ABWA Mentorship Program
The Alliance of Black Women Accountants Mentorship Program facilitates collaborative relationships between experienced ABWA professionals (mentors) and individuals developing their careers in accounting and finance (mentees), including students and emerging professionals.
Professional mentors support mentees by providing networking opportunities, raising awareness of internships and career pathways, sharing best practices for professional development, and offering insight into the day to day responsibilities of positions within the accounting and finance fields. Most importantly, mentors help mentees develop the confidence and leadership skills needed to grow in the profession.
The ABWA Mentorship Program currently operates through two annual cohorts.
Fall Cohort
- → Application window: April 1 to September 30
- → Matching period: October 1 to October 20
- → Program start: November 1
- → Program length: 12 months
Spring Cohort
- → Application window: October 1 to March 31
- → Matching period: April 1 to April 20
- → Program start: May 1
- → Program length: 12 months
This cohort structure allows participants to enter the program at two points during the year while maintaining a consistent twelve month mentoring experience.
“A mentor empowers a person to see a possible future, and believe it can be obtained.” Shawn Hitchcock
PROGRAM GOALS
Provide mentees with knowledge and encouragement by sharing experiences in accounting and finance that reinforces and enhances the specific knowledge and skills gained through their educational programs.
Create a supportive environment for mentees to openly discuss their academic or career-related challenges, facilitating collaborative brainstorming sessions to explore potential solutions.
Provide networking opportunities for mentees to learn about best practices in their specific concentration. For instance, mentors will encourage mentees to attend general meetings and networking events hosted by ABWA or their partners.
Provide mentees with exposure to resources for potential internship and employment opportunities based on partnerships with organizations and employers.
"Our vision is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive community of empowered accounting and finance professionals, where mentorship becomes a cornerstone of excellence."
BECOME A MENTEE
Apply to be Matched with One of Our ABWA Mentors!
Benefits in Joining ABWA Mentorship as a Mentee
Have access to resources unavailable to their peers.Mentees will receive first-hand experiences in connecting theories learned in the classroom to the business world.
Deepen their understanding of the requirements for success in the accounting and finance professions.
Gain confidence while enhancing professional skills.
BECOME A MENTOR
Apply to Join Our Mentorship Program as a Mentor
Are you an experienced professional in accounting or finance? Your expertise and guidance can make a significant difference in shaping the future of aspiring women in these fields. We invite you to become a mentor in our dynamic mentorship program.Benefits for ABWA Professionals
• Continued development and enhancement of leadership skills.
• Opportunity to impact the lives of others in a meaningful way.
• Assist students with career goals.
Commitment / Duration: This is a year-long commitment, fostering deep, impactful connections.
Meetings: Engage in monthly meetings, each lasting about an hour, to guide and support your mentee.
Impact: Increase the exposure to opportunities and ability of your mentee to succeed through sharing your experience as well as resources available through the ABWA membership.
Feedback for Future: Your insights are crucial. At the program's end, a survey will help us enhance its effectiveness and your experience as a mentor.
HOW TO JOIN
Interested in making a difference?
Start by filling out the Mentor Application.
