A new mentoring program developed by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA) has been launched to foster personal and professional development for the next generation of women leaders.
The 2025 Mentoring Program is an extension to NWIIWA’s mission – to provide a platform that offers support, education, and connections in an effort to advance women across industries and within their communities.
The program allows mentees to take charge of their personal and professional growth, relying on the encouragement, expertise and guidance of a mentor with whom they have been matched based on professional and industry alignment, goals and communication preferences.
“As a mentee-driven initiative, this program is designed to empower women, not simply to control the direction of someone else’s path,” said Aida Abuelizam, co-chair of the NWIIWA Mentoring Program. “Mentees can expect to be in the driver’s seat, steering their way to improving confidence, reaching new goals and building strategies for themselves. All the while, the mentors will be there to help guide them and encourage that self-discovery.”
Program mentees will build skills in leadership capabilities through coaching, support and actionable feedback. Participants will receive guidance about identifying and advancing career goals and exploring expanded network paths that lead to meaningful relationships.
Throughout the 6-month program, with the first scheduled for June through November, mentees will schedule four 1-hour in-person or virtual sessions with their mentors to discuss goals and other topics. Checklists will be provided to help organize thoughts and prepare discussion points prior to the peer-to-peer meetings. Mentees must maintain an active NWIIWA membership and can lead their growth by attending all scheduled program activities and professional development sessions offered through the program. As seasoned industry members, mentors are invited to offer constructive feedback, highlight strengths and suggest new perspectives.
“Wisdom is meant to be shared, and this program opens the door for that kind of inclusive and trusted experience,” said Andrea Pearman, co-chair of the NWIIWA Mentoring Program. “While our mentors are supporting mentees, all program participants will have access to NWIIWA’s extensive resources, including a mentoring committee ready to provide tools and guidance when needed.”
The 2025 NWIIWA Mentoring Program committee members include: Amy Henningfield, Margie Hofmann, Penny Schlyer, Marisa Valdez, Eileen Patterson, and Shelby Case.
A kick-off celebration with all mentors, mentees and committee members will be held in July.
As part of the program, mentees will have an opportunity to gain clarity about the way forward through the completion of the CliftonStrengths assessment, a tool used to help identify strengths and talents. Participants will also receive a ticket to the Professional Development Program and a full-admission ticket to the Professional Women’s Conference. The dynamic annual event draws hundreds of professionals for a full day of education and connection through speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities. A recognition program for all graduates of the program will be held during the Professional Women’s Conference.
The 2025 NWIIWA Mentoring Program is valued at $475. However, the cost for mentees is only $75, as the organization will provide a $400 grant for each participant. There is no charge to participate in the program as a mentor.
Mentors can register for the program by completing this form. Mentees can apply by completing this form. Applications for the first mentorship session will open May 15, 2025, and close June 1, 2025.
