Our goal is simple- to provide underemployed African immigrant professionals a personal resource for guidance, support, encouragement, and coaching, with the goal of assisting African immigrant professionals to attain positions that are comparable with their skill set. Our approach is unique, because it requires mentors and mentees to be intentional in achieving the program goal of placing mentees in positions that are comparable with their skills set. Mentors will serve as advocates for mentees by using their influence and network to connect mentees to jobs, people, and resources.
In most immigrant home countries, citizens are aware of the importance and influence of networks and mentors; it is through networks and connections that most jobs and career level connections are made, and the same rules apply in the United States.
Over the course of 6 months, mentors will help immigrant professionals build social capitals by working directly with participants to assist them in understanding the social workings of organizations, and prepare participants for leadership positions in their professions and their communities. Mentors will work with mentee to develop tangible goals, help craft a career development plan, and assist the mentee in finding a job that matches their skills and experiences.
Each mentorship will be between one mentor and one mentee who is either already working in the same general field as the mentor or would like to. Pairs will be assigned one member of the subcommittee as their point person, who will be there to give guidance, advice, and to take feedback and address concerns. We welcome any and all comments that may help us improve and refine this program so that it truly works to combat the underutilization of African immigrant skills and experiences in the workplace.
Become a Mentor:
Requirements:
● At least 5 years of experience in any given field preferably in a managerial or leadership role
● Interest in developing the leadership capabilities of others
● Commitment to assisting mentee in finding a position that matches their skills set
● Availability to meet with mentee at minimum once per month
● Commitment to enter into a mentoring partnership agreement and to honor the mentoring work plan established with the mentee
● Commitment to uphold the privacy and confidentiality of the mentee
● Respect and consideration for the mentee’s growth, development, and learning journey
● Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries
● Commitment to role model positive leadership behaviors
● Highly developed communication skills
● Ability to engage respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
Become a Mentee:
Requirements:
● Should have at least a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years work experience
● Must be legally authorized to work
● Should be willing to commitment to 12- hours of mentoring and training over a 6-month period
● Strong willingness to make a positive change in their lives and careers
Applications will be available on January 16, 2022!
