Professional mentoring programs, when created with mentees’ interests at the touchstone, can help them can gain valuable insights into potential careers, as well as a deep sense of professional growth, belonging and confidence. This session will provide guidance on how program creators/administrators can design meaningful, transformational experiences for mentor and mentee alike. The session will include discussion on designing a mentoring program and determining the program’s objectives, finding the ideal mentors to participate, practices of effective mentors, and developing an effective mentee/mentor matching process to ensure successful mentee outcomes. Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding the impact mentoring programs can have in professional development
2. Developing deep empathy for mentee
3. Energize attendees to seek formal/informal mentoring opportunities, regardless of career stage