits, such as providing guidance and support for career development, fostering networking opportunities, and promoting personal growth. To build a successful women’s mentoring program, it is important to define clear program goals and objectives, establish mentorship guidelines and expectations, match mentors and mentees effectively, provide training and resources for mentors, and continuously monitor and evaluate program effectiveness. Recruiting mentors and mentees can be done by promoting the program internally, engaging senior leaders as mentors, creating a mentorship application and selection process, identifying potential mentees, and encouraging diversity and inclusion in mentorship. Best practices for mentoring relationships include establishing clear communication channels, setting realistic expectations, providing support and guidance, encouraging regular check-ins, and fostering trust and confidentiality. Measuring the success of a women’s mentoring program involves collecting feedback and evaluating outcomes, tracking career progression and development, celebrating mentoring success stories, and making continuous improvements. By implementing these strategies, organizations can empower women and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
Key Takeaways
- Women’s mentoring programs are essential for addressing gender inequality and fostering a supportive workplace.
- Successful women’s mentoring programs require clear program goals, mentorship guidelines, effective mentor-mentee matching, and ongoing evaluation.
- Recruiting mentors and mentees can be achieved through internal promotion, engagement of senior leaders, and a structured application and selection process.
- Best practices for mentoring relationships include clear communication, realistic expectations, support and guidance, regular check-ins, and trust and confidentiality.
- Measuring the success of a women’s mentoring program involves feedback collection, tracking career progression, celebrating success stories, and continuous improvement.
Why Women’s Mentoring Programs Are Important
The Benefits of Women’s Mentoring Programs
Women’s mentoring programs offer numerous benefits to both mentors and mentees. Mentors have the opportunity to share their knowledge, expertise, and experiences with younger women, helping them navigate their careers and overcome challenges. Mentoring also allows mentors to develop their leadership and communication skills, as well as gain a sense of fulfillment from making a positive impact on someone’s life.
On the other hand, mentees benefit from the guidance and support of experienced mentors. They gain valuable insights, advice, and encouragement that can help them advance in their careers and achieve their goals. Mentoring provides mentees with a safe space to ask questions, seek guidance, and receive feedback, ultimately boosting their confidence and professional development.
In addition, women’s mentoring programs contribute to the overall success of organizations. Studies have shown that companies with strong mentoring programs have higher employee engagement, retention, and satisfaction rates. Mentoring programs also help address gender inequality in the workplace by providing women with access to networks, opportunities, and resources that can help them overcome barriers and biases.
To summarize, women’s mentoring programs create a supportive and inclusive environment where mentors and mentees can learn from each other, grow professionally, and contribute to the advancement of women in the workplace.
Addressing Gender Inequality in the Workplace
Addressing gender inequality in the workplace is crucial for creating a more inclusive and diverse environment. Studies have shown that women still face hurdles in having their potential recognized, with only 24% of c-suite positions being held by women. Additionally, women earn between 54 to 87 cents compared to a white man’s dollar and are 14% less likely to be promoted than their male colleagues. These disparities highlight the need for action and support to drive change.
One important way to address gender inequality is through women’s mentoring programs. Mentoring can help bring more women into leadership roles and increase diversity and inclusion. It enables connections in the talent pipeline, draws attention to young talent through reverse mentoring, and supports leadership training with group mentoring.
To effectively address gender inequality, it is essential to advocate for women in the workplace, promote diversity and inclusivity within your company, and educate yourself on the unique challenges they face. Together, we can create lasting change and foster an inclusive tech industry.
Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Environment
Creating a supportive and inclusive environment is crucial for the success of a women’s mentoring program. It is important to foster a culture where all participants feel valued, respected, and included. This can be achieved by promoting open communication, encouraging collaboration, and embracing diversity.
One way to create a supportive and inclusive environment is by implementing a mentorship application and selection process. This ensures that mentors and mentees are matched based on their goals, interests, and backgrounds, promoting a sense of belonging and shared experiences.
Additionally, providing training and resources for mentors is essential. This equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support and guide their mentees. Training can include topics such as active listening, effective communication, and understanding unconscious bias.
To further enhance inclusivity, it is important to encourage diversity in mentorship. This means actively seeking mentors from different backgrounds, industries, and levels of experience. By having a diverse pool of mentors, mentees can benefit from a variety of perspectives and insights.
Remember, creating a supportive and inclusive environment is not only beneficial for the mentees but also for the mentors. It fosters a sense of community, promotes personal growth, and contributes to a more inclusive workplace culture.
Key Components of a Successful Women’s Mentoring Program
Defining Program Goals and Objectives
Defining program goals and objectives is a crucial step in building a successful women’s mentoring program. It provides a clear direction and purpose for the program, ensuring that both mentors and mentees are aligned in their expectations and desired outcomes. When defining program goals and objectives, it is important to consider the specific needs and challenges faced by women in the workplace. By addressing these needs, the program can effectively support women in their professional development and advancement.
Establishing Mentorship Guidelines and Expectations
Once mentors and mentees have been matched, it is important to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the mentorship relationship. This helps ensure that both parties are on the same page and have a shared understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
One way to establish mentorship guidelines is through a mentorship agreement. This agreement outlines the goals of the mentorship, the expected time commitment, and any specific areas of focus. It also provides an opportunity for mentors and mentees to discuss and set boundaries, ensuring that both parties feel comfortable and respected.
In addition to the mentorship agreement, regular check-ins and communication channels should be established. This allows mentors and mentees to stay connected and address any questions or concerns that may arise. It is important for mentors to provide ongoing support and guidance, while also encouraging mentees to take ownership of their own development.
Lastly, fostering trust and confidentiality is crucial in a mentorship relationship. Mentees should feel safe sharing their goals, challenges, and aspirations with their mentors, knowing that the information will be kept confidential. This creates a supportive and trusting environment where mentees can openly discuss their progress and seek guidance when needed.
Matching Mentors and Mentees
Once you have identified potential mentors and mentees, the next step is to match them based on their goals, interests, and areas of expertise. It is important to consider the compatibility between mentors and mentees to ensure a successful and productive mentoring relationship. Here are some factors to consider when matching mentors and mentees:
- Goals and Objectives: Match mentors and mentees who have similar goals and objectives to ensure alignment and a shared focus.
- Expertise and Experience: Pair mentors and mentees who have complementary expertise and experience to facilitate knowledge sharing and growth.
- Interests and Passions: Consider the interests and passions of mentors and mentees to foster engagement and enthusiasm in the mentoring relationship.
- Communication Styles: Take into account the communication styles of mentors and mentees to ensure effective communication and understanding.
By carefully matching mentors and mentees, you can create a strong foundation for a successful mentoring relationship.
Providing Training and Resources for Mentors
Once mentors have been matched with mentees, it is important to provide them with the necessary training and resources to ensure a successful mentoring relationship. Training sessions can cover topics such as effective communication, goal setting, and providing constructive feedback. These sessions not only equip mentors with the skills they need to support their mentees, but also help them develop their own leadership and coaching abilities.
In addition to training, mentors should have access to a variety of resources that can assist them in their mentoring role. This can include articles, books, and online courses on mentoring best practices, as well as tools and templates for goal setting, action planning, and tracking progress. By providing mentors with these resources, organizations can empower them to be effective mentors and provide valuable guidance to their mentees.
To further support mentors, organizations can also establish mentor support groups where mentors can connect with and learn from each other. These groups can provide a platform for mentors to share their experiences, seek advice, and discuss challenges they may be facing. By fostering a sense of community among mentors, organizations can create a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and growth.
Monitoring and Evaluating Program Effectiveness
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of a women’s mentoring program is crucial to ensure its success and make necessary improvements. By regularly assessing the program, organizations can gather valuable data and insights that can inform decision-making and enhance the overall experience for mentors and mentees.
One effective way to monitor and evaluate program effectiveness is by conducting surveys and feedback sessions with participants. This allows organizations to collect quantitative and qualitative data on various aspects of the program, such as mentor-mentee relationships, program goals, and overall satisfaction. The feedback received can help identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement.
In addition to surveys, organizations can also track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of the mentoring program. KPIs can include metrics such as mentee career progression, mentee satisfaction, and mentor engagement. By tracking these metrics over time, organizations can assess the program’s effectiveness and make data-driven decisions.
Furthermore, organizations can consider implementing a mentorship dashboard or reporting system. This allows for easy tracking and visualization of program data, making it easier to identify trends and patterns. A mentorship dashboard can provide real-time insights on program performance and help identify areas for improvement.
Lastly, it is important to regularly review and evaluate the program’s goals and objectives. As the needs and dynamics of the organization evolve, it is essential to ensure that the mentoring program aligns with these changes. Regularly reviewing and updating program goals and objectives can help keep the program relevant and effective in addressing the needs of participants.
How to Recruit Mentors and Mentees
Promoting the Program Internally
When promoting the Women’s Mentoring Program internally, it is important to create awareness and generate interest among employees. Here are some strategies to effectively promote the program:
- Send out regular email communications to all employees highlighting the benefits of participating in the program.
- Host informational sessions or lunch-and-learn events to provide more details about the program and answer any questions.
- Utilize internal communication channels such as intranet, newsletters, and bulletin boards to share success stories and testimonials from previous participants.
- Encourage senior leaders and managers to actively promote and endorse the program to their teams.
Remember, the success of the Women’s Mentoring Program relies on the active participation and support of employees, so it is crucial to create a buzz and excitement around the program within the organization.
Engaging Senior Leaders as Mentors
Engaging senior leaders as mentors is a crucial component of a successful women’s mentoring program. Senior leaders bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that can greatly benefit mentees. By participating in the program, senior leaders have the opportunity to give back to the organization and help shape the next generation of leaders.
One effective way to engage senior leaders as mentors is by highlighting the benefits of mentorship for both mentors and mentees. Mentoring allows senior leaders to develop their leadership skills further and gain fresh perspectives from mentees. It also provides an avenue for senior leaders to build meaningful relationships with mentees and contribute to their professional growth.
To encourage senior leaders to participate, it is important to clearly define the expectations and responsibilities of mentors. This includes setting aside dedicated time for mentoring activities and providing support and resources to mentors. By creating a supportive environment for mentors, organizations can ensure that senior leaders feel valued and motivated to engage in mentoring relationships.
Additionally, organizations can consider implementing a mentorship recognition program to acknowledge the contributions of senior leaders. This can include public recognition, rewards, or opportunities for professional development. Recognizing the efforts of senior leaders not only boosts their morale but also encourages others to get involved in the mentoring program.
Engaging senior leaders as mentors is a win-win situation for both the mentors and mentees. It fosters a culture of learning and development within the organization and helps create a pipeline of future leaders.
Creating Mentorship Application and Selection Process
If you are interested in joining the Women MAKE Mentorship Program as a mentor, or know of someone who would benefit from becoming a mentee, check out the application. The deadline for applying is Tuesday, Feb. 28. You can also tune in to the next Women Connect webinar on “Building Your Personal Brand” on Thursday, Feb. 16. And last, if you have questions, please contact the Women MAKE team at [email protected].
Identifying Potential Mentees
When it comes to identifying potential mentees, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First, think about the type of guidance you would like to provide. You may be interested in supporting someone in your own industry or helping a young person find their path in life. Consider if you want to focus on career-related mentorships or if you have other areas of interest.
Once you have determined your preferences, you can start looking for programs within your industry or community. There are various resources available to help you find mentoring opportunities. For example, MENTOR is an aggregator that connects you with a wide range of programs, from working with school-age kids to graduates starting their careers. Another option is to explore online mentoring programs that allow you to connect with mentees virtually.
Additionally, consider reaching out to organizations or charities that focus on specific populations or causes. For instance, if you are interested in mentoring young adults from low-income families, you can explore programs like Mentors of Color or charities that help students with college enrollment.
Remember, it’s important to align your interests and goals with the mentees you choose to work with. By finding the right match, you can make a meaningful impact and create a successful mentoring relationship.
Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion in Mentorship
Encouraging diversity and inclusion in mentorship is crucial for creating a supportive and inclusive environment. By actively seeking mentors and mentees from diverse backgrounds, we can ensure that different perspectives and experiences are represented in the program.
To promote diversity and inclusion, consider the following strategies:
- Implement a mentorship application and selection process that prioritizes diversity and inclusivity. This can include considering factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, and background when matching mentors and mentees.
- Advocate for women in your workplace and promote diversity and inclusivity within your company. This can be done through awareness campaigns, training programs, and creating a culture of inclusivity.
- Educate yourself on the unique challenges that women and underrepresented groups face in the workplace. This will help you better understand their needs and provide effective support.
Remember, diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords, but essential elements for building a successful women’s mentoring program. By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, we can create a program that truly empowers and supports women in their professional development.
Best Practices for Mentoring Relationships
Establishing Clear Communication Channels
Clear and effective communication is essential for a successful mentoring relationship. It allows mentors and mentees to share information, set expectations, and address any challenges that may arise. Here are some key strategies for establishing clear communication channels:
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Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-in meetings to discuss progress, goals, and any concerns. This provides an opportunity for open and honest communication.
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Defined Communication Methods: Determine the preferred communication methods for mentors and mentees, such as in-person meetings, phone calls, or email. Consistency in communication methods helps to ensure that messages are received and understood.
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Active Listening: Encourage active listening during communication exchanges. This involves giving full attention, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing key points to ensure understanding.
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Establishing Boundaries: Set clear boundaries for communication, such as response times and availability. This helps to manage expectations and ensure that both mentors and mentees have dedicated time for communication.
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Feedback and Reflection: Encourage mentors and mentees to provide feedback and reflect on their communication experiences. This allows for continuous improvement and adjustment of communication strategies.
By implementing these strategies, mentors and mentees can establish clear communication channels that foster a strong and effective mentoring relationship.
Setting Realistic Expectations
When establishing a mentoring relationship, it is important to set realistic expectations for both the mentor and the mentee. Setting clear and achievable goals can help guide the mentoring process and ensure that both parties are on the same page. It is important to remember that mentoring is a journey, and progress may take time. Open and honest communication is key in managing expectations and addressing any challenges that may arise.
To help set realistic expectations, here are some tips:
- Define clear objectives: Clearly define what the mentor and mentee hope to achieve through the mentoring relationship. This will provide a roadmap for the mentoring journey.
- Establish a timeline: Set a timeline for achieving specific goals and milestones. This will help keep the mentoring relationship focused and ensure progress is being made.
- Be flexible: Recognize that goals and priorities may change over time. Be open to adjusting expectations as needed.
Remember, the mentoring relationship is a partnership, and both the mentor and mentee should be committed to working together towards their goals.
Providing Support and Guidance
Providing support and guidance is a crucial aspect of a successful women’s mentoring program. Mentors play a vital role in offering advice, sharing their experiences, and helping mentees navigate challenges. They provide a safe space for mentees to discuss their goals, aspirations, and concerns, offering valuable insights and perspective. Mentors also offer emotional support, encouraging mentees to believe in themselves and their abilities.
One effective way to provide support and guidance is through regular check-ins. These check-ins allow mentors to assess mentees’ progress, provide feedback, and address any issues or challenges they may be facing. It also helps mentors build a strong relationship with their mentees, fostering trust and open communication.
Another important aspect of support and guidance is providing resources and tools to mentees. Mentors can share relevant articles, books, or online resources that can help mentees enhance their skills and knowledge. They can also connect mentees with professional networks or introduce them to industry events and opportunities.
Table:
| Support and Guidance Tips |
|---|
| Encourage mentees to set realistic goals and break them down into manageable steps. |
| Provide constructive feedback and guidance to help mentees improve their skills. |
| Offer encouragement and motivation during challenging times. |
| Help mentees develop strategies for overcoming obstacles and setbacks. |
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Remember, as a mentor, your role is to guide and support your mentee. Be patient, understanding, and always ready to lend a listening ear. Your support can make a significant impact on their personal and professional growth.
Encouraging Regular Check-Ins
Regular check-ins between mentors and mentees are crucial for maintaining a strong and effective mentoring relationship. These check-ins provide an opportunity for mentees to discuss their progress, challenges, and goals, while mentors can offer guidance, support, and feedback. Consistent communication is key to ensuring that both parties are on the same page and that the mentoring relationship is progressing in a positive direction.
To facilitate regular check-ins, consider implementing the following strategies:
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Establish a schedule: Set a regular cadence for check-ins, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This helps create a sense of routine and ensures that both mentors and mentees are committed to the process.
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Use various communication channels: Encourage mentors and mentees to utilize different communication tools, such as video calls, phone calls, or email, based on their preferences and availability. This allows for flexibility and accommodates different communication styles.
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Provide check-in templates or prompts: Offer mentors and mentees a list of questions or topics to guide their check-in conversations. This can help structure the discussions and ensure that important areas are covered.
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Encourage active listening: Emphasize the importance of active listening during check-ins. Mentors should give their full attention to mentees, show empathy, and ask follow-up questions to deepen understanding.
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Celebrate milestones and achievements: Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the progress and achievements of mentees during check-ins. This boosts motivation and reinforces the mentees’ sense of accomplishment.
Remember, regular check-ins are not only about tracking progress but also about building a strong mentoring relationship based on trust, support, and open communication.
Fostering Trust and Confidentiality
Fostering trust and confidentiality is crucial in a women’s mentoring program. Trust is the foundation of any successful mentoring relationship, as it creates a safe space for mentees to share their challenges, goals, and aspirations. Mentors should prioritize building trust by actively listening, being non-judgmental, and maintaining confidentiality.
To ensure confidentiality, mentors should establish clear guidelines and expectations regarding the privacy of mentee information. They should emphasize that any information shared during mentoring sessions will be kept confidential, unless there is a risk of harm to the mentee or others.
In addition to trust and confidentiality, it is important to establish open and honest communication channels. Mentors and mentees should feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and feedback. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help address any issues and ensure that the mentoring relationship remains effective and beneficial for both parties.
Remember, trust and confidentiality are the cornerstones of a successful women’s mentoring program, creating an environment where mentees can feel supported, empowered, and confident in their personal and professional growth.
Measuring the Success of a Women’s Mentoring Program
Collecting Feedback and Evaluating Outcomes
Collecting feedback and evaluating outcomes is a crucial step in measuring the success of a women’s mentoring program. It allows program organizers to gather valuable insights and make informed decisions for program improvement.
To collect feedback, program administrators can use various methods such as surveys, interviews, or focus groups. These methods provide an opportunity for mentors and mentees to share their experiences, identify areas of improvement, and suggest new ideas.
Once feedback is collected, it is important to analyze and evaluate the outcomes of the program. This can be done by comparing the initial goals and objectives of the program with the actual results achieved. Quantitative data, such as the number of mentees who achieved their career goals or the increase in mentees’ confidence levels, can be presented in a structured table to provide a clear overview of the program’s impact.
In addition to quantitative data, qualitative feedback from mentors and mentees can be summarized in a bulleted list to highlight key insights and success stories. This helps to showcase the program’s effectiveness in fostering professional growth and creating a supportive community.
Tip: Regularly collecting feedback and evaluating outcomes allows for continuous improvements and ensures that the women’s mentoring program remains relevant and impactful. It is important to create a culture of open communication and encourage participants to provide honest feedback for the program’s ongoing success.
Tracking Career Progression and Development
Tracking career progression and development is a crucial aspect of a women’s mentoring program. It allows both mentors and mentees to assess the impact of the program and make necessary adjustments. By monitoring the career growth of mentees, mentors can identify areas where additional support or guidance may be needed. Mentees can track their own progress and reflect on their achievements, which can boost their confidence and motivation.
To effectively track career progression and development, it is important to establish clear metrics and goals. This can include tracking promotions, salary increases, and new skill acquisitions. Regular check-ins between mentors and mentees can provide opportunities to discuss progress, set new goals, and address any challenges.
Additionally, collecting feedback from both mentors and mentees can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the program. This feedback can be used to make improvements and ensure the program continues to meet the needs of participants. Celebrating success stories and sharing them within the program can also inspire and motivate others to strive for their own career growth.
Overall, tracking career progression and development is essential for a women’s mentoring program to measure its impact and support the professional growth of mentees.
Celebrating Mentoring Success Stories
Mentoring success is defined by individual goals and aspirations. Mentees focus on achieving career advancements and skill development. Mentors find success in sharing wisdom and guiding mentees. Program administrators measure success through participation and positive reviews.
Making Continuous Improvements
Continuous improvement is a crucial aspect of any successful women’s mentoring program. By regularly evaluating and analyzing the program, organizations can identify areas for growth and make necessary adjustments to enhance the overall effectiveness. Here are some strategies to consider for making continuous improvements:
- Collecting Feedback and Evaluating Outcomes: Regularly gather feedback from mentors and mentees to assess their satisfaction and the impact of the program. Use this feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Tracking Career Progression and Development: Monitor the career progression and development of mentees to measure the program’s impact on their professional growth.
- Celebrating Mentoring Success Stories: Share success stories of mentees who have benefited from the program to inspire and motivate others.
- Implementing Mentorship Program Enhancements: Continuously explore new resources, tools, and training opportunities to enhance the mentorship program and provide mentors with the necessary support.
- Adapting to Changing Needs: Stay updated with the evolving needs and challenges faced by women in the workplace and adapt the program accordingly to address these issues.
By implementing these strategies, organizations can ensure that their women’s mentoring program remains relevant, impactful, and supportive of the participants’ professional growth and development.
Measuring the Success of a Women’s Mentoring Program
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a Women’s Mentoring Program is a transformative tool for organizations that recognize the pivotal role women’s leadership development plays in their growth. The success stories from programs like the Women MAKE Mentorship Program and the Mentoring Women’s Network Program show the significant impact that these initiatives can have on individual women and the broader community. Whether you’re an organization looking to develop your female talent or an individual seeking guidance and support, a well-structured mentoring program can be a game-changer. Remember, the goal is not just to create leaders, but to foster a culture of mentorship that will continue to empower women in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a women’s mentoring program?
A women’s mentoring program is a structured initiative that pairs experienced professionals (mentors) with less experienced individuals (mentees) to provide guidance, support, and career development opportunities.
Why are women’s mentoring programs important?
Women’s mentoring programs are important because they help address gender inequality in the workplace, create a supportive and inclusive environment, and provide opportunities for women to develop their skills, confidence, and leadership abilities.
Who can participate in a women’s mentoring program?
Both women mentors and mentees can participate in a women’s mentoring program. Mentors are typically experienced professionals who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise, while mentees are individuals who are looking for guidance and support in their professional development.
How are mentors and mentees matched in a women’s mentoring program?
Mentors and mentees are often matched based on their professional interests, goals, and compatibility. The program organizers may use a combination of self-selection, mentor-mentee surveys, and interviews to ensure a successful match.
What are some best practices for mentoring relationships?
Some best practices for mentoring relationships include establishing clear communication channels, setting realistic expectations, providing support and guidance, encouraging regular check-ins, and fostering trust and confidentiality.
How can the success of a women’s mentoring program be measured?
The success of a women’s mentoring program can be measured by collecting feedback and evaluating outcomes, tracking career progression and development of the participants, celebrating mentoring success stories, and making continuous improvements based on the feedback received.
