At Tomorrow’s Women TODAY, we assert that mentoring—whether formal or informal—is a crucial component of professional career development. As such, mentoring is a key tenet of our mission. Our programs are designed to facilitate meaningful connections that enhance knowledge and provide a supportive environment for addressing both personal and professional challenges and successes.
We envision a world where aspiring young women have visibility and access to accomplished women leaders, creating a platform for these leaders to Pay It Forward and inspire a ripple effect of growth and advancement. In these unprecedented times, women need support, guidance, and inspiration more than ever, making mentoring programs more impactful than ever.
Our mentoring programs offer members the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and peers through both formal and informal channels. These relationships provide a valuable space to exchange experiences, share strategies and tools, and new open doors shaped by the personal and career journeys of the parties involved.
Our Mentoring Model: The Pay It Forward Pipeline Program
Tomorrow’s Women TODAY is a unique network, committed to walking alongside women throughout their leadership journey, advancing with them as their careers evolve. With approximately 350 members across early, emerging, and executive tiers, TWToday stands out from other professional women’s networks with its unwavering “advance together” approach. By fostering both formal and informal mentoring relationships, we aim to create a ripple effect that equips and advances the leaders of tomorrow. At Tomorrow’s Women TODAY, we understand the transformative power of mentoring, and we are steadfast in our commitment to providing opportunities that support the personal and professional growth of our members.
Our Pay It Forward Pipeline (PIFP) Program, a formal mentoring and leadership development initiative, has been meticulously crafted to connect emerging leaders and rising executives with women of notable influence and accomplishment. This annual program offers preparatory training for participants to maximize their experience, monthly 1:1 consultations, and a mix of virtual and in-person networking events supporting participants in building connections across the entire cohort of mentees and mentors at large. Mentor matches are hand selected, and based on a range of factors across career priorities, significant personal or professional transitions, industry, and beyond. Results of the PIFP program include promotions, job offers, salary renegotiations, strengthened management skills, leadership presence, and performance, and pivotal life decisions made with confidence.
Why Mentor?
Mentoring is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy as a leader. By sharing your knowledge and experience with an emerging leader, you can help shape her leadership style, guide her career decisions, and impart valuable wisdom. Mentoring also keeps you connected to the current challenges and issues that women face as they advance in their careers.
- Enhance Leadership and Coaching Skills: Mentoring offers a unique opportunity to develop and refine your leadership and coaching abilities. By guiding and supporting your mentee, you improve your communication skills, learn to provide constructive feedback, and inspire others to reach their full potential.
- Pay It Forward: Mentoring allows you to give back to your profession or industry by contributing to the growth and success of the next generation. There is great fulfillment in sharing your experiences and helping others navigate their career paths.
- Continuous Learning: Engaging with your mentee offers a chance to stay informed about new technologies, methodologies, and trends. Through these interactions, you gain fresh perspectives and insights, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Why Be Mentored?
Participating in our mentoring program as an emerging leader or rising executive gives you the invaluable opportunity to connect with an influential women leader. You will seek her insight on topics you’re working through, discuss your career path, and learn from her journey up the career ladder. Having a mentor is a powerful way to gain guidance and knowledge from someone who has successfully navigated the challenges you’re facing.
- Support and Knowledge: As a mentee, you receive valuable support and expertise from your mentor. Whether you’re tackling workplace challenges or making critical career decisions, you can rely on your mentor’s experience to help you make informed choices and overcome obstacles.
- Increased Productivity: With a mentor’s guidance, you can become a more productive and effective employee. Mentors help you sharpen your skills, improve time management, and enhance problem-solving abilities, all of which contribute to greater efficiency in your role.
- Career Advancement and Earnings Improvement: Mentorship often leads to career growth and improved earnings. Your mentor can open doors to new opportunities, offer insights into various career paths, and help you develop the skills necessary to advance in your profession.
Why Should Companies Participate in the PIFP?
While many companies implement mentoring programs internally, our research has shown that mentorship is most effective when employees are connected with a mentor from outside their company, because of their ability to offer a neutral and decidedly confidential space for both parties. Additionally, highly effective mentoring programs require a degree of programmatic investment and visibility that remains challenging for most companies to pull off. Sponsoring your employees in the PIFP program is an investment in all your rising women leaders, and your next cohort of C-suite talent.
- Employee Engagement: Mentorship programs foster a sense of community and engagement for employees, beyond the walls of your company. Employees who participate in mentorship are more likely to feel connected, valued, and engaged, contributing to a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Increased Retention: Mentorship plays a key role in reducing employee turnover. The support and guidance provided by mentors lead to higher job satisfaction and professional development, making employees more likely to remain with the organization.
- Leadership Skills Development: Organizations benefit from mentorship programs by developing future leaders. Mentorship helps identify and nurture leadership potential within the workforce, ensuring a strong pipeline of skilled and capable leaders.
- Company Loyalty: Employees who engage in mentorship programs often develop a stronger sense of loyalty to the organization. Investing in their professional growth through mentorship creates a positive perception of the company, leading to increased loyalty and long-term commitment.
How can you get involved?
Mentoring opportunities are available to all members. To join Tomorrow’s Women TODAY, please complete the membership application. Please note, your information will remain confidential to our membership committee and will not be shared with third parties.
If you are interested in mentoring or would like to know more about Tomorrow’s Women TODAY'S mentoring events, contact Lauren Pimpare at [email protected]