IWC Mentoring Program
Mentorship programs formalize relationships between professionals in a particular industry and those who are new and wishing to enter that industry.
The major function of the Illinois Women in Cannabis (IWC) Mentoring Program is to promote the mentee’s development in specified areas previously identified by the mentee and to ensure a successful completion of the program.
The program also aims to be the first step to develop a pipeline for women who are passionate about cannabis and who will eventually become stewards and leaders in the cannabis industry in years to come.
The purpose of the mentoring program is to help mentees reach their professional development objectives. IWC selects women of all ages and positions for a chance to be matched up with mentors in the legal cannabis industry.
Goal:
To offer a structured setting in which to develop beneficial one-on-one relationships between mentors and mentees.
The 8-week mentoring program provides mentors and mentees a meaningful opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Benefits of a Mentoring Program for Mentees
A successful mentor program provides opportunities for mentees to:
- Explore the world of work through interaction with professionals in the cannabis industry in a career of their choice.
- Gain an experienced practitioner’s perspective on real-life, work situations.
- Familiarize themselves with corporate protocol and culture.
- Identify professional development needs.
- Realize the value of networking.
- Develop a meaningful professional relationship over a specified period of time.
- Demonstrate strengths and identify areas of potential growth.
Benefits of a Mentoring Program for Mentors
A mentor program benefits professionals by allowing them, as mentors, to:
- Contribute to the professional development of the future legal cannabis workforce.
- Identify potential talent and new hires for their own organization.
- Assist mentees in beginning successful careers in the new legal industry.
- Give something back to their profession and the cannabis industry.
- Renew passion for their position of the skilled professional in the cannabis industry.
- Build their own skills in leading and developing others.
- Cultivate an individual style of leadership for the professional to put into practice.
- Demonstrate proficiency and share cannabis industry knowledge.
Please note IWC Membership is required to participate in our mentoring program. Click here to join us!
Program Dates
Mentor Interest Form Opens Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Mentee Application Opens, Friday, September 1, 2023
Application Deadline, Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Application reviews: Wednesday, November 29 – Sunday, December 3, 2023
Program notifications, Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Program Kick-off: Thursday, December 8, 2023
Mid-point check-ins, January 30 – February 3, 2024
End of program: Monday, March 4 – Friday, March 8, 2024
APPLY TODAY!
Mentor Interest Form
Deadline: Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 5 PM CST
Mentee Application
Opens Friday, September 1, 2023
Deadline: Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 5 PM CST
“I wanted to reach out to you and tell you how amazing this experience was for me. I hope it was the same for S. She’s absolutely tremendous. I know this is, at its core, bringing a new generation of women into cannabis. I have to tell you, meeting with my mentee every week inspired me. When this business kicks you every day, it’s nice to have someone who has so much passion, energy, and enthusiasm to remind you why you got into cannabis. So thank you for creating this program. It would be an honor to continue it, and I’ll do whatever you need to promote it.” – IWC Mentor
“Wanted to rave about my mentor, you ladies did an amazing job pairing us together. She has gone above and beyond to help with my presentation skills, career growth and in general cares about my wellbeing. We met for breakfast this morning and had an additional call today.” – IWC Mentee
2023 – 2024 IWC Committee Officers
Neffér-Oduntunde A. Kerr
Professional Development and Education Committee Chair
Kelly Judge Goldberg, M.Ed.
Professional Development & Education Committee Co-Chair
Silvia Rogel
Board of Directors