AWN launches pilot mentorship program

Sep 15, 2017

– The Ag Women’s Network (AWN) is pleased to announce the launch of a pilot mentorship program for AWN members in Ontario. “We’re excited to offer this opportunity to our membership,” said Jennifer Christie, chairperson of AWN. “Mentorship is important if we want to see women advance and lead our industry forward.”

The eight-month pilot program will accept a handful of mentees that reflect the demographics of AWN. Mentees will then be carefully matched with industry leaders. Mentors and mentees will work through a “road map” – a document provided by AWN to help mentees outline their goals and for mentors to identify how they can support their aspirations.

There are three main objectives for the mentorship program:

• A mentorship program that celebrates the diversity of women in agriculture, the different roles in agriculture, and the demographics and richness of a variety of perspectives.
• A mentorship program that builds authentic relationships and supports upward mentorship.
• A mentorship program that builds from the grass roots membership and is openended enough to adjust as we learn more and build on our successes.

The program will be supported by two team leads, Amanda Brodhagen and Joan Craig who have worked closely together over the past couple of months to help see this idea come to fruition. Mentee and mentor pairs will work independently with the support from AWN team leads.

“Connecting and empowering women in agriculture through sharing, learning and personal development is what we’re all about. This pilot program will take AWN to the next step and will help build and expand relationships within the industry, said Christie. Applications will be accepted until September 30th, 2017. Forms for both mentees and mentors as well as additional information about the program can be found on the AWN website. Both men and women are welcome to apply to become mentors.

Source: AGWomensnetwork