Why Membership?

The Duchess of Sussex believes that mentorship is one of many important ways to support women reentering the workforce.

A mentorship relationship can take on many forms, but ultimately works to motivate, inspire, and support a mentee; helping her with the confidence and practical tools she needs to achieve a professional goal. Many mentorship organizations offer opportunities to sign up and get involved, including three partners of 40x40: Smart Works, YWCA, and L.A. Works.

What Does a Mentor Do?

Mentorship can take many forms, but ultimately, a mentor is a person interested in helping someone else with a career or a life goal. They offer support by making themselves available to listen, share their experience, give advice, advocate for their mentee, and connect them with people and resources.

Why Does Mentorship Matter?

A mentor can help see the larger picture. In the midst of working towards a goal, it can be difficult to identify smaller steps, strategic decisions, or areas where a different approach might be necessary. A mentor can offer that perspective, as well as provide the encouragement and guidance a mentee needs to keep moving forward. Mentorship helps shape the larger course of a career.

How Can I Become a Mentor?

There are many organizations dedicated to mentorship, including a number that The Duke and Duchess work with such as Smart Works, YWCA, and L.A. Works. Other organizations, like companies, non-profits, schools, or sports teams also often have opportunities for mentorship. You can also look within your community. A mentor relationship can begin when time is offered to a neighbor, colleague, teammate or friend.

How Can I Find a Mentor?

You can reach out to an organization with a mission of matching mentors and mentees, like the YWCA, which specializes in helping women apply for jobs. Or, take a look at those in your personal and professional network who might be willing to share their experience. It’s also important to consider people beyond your immediate circle. Who is doing something that you aspire to do? Would they be willing to share their experience with you?

How Can I Be An Effective Mentor?

• Work with your mentee to identify their goals. Write them down, so you can return and measure progress.
• Establish trust by using an open and nonjudgmental tone. Listen before you give advice, and provide constructive criticism that identifies areas of improvement, while pointing out strengths.
• Make the process collaborative. Once you’ve identified challenges, brainstorm strategies together.
• Share real life stories. Lessons from your own experience might be applicable to a problem a mentee is trying to solve.
• Develop your mentee’s network by introducing them to yours. Expand your mentee’s opportunities by introducing them to people, resources, and professional organizations.