Ag Women’s Network wraps up pilot mentor-ship program

Oct 15, 2018

Guelph, ON – The Ag Women’s Network (AWN) recently wrapped up its first mentorship program with an event with participants celebrating its success.

Last fall, 10 mentee and mentor pairs from a variety of agriculture backgrounds piloted the program – the first mentorship program in Ontario that aims to empower women of all ages and backgrounds involved in the agricultural industry.

Mentees were matched with a mentor to guide them over eight months working through a roadmap document provided by AWN to help mentees outline their goals and for mentors to identify how they can support their aspirations.

"The AWN mentorship program was a great opportunity! With support from my mentor, it helped me focus on and figure out the steps needed to achieve my personal and professional goals. It was also a great way to meet other women in agriculture!" Said program participant Phyllis MacCallum, who was mentored by Deb Stark.

"The Ag Women's Network appreciates the dedication of all the mentees and mentors who completed this pilot," said AWN Chair, Jen Christie. "Thank you to the volunteers who helped support and develop the program, and we wish our participants continued success!"

Program participants included:

Jenna de Corte & Amanda Peer
Madison Cherwoniak & Meaghan Ryersee
Stacey Jibb & Marilyn Sewell
Phyllis MacCallum & Deb Stark
Laurena Matthies & Claire Cowan
Kathleen Baird & Marie McNabb
Jackie Shaw & Russell Gammon
Rain Maki & Katie Normet
Jodie Aldred & Phil Emmott
Karen Mansfield & Carol Kitchen

AWN was pleased with the initial results of the mentorship program and will use participant feedback to evolve the program. More details will be released later this fall about how to participate in the next intake period, planned to start in early 2019.

To learn more about the Ag Women’s Network, visit agwomensnetwork.com. Request to join the private Facebook group, like the public Facebook page or follow the @agwomensnetwork on Twitter.

About the Ag Women’s Network

Formed in 2013, the Ag Women’s Network (AWN) is passionately focused on cultivating and connecting leaders for a strong agriculture sector. With more than 2000 members, the AWN is a diverse cross-section of primary producers and professionals that represent and participate in all facets of the agriculture and agri-food industry. Based in Ontario, the AWN is working towards an inclusive agriculture industry through the empowerment of women. For more information please visit www.agwomensnetwork.com.