After months of research and planning, Women in Training, Inc. is kicking off the WIT Mentor Program!
“Gender socialization and bias begins at a young age for girls,” said Adeyela Bennett, CEO of Women in Training, Inc. “This negatively impacts leadership development, economic mobility and education equity for girls. As a consequence, a little more than 50% of the population are not given the tools needed to realize their highest potential. Gender socialization and bias can impact a girl’s belief in her ability, her view of what constitutes a leader, her overall confidence and confidence as a leader, and/or what talents she cultivates and careers she pursues.”
The WIT Mentor Program is designed to combat gender socialization and bias. It is important that girls are not only exposed to leadership development opportunities and career options, but that intentional efforts are made to create programs that overcome these barriers.
“Research has shown that leadership and mentor programs for young women can increase their self-confidence, broaden career options, and mitigate the power of gendered messages,” said Megan Allison, volunteer coordinator of the WIT Mentor Program. “The sooner young women have exposure to positive female role models in a range of career fields, the better prepared they will be to think ‘outside the box’ with regards to their future.”
As a STEM undergraduate, a retired Air Force pilot, and in her current field of leadership development, Allison is well aware of the value of mentors.
“This is a great opportunity to not only participate in a very energetic and passionate organization but to strengthen your ties to the local community and create positive connections with young women in Montgomery,” Allison said. “We would love to have women share their experiences, success stories and challenges with young women who will benefit greatly from their wisdom. Participation in this program promises to be rewarding for both our mentees and mentors.”
All WIT Mentor candidates must undergo a background check. To apply, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/UKLVqQDJ8X6B8Eti6
