techwomen.org - The 2015 Mentor Application is now open! With our network of more than 300 alumnae mentors, we’re excited to add to this community with the upcoming program in October. Whether you’re looking to become a Professional or Cultural Mentor for the first time, or have worked with the program before, we welcome anyone interested in empowering women through mentorship and exchange. Looking to mentor with TechWomen? Here are three reasons why you should apply.

1. Enhance your professional and cultural perspective

Nearly 100 Emerging Leaders (ELs) representing 19 countries in Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East will arrive in San Francisco in September, bringing with them diverse professional experiences and cultural backgrounds. What’s more, our mentor network is just as diverse. Embodying the spirit of citizen exchange, mentors and ELs learn from one another, exchange values and provide input, and create an environment focused on learning about their field and one another. Mentoring gives someone a chance to view their job from another person’s perspective. With mentoring, you’ll also benefit from hearing a fresh viewpoint on your work, as well as collaborating with peers to connect your EL to company resources and expertise.

2. Give back

Mentors make TechWomen happen. Their dedication and willingness to mentor and volunteer their time during the month of the program gives them the opportunity to give back to the global community. In turn, the mentorships jumpstart a domino effect to empower women and girls around the world to enter STEM fields. ELs return to their home countries with increased knowledge, expanded networks, and practical takeaways as a result of their TechWomen experience – and mentors are key to this process.