Case Study
HER Mentors
Developed tools and supported transformative learning to build skills, advance career goals, and improve community connections
Project Details
Client: Women’s Economic Council
Location: Across Canada
Who we were working with: Researchers and non-profits in the settlement sector
What we were addressing
Her Mentors was a research project addressing the needs and goals of racialized newcomer women through mentorship. To achieve their career goals and economic security in Canada, racialized newcomer women need information and access to employment and self-employment opportunities. Women Economic Council identified the need for a customized, antiracist, and strength-based model of support for racialized newcomer women to connect with established Canadian and immigrant mentors.
How we were addressing it
Working alongside the Women’s Economic Council and Her Mentors National Steering Committee, we envisioned how we could best support a strength-based, anti-racist learning tool for mentors and mentees to prepare them for their mentorship relationship. Attention was focused on addressing power dynamics, transformational learning and inspiring growth and learning for both the mentor and mentee. We developed activities that included thoughtful case studies, self reflection and opportunities for skill building and knowledge sharing. We engaged Flow Activator Marialejandra Reyes to create a design and interactive platform that was informative and accessible.
Outcomes
Orientation Sessions
Four online orientation sessions for mentors and mentees
Mentees Readiness
Mentees prepared for the mentorship relationship by focusing on their strengths and how to support their own wellbeing, learning to identify and address racism, and considering their goals of the mentorship connection
Mentors Readiness
Mentors prepared for the mentorship relationships by understanding the anti-racist, strength-based and healing centered components of the program, exploring their own biases, and reflecting on the importance of authenticity and trust
Balanced Mentorship Experience
Together, mentors and mentees identified what a balanced mentorship relationship looks like, established a vision and goals for the mentorship partnership, and previewed workplace scenarios and resources