We are now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Women's Leadership Mentoring Program
Have Questions About the Program?
All mentor-mentee pairs are expected to meet at least once a month virtually or in-person from October to July. The pairs set their own meeting cadence and can meet more often if they want.
All program participants are required to attend the welcome dinner in October and the closing dinner in July, which also includes the final professional development session. ALL mentees and NEW mentors are required to attend the remaining three professional development sessions (2 virtual and 1 in-person) throughout the year. Returning mentors are encouraged to attend all sessions, but may be exempted from a session they participated in previously.
Mentors and Mentees who do not meet the participation requirements without communicating any challenges or conflicts with the WLMP Co-Chairs within the first three months of the program will no longer be able to participate in the program, so it is crucial that applicants apply after confirming availability for all program events (which are provided in the application) and commit to participating fully.
Mentees who complete the entire program year will receive a one-year complimentary CWIP membership.
NOTE: Mentors must be current CWIP members. For mentees who are not members of Chicago Women In Philanthropy, a modest financial program fee ($25) is required upon selection to help offset program and event costs. Financial hardship fee waivers are available upon request to ensure equitable access for all selected candidates.
— Receive career guidance from experienced philanthropic leaders.
— Develop key skills to advance to the next level in their careers.
— Expand their networks by connecting with women leading and transforming the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors in Chicago and beyond.
— Gain access to exclusive workshops and networking events.
— Receive a one-year complimentary CWIP membership upon successful completion of the program.
— “Pay it forward” by sharing expertise with emerging and mid-career leaders.
— Enrich their perspectives on the philanthropic sector by learning new skills and exchanging ideas with mentees and fellow mentors.
— Build lasting relationships and expand their network by connecting with a diverse group of WLMP participants.
Mentees: Young women and women-identifying people in the early stages of their careers (five years or fewer of work experience) who have specific needs in areas such as goal-setting and career planning, skill-building, networking, or navigating an employment or educational transition. Both CWIP members and non-members who meet these criteria are welcome to apply.
Mentors: CWIP members who have management experience in the philanthropic sector and a desire to support emerging leaders AND/OR who have previously participated in the program as a mentee.
Mentees: CWIP members who are at or reaching the mid-career stage of their professional development with over five years of experience, looking for guidance for their specific career journey, challenges they’re facing, skill development, and how to get to the next level.
Mentors: CWIP members with senior management experience in the philanthropic sector and a desire to nurture the next generation of executive leaders in the nonprofit sector.
To be eligible for consideration, you must be able to commit to the program calendar as presented when applications open.
The 2026-27 calendar dates will be updated for the following sessions:
— Welcome Dinner (In Person): Oct 13/14 (5:30–7:00 PM)
— Professional Development (PD) Session 1 (Virtual): Nov 18 (5:30–7:00 PM)
— Professional Development (PD) Session 2 (In Person): Jan 27 (5:30–7:00 PM)
— Professional Development (PD) Session 3 (Virtual): Apr 7 (5:30–7:00 PM)
— Closing Reception (In Person): Jul 14 (5:30–7:00 PM)
If you still have questions, please reach out to us at info@cwiponline.org.
Bridget Hickey
WLMP Co-Chair
Michelle Patterson
WLMP Co-Chair
Shruti Saxena
WLMP Co-Chair
