NAAAP Wichita Mentorship Program

Goals

  • Establish relationships between professionals and experienced professionals locally. 
  • Mentors work with mentees to evaluate the impact of Asian/Asian American identities within historical, social, and personal contexts
  • Highlight the Asian American experience by exploring personal backgrounds, interests, personality traits, and social realities
  • The mentor functions as a source of guidance, insight, and support as mentee navigates both their personal and professional development while identifying how their Asian identities influence mentees and their futures.

Pairing Process

We will open the mentorship application process to interested mentees in mid-August. After reviewing the mentee applications, the NAAAP Wichita committee will identify the need for mentors in specific industries and careers. We will then invite mentors to apply in late August. Pairings will be finalized and announced in early September. Following the announcements, we will host a Mentoring Program Kickoff event for all participants accepted into the program. Please note that attendance to this event is expected. Details regarding time, date, and venue will be provided well in advance.

Duration

 Depending on the program start date, the mentorship program will last from September – December.

September 25th – Introduction/Goals Setting

Mid October – Social Event

Early December – Wrap Up/Lessons Learned

Mentees

Eligibility Criteria

  • NAAAP Wichita members with standing paid membership status*
  • Willingness to adhere to mentee requirements as specified below
  • Completion of mentee application (Acceptance is contingent upon review of application)
  • Please note that the definition of Asian American for our purposes is self-identified. We welcome all who resonate with the objectives of this program to apply. 

*Fee assistance for our memberships may be available for individuals with financial limitations. Please contact NAAAP Wichita for further information.

Expectations

  • Please strive to take the initiative in the relationship. Invite your mentor to meet, suggest topics to discuss, and seek guidance. Help your mentor be someone who can help you be you!
  • Meet with your mentor as per program requirements.
  • Be receptive to discussions with your mentor regarding provided topics.
  • Elicit a mentor’s help in developing other supportive relationships.
  • Please remember to be mindful of your mentor’s time and other commitments. Avoid last minute requests, and check with your mentor early on when you need help

Commitment Requirement

  • Be available to a one-on-one or two-on-one (one mentor may have two mentees) mentorship for a four month program with the intention of developing a long-term relationship with a professional mentor.
  • Meet in person for a total of six sessions, not including the initial match meeting.
  • Communicate regularly every month.
  • Take independent initiative to make the most of mentorship opportunity.

Mentee Application Window – Aug 9th-26th

Mentee Applications Closed

Mentors

Benefits

  • Improve leadership skills – Become a proactive role model and help motivate and inspire others for the achievement of their success. 
  • Refine communication abilities – A mentor will navigate communication dynamics that are optimal for each mentee as they explore each unique mentoring relationship and deliver guidance.
  • Diversify Perspectives – Mentees will have diverse life experiences, backgrounds, and stories. Mentors have the opportunity to diversify their perspectives, develop new trajectories of thought, and understand how to provide insight and wisdom in different capacities.
  • Community Engagement – Directly contribute to the growth and success of the mentees and enable them to deeply reflect and and celebrate their Asian heritage.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with mentees to foster development of personal and professional skills to successfully navigate the transition into professional spaces/workforce
  • Empower mentees to celebrate Asian heritage and explore its effects on professional development and advancement
  • Share personal stories of growth, the Asian/Asian-American experience, and community involvement
  • Provide personal, academic (if applicable), and career-related insights
  • Expand the mentee’s professional network 
  • Enhance their mentee’s belief in his or her own potential  

Commitment Requirement

  • Be available to a one-on-one or two-on-one mentorship for a four month program with the intention of developing a long-term mentee relationship.
  • Meet for a total of six sessions, not including the initial match meeting.
  • Communicate regularly every month.
  • Support mentees in developing and making progress towards vision statement/established goals.

Mentee’s Career Interests

  • Software Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Accounting/CPA
  • Financial Services
  • Product Management
  • Program Management
Mentor Applications

We welcome and appreciate all mentors expressing their interest to participate! Opportunities for serving as a mentor are unfortunately limited and based on the number of mentees that apply and are accepted.

Please reach out to Andy Kim ([email protected])  or Mai Dao ([email protected]) with any questions you may have. Thank you!

FAQ’s for Mentees

  • Question 1: I am interested in joining the program as a mentee, but I don’t have a NAAAP Wichita membership. What should I do? 
    • Answer: This program is for members with standing membership status only. We will consider opening this program to more people in the future.
  • Question 2: This program sounds interesting. What do I gain out of this mentorship program? 
    • Answer: What you reap from the program depends on the degree of your investment in the program and the relationship you build with your mentor! We will provide discussion topics to aid your professional relationship. Please provide as much information as possible when you sign up for the program. Your information will help us find you a more suited mentor. 
  • Question 3: How do I figure out the meeting date and time with my mentor?
    • Answer: After the initial pairing result, the NAAAP Wichita Mentorship Program will kick off an introductory meeting with all the mentors and mentees. From there, we recommend that you proactively reach out to your mentor to set up time.
  • Question 4: What tools can I use to set up meetings with my mentor?

Answer: For scheduling, you can email your mentor a few available times. Contact information will be provided.  For virtual meetings, there are lots of free tools available: Skype, Google Hangout, or Zoom. Please communicate with your mentor to discuss what is optimal for you both!

FAQ’s for Mentors

  • Question 1: I am interested in joining the program as a mentor. What should I do?
  • Answer: Applications for mentors open Wednesday August 28th, 2024. After reviewing the mentee applications, the committee will invite mentors from the industries and professions specifically requested by the mentees to apply.
  • Question 2: I am concerned about my time. What is the time commitment for this program
  • Answer: Please see commitment expectations above.
  • Question 3: I just applied! What’s next?
  • Answer: Thank you! The NAAAP Wichita team will review all applications and pair mentors and mentees based on their interest. We will email you and your mentee via email. We will also have an initial kickoff event for all mentors and mentees! Please see the pairing process section above for more information.

2024 MENTORS

Non Disclosure/ Confidentiality Agreement

Before applying for the mentorship program, both mentors and mentees have to assume positive intent and agree to protect participants’ personal and professional information shared in the mentorship sessions. Discussions during the mentorship session should not be shared without the other party’s consent and agreement. NAAAP Wichita mandates acknowledgement and agreement from both mentors and mentees in order to create a safe space for all participating parties. Please utilize the provided contact information to let us know if you have any questions or concerns!