I can, I will, I must!
WISE is an initiative that seeks to inspire, support and empower individuals who self-identify as women by offering educational opportunities to develop knowledge and leadership skills, build professional and personal connections, promote the presence of professional women, and foster mentoring relationships. Housed within the Cesar Chavez Learning Center, it offers students:
- One-on-one mentoring with local Professional Women
- Monthly Mentor/Mentee Sessions using the ATHENA LEADERSHIP Model
- Job Shadowing and Externships
Our 2022 Leadership Development Program offers both virtual and in-person opportunities!
Using the ATHENA Leadership Model, WISE scholars become engaged in these eight principles: living authentically, learning constantly, advocating fiercely, acting courageously, fostering collaboration, building relationships, giving back and celebrating.
Benefits of Mentoring
FOR MENTORS
- Invest in others!
- Recognition as an expert and leader
- Exposure to fresh perspectives, ideas and approaches
- Development of leadership and coaching styles
- Opportunity to give back
FOR MENTEES
- Leadership Training – Athena Model
- Professional development
- Career development
- Build confidence
- Develop new skills and knowledge
Time Commitment and Program Structure
- Participate two-consecutive semesters
- Attend facilitated Leadership sessions throughout the academic year (Complete Athena Model)
- Monthly one-to-one meetings, either in person or by phone
- Be an active participant of program offerings/services
Participant Requirements and Expectations
The program seeks students who are first-generation, underrepresented and/or individuals seeking mentorship, belonging and leadership building skills. In addition, participants should have a desire for service learning, community development, intellectual curiosity, and willingness to connect with others from diverse backgrounds is essential.
- Participants accept and agree to the terms set forth by the program agreement
- Participants enter into a one-to-one mentoring relationship
- Each mentoring pair establishes at least one specific career development goal at the outset and then works toward achieving that goal over the course of the program
- Participants attend a series of facilitated, onsite group sessions that are integral elements of the program. These sessions allow for dialogue among the group, giving participants the opportunity to develop additional professional connections, address career issues, discuss challenges and solutions, and share perspectives.
