Introducing the Chicago Chapter's WISE Within Mentorship Program
(Applications Open)
We're incredibly excited to announce the launch of the Chicago Chapter's WISE Within Mentorship Program.
The WISE Within Chicago Mentorship Program connects early- and mid-career women with experienced professionals across Chicagoland to foster meaningful one-on-one relationships. The program offers personalized guidance, fresh perspectives, and support for professional growth. Mentors help mentees navigate the industry, expand their networks, and challenge their thinking—while reinforcing WISE Chicago’s mission to empower women and advance leadership in sports and events.
If you're interested in participating in the Pilot Launch of our local program, links to sign up as a mentor and mentee are below.
Common questions about the program are below, but feel free to send any additional questions to: wise_chi@wiseworks.org
What is the Chicago Chapter's WISE Within Mentor Program?
The WISE Within Chicago Mentorship Program constitutes a six-month long mentorship program where senior-level leaders are paired with mentees with the goal of sharing their knowledge and experience. The locally-established one-to-one pairings are carefully selected so that they create a strong and valuable bond. The Pilot Program will run from July—December 2025.
How does the program differ from the WISE National WISE Within Mentor Program?
The National program pairs individuals across the entirety of the WISE network. The Chicago program consists of locally-established, one-to-one pairings that are carefully selected so that they create a strong and valuable bond. The local pairings allow opportunities to connect in-person, supported by scheduled meetups coordinated by the WISE Chicago WISE Within leadership team.
What is the timeline of the program?
We expect match ups to occur in late June, with the program kicking off in early July. The program will run through December 2025.
Is the program structured or more flexible and mentee-driven?
It is expected that mentors and mentees will meet in-person or virtually at least once per month throughout the six-month period, as well as attend one organized activity (WISE-sanctioned events, sporting games, etc.). That said, the pairs can meet more often if that is determined to be the best cadence by the pair. It is expected that mentees will lead communication and coordination with their mentor.
What kind of support or resources are provided to mentors and mentees during the program?
Mentors and mentees that are selected will be provided with various resources to facilitate kick off conversations and relationship building. Mentors will also be required to participate in a brief onboarding session. In addition, the WISE Within Chicago leadership will check-in with mentors/mentees once a month to ensure everything is going smoothly. WISE Chicago will also facilitate sanctioned events to support in-person meet up opportunities for the mentor/mentee pairs.
How are mentors and mentees matched?
Pairings will be informed by the surveys below and determined based off applications & industry knowledge.
What is the criteria to be a mentor? How do I sign up?
Mentors must have 5+ years of practical work experience and some people development experience. Mentors must commit to program expectations & participate in one brief onboarding session. Though preferred, mentors are not required to be WISE Chicago Board members.
What is the criteria to be a mentee? How do I sign up?
Mentees are required to be an active WISE Chicago member and attend four total WISE events over the year of their membership.