Earlier this month YES! Columbus talked about the benefits of finding balance between career and personal life. The YES community is a testament to how multifaceted women are today. Not only are women leading in their career fields, they’re also volunteering and serving as leaders in the community, running side hustles and starting businesses, and caring for families all while managing to make it to a 6am spin class.
With such full plates, it can undoubtedly be challenging to strike that perfect balance between career and home. But you don’t have to go at it alone; having a strong support system can make a big difference. At YES, we often emphasize the importance of community-building and support in empowering and uplifting women. When speaking to the women that inspire us, or hearing how they managed to attain their professional goals, they often credit having at least one influential person who made all the difference.
Dress For Success Columbus understands that need and has implemented a program that links women together through mentorship. In fostering a safe and supportive environment, Women2Women (W2W) helps both mentor and mentee build upon their professional development and shape a rewarding career journey. Read below to learn more.
The TL;DR
W2W is a 6-month commitment where mentors and mentees spend at least 2-4 hours per month meeting, building rapport, and evaluating progress. Mentors and mentees work together to set attainable goals, check-in, and celebrate graduation upon completion of the program.
Director of Programs, Arica Morgan spoke to YES about how the W2W program “is designed to help mentees be successful in their next phase of life”. W2W connects women at different stages of their career from a variety of industries and professional backgrounds. The program doesn’t focus on a specific career track or background, rather it is open to women at any level in their chosen profession who want to network, set and achieve career goals, and grow professionally.
W2W can also be a welcome resource for women in traditionally male-dominated fields or workplaces where there aren’t many other women who look like them. W2W connects women from a variety of backgrounds and shared experiences. Mentoring can also serve as a resource for women just starting out in their careers as well as women further along, whether they’re re-entering the workforce after raising a family or encountering later-stage career transitions. For some, connecting with other women who are going through or have encountered the same challenges can be just as helpful as the goal setting itself. Program Manager, Bridgett McKinnon, signed up for W2W upon navigating a return to the workplace after having a child. She was connected with a mentor and noted how “having guidance and encouragement, and a support system” was instrumental for her during significant life transitions.
So, why mentorship?
Mentorship is beneficial to both the mentee and mentor. While the mentee certainly receives the benefit of guidance and support, heightened confidence, and an increased network, program mentors say the program is just as beneficial to their own growth. Mentoring not only offers mentors the opportunity to reflect on their own growth and career journeys, but develop coaching skills, gain new perspectives and insight into their staff, and allow them to lend their experience and insights to help others.
Interested in becoming a mentor or learning more about Women2Women? Visit the program website here.