For the second year, the YDMAW has continued its Mentorship Program providing young professionals with invaluable guidance and support from seasoned professionals. This year, four women industry leaders – Katy Jordan, Victoria Mannoia, Zakeia Rodgers, and Tiffany Delgado – generously volunteered their time and expertise to mentor small groups of five young professionals, offering a unique space for open and honest conversations.

These small groups met twice over the course of two months, creating a welcoming environment to discuss career journeys, industry challenges, and personal growth. With intimate groups, the mentees felt comfortable openly sharing their experiences and received personalized advice from leaders who have navigated similar situations in their own careers.

While it’s not always possible for all participants to meet in person due to location constraints, we strongly encourage those attending the Bridge Conference to take advantage of the opportunity to connect. This year, it was exciting to see several individuals and groups, including Katy Jordan’s, take full advantage of this chance to meet face-to-face. These in-person meetups not only helped deepen the relationships formed during the virtual sessions but also provided a familiar face for those attending Bridge for the first time. Many mentees are also planning to meet up with their mentors even now that the program is over – a testament to how the program helps mentees forge lasting relationships and find long-term mentors who can support their career growth well beyond the program's timeframe.

Feedback from both mentors and mentees this year has been overwhelmingly positive. Many young professionals expressed how valuable it was to have a space to talk through challenges and receive guidance from those who truly understand the industry’s landscape. Equally important was the ability to network with fellow young professionals across various experience levels, creating a supportive space and “experiencing validation amongst peers.”

Looking ahead, there is strong interest from both sides to continue growing this program. Many participants expressed they would have loved more time with their mentors and mentees. So, as we look to next year, we hope to expand the program creating additional opportunities for participants to engage with one another, both virtually and in person. Our goal is to not only help young professionals navigate their careers but also to foster long-term relationships that will serve them well throughout their professional journeys.

If you're interested in being a mentee in 2025, fill out this form. If you'd like to become a mentor, use this form.

Katie Tamaro is a Digital Fundraising Manager at Citymeals on Wheels in NYC. She can be reached at ktamaro@citymeals.org.