Blog | 01.30.2025

NWN’s Stronger Together MentorHERship Program: Empowering Employees Through Connection and Growth

By Andrew Gilman, CMO

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the power of guidance, support, and meaningful relationships. At NWN Carousel, mentorship is taking center stage as a powerful tool to help employees reach their potential and advance in their careers. With the launch of our MentHERship Program, we’re providing employees with an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth through structured, supportive relationships. This program was designed with a deep focus on creating meaningful connections companywide.

The Value of Mentorship

Studies indicate that companies with mentorship and upskilling initiatives have employees who are 91 percent satisfied with their jobs. For employees, mentors offer guidance, feedback, and networking opportunities that can significantly accelerate career development. Mentors, in turn, experience personal growth as they reflect on their leadership styles and help others overcome challenges. This two-way relationship fosters a culture of learning and development, leading to higher employee satisfaction and retention.

Stronger TogetHER: A Community-Driven Initiative

NWN’s Stronger TogetHER affinity group is a direct response to employee needs. As Lauren Gonzalez, Director of Professional Development for NWN Carousel’s Stronger TogetHER Affinity Group, explains, the idea for the mentorship program came from a strong desire within the community for career development and networking opportunities, particularly among women. After surveying the community and gathering feedback, we shaped a program that would cater to these needs while also aligning with the company’s commitment to fostering a supportive workplace.

The mentorship program was named “Stronger through MentHERship, Focused on the HER” to underscore its focus on empowering women, although anyone within the organization can benefit. Participants in the program are paired with mentors based on mutual areas of interest, with mentees identifying skills or topics they want to develop—like career advancement, work-life balance, goal setting, or leadership—and mentors offering insights and guidance in these areas.

A Tailored Approach to Mentorship

Unlike many informal mentorship relationships that develop organically, this program takes a structured approach to ensure that both mentors and mentees get the most out of the experience. Participants fill out detailed forms outlining their goals and areas where they seek support, and then mentors are carefully matched based on their expertise and areas where they can offer the most value.

The program runs for six months, with each month focusing on a specific skill or activity, such as networking, presentation skills, or professional development. Each activity is supported by resources like brief training sessions, TED Talks, or articles, which help participants build knowledge and prepare for meaningful mentor-mentee discussions. In each meeting, mentors provide actionable feedback and guidance, and the pair works together to build on the mentee’s development.

The first round of mentorship pairings has already seen great success, with 14 mentor-mentee pairings kicking off the program. As one participant, Angela Rondinelli, shared, “This program highlights personal development and investing in yourself, which is so crucial. I’ve already seen the positive impact on my own career trajectory, and I’m excited for the future.”

The Impact of Mentorship

One of the standout features of the Stronger Together mentorship program is the way it has fostered community and connection, especially within a hybrid workforce. As Angela notes, being new to NWN Carousel, she found the mentorship program to be an ideal opportunity to connect with other women in the company and gain deeper insights into the organization’s culture. This has not only helped her career development but has also made her feel more integrated within the team.

Similarly, for mentors like Molly Kreis, the program is an opportunity to give back and help others achieve their professional goals. Molly reflects on the program’s early successes: “I was drawn to volunteer for this program because I saw it as a way to offer support and wisdom to others, especially as it aligns with my passion for talent acquisition and development. It’s been amazing to see everyone so aligned and excited to participate.”

Join us for a Bright Future

Mentorship to us is not about just passing on knowledge.It’s about creating a culture of collaboration, support, and growth. The Stronger Together MentHERship Program is helping employees reach new heights in their careers by providing the structure, resources, and relationships they need to succeed. 

Ready to take the next step in your career, join a company that values your growth!