The WFPG believes in supporting women in every stage of their careers. Providing the next generation of women leaders with the tools to succeed through mentorship is paramount to advancing women’s voices and leadership in foreign affairs—and we can’t do it without your help.

Mentoring Minutes
Time commitment: 30-minute sessions, not recurring
This August, the WFPG will offer 30-minute virtual meetings where student and young professional members can sign up to speak with one of our mentors for individualized career advice. Like informational interviews or structured office hours, the conversation will be led by the students and focus on their questions and career goals. Sign up for anywhere from two to five sessions. The WFPG will send you a calendar invitation connecting you to your mentee and sharing a Zoom link for your meeting. 
» Registration for 2022 is now closed. Stay tuned for more opportunities.

Mentor Match Program
Time commitment: 1 hour each month, or 8-12 times over one year
This summer, the WFPG will hold a new round of matching for our year-long mentor program. Students, young professionals, and mid-career members may apply to be matched with mid- or senior-level mentors. Over the next year, mentors and mentees will meet every month or two to discuss career goals and challenges. The WFPG provides a framework and suggests optional themes and prompts for the initial conversations until the mentors and mentees become more familiar with each other. If you are interested in volunteering as mentor, fill out the form below and mark your calendars for an orientation on August 18, 2022!
Frequently asked questions | Interested in applying as a mentee? Learn more
» Registration for 2022 is now closed. Stay tuned for more opportunities.

Not able to be a mentor right now? Support our program by making a contribution or giving a gift membership to a future leader in your network.

Learn more about signing up as a mentee here.

I can’t make the virtual kickoff, can I still mentor? Yes! The kickoff will provide a quick briefing on the program, expectations, and best practices. We hope everyone who is able will join us, but we will also share tips via email.

I’m not in the DC or NY metro areas, or even in the US, can I still mentor? Yes! Participants are asked if they want to be matched with someone in their city, but you are also welcome to meet with your mentee virtually.

How long is the application? It should take you less than 10 minutes. We ask for a brief bio plus 10 (mostly multiple choice) questions about your experience, expertise, where you are in your career, and who you are interested in mentoring.

I’m not sure if my expertise will be of interest, should I still apply? Why not? Our mentees are looking for mentorship in a variety of career fields.

What if something drastic changes in my life and I’m not able to continue? We’d be disappointed, but we understand. We ask our mentors and mentees to make a best faith effort to fulfill their commitment, but sometimes life takes a turn we don’t expect.

I’m a man, can I apply to be a WFPG mentor? Yes! We are grateful to our male allies who are committed to advancing women’s leadership.

I only have a few years of experience, can I apply to be a WFPG mentor? Yes! Our mentees are looking for guidance on a variety of topics, some of which can be addressed best by a mentor closer to their own age and level of experience.

I applied to be a mentor. Can I also be a mentee? Yes! We will take experience level into account when matching you with both a mentee and your own mentor.

I’m not in the DC or NY metro areas, or even in the US, can I still apply? Yes! You will be asked if you want to be matched with someone in the same city, but most conversations will be conducted virtually.

I can’t make the virtual kickoff, can I still apply? Yes. The kickoff will provide a quick briefing on the program, expectations, and best practices. We hope everyone who is able will join us, but we will also share tips via email.

How long is the application? We want to make the best match possible, so we need to ask you about your career goals and your interests. The application may take you as little as 15 minutes or as long as an hour depending on how much you need to think about your responses. Your application will be shared with your mentor, so please make sure to think carefully about your answers and proofread. Incomplete or poorly written applications do not demonstrate a commitment to the program and will not be considered.

Will I be matched with someone with exactly the same professional interests as me? Maybe, maybe not. We will use your answers to find you the best match possible, but your mentor may work on a different issue or in a different sector. We matched you with them because we think that they will be able to provide you with guidance that will apply to your career goals.

What if something drastic changes in my life and I’m not able to continue? We’d be disappointed, but we understand. We ask our mentors and mentees to make a best faith effort to fulfill their commitment, but sometimes life takes a turn we don’t expect.

I already have several years of experience. Can I still be matched with a mentor? Yes! There’s no age limit on looking for guidance.

I applied to be a mentee. Can I also be a mentor? Yes! We will take experience level into account when matching you with both a mentor and your own mentee.

What if I have a problem connecting with my mentor or a question about the program? Reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll see if we can help.