Empowering Future Leaders: 1,000 Dreams Fund Launches MentorHER Initiative for 2025

Empowering Future Leaders: 1,000 Dreams Fund Launches MentorHER Initiative for 2025



In celebration of National Mentoring Month this January, the 1,000 Dreams Fund (1DF) has proudly announced the sixth year of its pivotal women's mentoring program, MentorHER. As a notable commitment to this initiative, Colgate-Palmolive has returned as the Title Sponsor, reinforcing their dedication to empowering young women in their pursuit of career goals.

Addressing the Mentor Gap


Research from the 1DF reveals a concerning statistic: a staggering 70% of American women between the ages of 18-25 have never experienced mentorship. This gap has fueled the inception of MentorHER, which aims to connect professional women from various industries with underserved students. The goal? To forge impactful mentor-mentee relationships that facilitate academic success and professional growth.

The Role of Colgate-Palmolive


As a founding partner of the MentorHER initiative, Colgate-Palmolive is committed to enhancing women's leadership pathways by enlisting employee mentors to guide young women. The company also continues its support for the Colgate-Palmolive Scholars Program, funding nine $2,000 microgrants for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Sally Massey, Chief Human Resources Officer at Colgate-Palmolive, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "Our company believes in our purpose to reimagine a healthier future for all, recognizing its ties to education. This collaboration empowers women pursuing healthcare careers."

MentorHER's Impact Since 2019


Since its inception in 2019, MentorHER has successfully provided over 1,000 hours of mentorship across various sectors. The program has fostered valuable connections not only from leading Fortune 500 companies like HARMAN but also from vibrant local businesses and nonprofit organizations, including the Legal Defense Fund. In conjunction with the school year, MentorHER blends multiple forms of mentorship, including 11 virtual mentorship sessions, workshops, and on-site visits to partner company locations.

Upcoming Events and Expansion Plans


In February, Siemens Healthineers, a vital coalition partner, will host an upcoming live MentorHER event at their Walpole, MA facility for up to 50 college students from the Boston region. This opportunity allows participants to gain insights from senior executives and experience the inner workings of a leading healthcare technology company.
Sharon Bracken, President of Siemens Healthineers Diagnostics, expressed her excitement for the event, “Mentorship fosters the confidence to pursue bold ambitions and transform lives. We’re honored to mentor aspiring women and help them realize their full potential.”

To reach the ambitious target of 1,000 hours of mentorship for this year, 1DF is actively seeking new partners while encouraging professionals across all career levels to join the initiative. Colleagues at both small and large organizations, including those in the C-suite, are invited to extend their support and guidance.

Opportunities for Mentees and Mentors


Eligible participants include high school, college, and graduate-level students across the nation, with additional invitations extended to international students studying in the U.S. Interested professionals can become mentors by applying via the Mentor Intake Application on the 1DF website.

Conclusion


As the MentorHER initiative rolls out this year, 1DF remains steadfast in its mission to reduce barriers for talented women and provide them with the mentorship and resources they need to thrive. Christie Garton, founder and CEO of 1,000 Dreams Fund, remarked, “With our coalition partners joining us this year, we are excited to expedite our efforts in reaching our goal of over 1,000 mentorship hours.”

For more information on becoming involved with 1,000 Dreams Fund's MentorHER Initiative, please visit 1000dreamsfund.org/programs/mentorher-initiative.

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