The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA) is excited to announce that the second cohort of its Mentorship Program is officially underway. For the spring cohort, 12 mentees have been matched with experienced mentors, continuing the organization’s mission to empower women professionals and leaders through meaningful mentorship.
The six-month program pairs emerging leaders with seasoned professionals, providing mentees with guidance, networking opportunities, and professional development experiences. The program is structured to allow mentees to remain in charge of their success in the program, while their mentor encourages and gently guides them to build confidence and reach their goals.
In addition to one-on-one monthly virtual or in-person meetings with their mentors, mentees will also have an opportunity to complete the CliftonStrengths assessment, a tool used to help identify strengths and talents. Participants will receive a ticket to the Professional Development Program and a full admission ticket to the Professional Women’s Conference to be held in October. Graduates of the Mentorship Program will be recognized during the conference, which draws hundreds of professionals for a full day of education and connection through speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
The Mentoring Committee is led by co-chairs Amy Henningfield, Director of Workforce Development for Superior Construction, and Margie Hofmann, Vice President and Co-Owner of Grimmer Construction.
“We are incredibly excited to see the second cohort in action, especially after the success we had with the inaugural cohort,” said Henningfield. “Each mentee-mentor pairing represents a powerful opportunity for learning, growth and inspiration. We look forward to watching these women achieve their goals and making meaningful connections that will last beyond the program.”
Hofmann noted that the committee is inspired by the commitment and momentum this cohort is already demonstrating.
"What stands out most is the strength each participant brings - not only from their own professional development, but in the way these women signed on to actively support, encourage, and learn from one another," Hofmann said. "This program thrives on that shared investment, and its exciting to see these relationships build confident, deepen skills, and create a network of support that extends well beyond the formal mentorship experience."
Mentees for the spring cohort of the Mentorship Program are: Amanda Bates, Ashley Gabrano, Carrie Greer, Chase Richie, Cherise Govert, Gretchen Goers, Jamie Bellar, Kaitlyn Connor, Megan Jones, Randi Webber, Tamra Williams and Emili Holland.
Mentors are: Amy Vujaklija, Amy Henningfield, Julie Wendorf, April Glueckert, Donna Gray, Anna Gomez, Amy McCarthy, Marisa Valdez, Lisa Fronek, Teri Healy, Valentine Torres and Stacy Travis.
For more information or to apply to be a mentee or mentor in an upcoming cohort, visit www.nwiiwa.org/mentorship.
