NEXT GEN:
EXECUTIVE DIVERSITY MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The Mission
The Women Wednesday Next Gen Mentorship Program seeks to uplift women and non-binary people of color in the executive pipeline of the entertainment industry in the hopes of sculpting a more diverse array of decision-makers. By forming and nurturing mentorship relationships, we hope to create an exceptional class of executives, producers, agents, and managers.
Spanning from March 2023 to March 2024, the Next Gen program will match early career individuals with carefully selected seasoned mentors, who will provide guidance and serve as allies to mentees experiencing the unique and challenging waters of one’s first few years in the entertainment business. Mentors will also be provided with leadership and management training throughout the program to continue their own growth and development.
By the end of the program, our goal is for mentors to feel better equipped to be mindful, self-aware leaders, and for mentees to feel prepared to succeed in this business long-term.
Application Timeline
Wednesday, February 1st 2023 @ 12PM PST / 3PM EST: Applications Open
Wednesday, February 15th 2023 @ 11:59PM PST / 2:59AM EST: Mentee Applications Close
Wednesday, February 22nd 2023 @ 11:59PM PST / 2:59AM EST: Mentor Applications Close
Monday, March 13th 2023: Announce Selected Participants & Mentors/Mentee Matches
FAQ
What is the time commitment as a mentee or mentor?
Rather than loading up your schedules with meetings at regular intervals, we expect mentor and mentee pairs to form relationships organically and connect as often as works for their relationship. While we do want participants committed to the program, we’ll ask in the application how much time you have to give and meet you where you’re at during our matching process should you be selected. Outside of speaking with your mentor/mentee on your own time, we’ll have pre-training sessions for all, as well as panels with guest speakers every few months, a variety of events and meet-ups (when it’s possible!), and our own tracking board – all of which you can participate in as much as your schedule allows.
How many people are in the program?
We will be accepting approximately 50 mentors and 50 mentees.
Can I be both a mentee and mentor?
While you may qualify for both in terms of experience, you may only apply as either a mentee or a mentor for a given program cycle.
How much experience do I need to apply to be a mentor or a mentee?
We will make our mentorship matches based on what will best help mentees level up. You may apply to be a mentee if you are a student, intern, or first or second-year assistant/coordinators, and will be matched with coordinators and CEs with 3-6 years of experience who are in touch with early career decisions! Seasoned assistants/coordinators and newly appointed CEs with at least 3 years of experience may also apply as mentees to be matched with mid-level executive mentors (DOD/Manager/VP) with approximately 7-12 years of experience who can help mentees make the elusive transition into owning their own work in an executive role. We understand you may qualify as both mentor and mentee, so it's up to you to decide what you want to get out of this program.
Can I apply again if I participated last year?
We welcome past mentors and mentees to apply as mentors. If you previously participated in the WW mentorship program as a mentee, we ask that you please not reapply as a mentee candidate, and consider applying as a mentor. Your experience can be monumentally valuable to a new incoming applicant and we hope you'll join us in this new rotation as a mentor.