NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2024 PROGRAM
RockIT Mentor Program
A report about gender and the future of tech found that 48% of women in tech felt that the lack of female mentors was one of the biggest barriers in their workplace.
To address that challenge, the RockIT Women Mentorship Program will pair early-to-mid career women currently in/interested in entering technology to senior women leaders in tech from February to December each year, providing the mentee a way to grow personally and professionally through a structured & personalized mentorship journey.
2024 RockIT Mentor Program Sponsor
“Women will be surrounded by a lot of male colleagues, and as a result, may not feel like this is a profession for them. They need to remember that there is a reason they picked this path. There was something passionate that drew them into this arena of technology. If they believe in themselves, do the best they can, and focus on the passion, they will succeed.””
Program Objectives
Create a platform for motivated younger female professionals to connect with senior women leaders in the tech space to learn from personal and professional experiences
Provide a collaborative and inspirational space to develop personal and leadership skills through formal networking events and informal mentoring meetings
Participants who complete the program will be awarded a certificate of participation, journal completion, a potential LinkedIn recommendation by your mentor, and a discounted ticket to the next Louisville Women in Technology Conference.
Program Structure & Required Commitments
The mentor program lasts 10 months. In 2024, the program will last from April 24 - Feb 26. Applications are now closed for the 2024 program. However, if you would like to be put on a waiting list for next year, please feel free to fill out the below form. Until then, there are plenty of other ways to get involved. Check out our events page and our volunteer page!
Mentors and mentees are committed to meeting at least once a month and attend quarterly RockIT Mentorship events, Meetings can be virtual or in-person, but we highly recommend in-person.
Each mentee will be paired with one mentor who will have one or a max of two mentees. The mentee-mentor pair has the option of going through a mentorship journal for the duration of the program. The journal acts as a guide for the mentor and mentee to set expectations, and goals and help track the progress of the mentorship relationship.
Participants will also enjoy discounted rates for the RockIT Women membership and the annual Women In Tech Conference.
Become a Mentee
According to the American Society for Training and Development, 75% of executives say mentoring has been critical to their career development. If you are a motivated woman in your early/mid-career in tech looking to grow through mentorship by a more senior female role model, apply here!
If selected, the cost of joining as a mentee is $40 to be paid through Paypal. This fee will be used toward the kick-off event, administration, and materials. Payment details can be found in the application form below and unsuccessful applicants will also be refunded. Sponsorships are available if you cannot afford the fee!
What you can expect:
Kick-off in person, fun meet-up
Meet once a month with a seasoned mentor - via in-person or zoom- your choice
Meet once a quarter with all the mentors/mentees
Guest speakers on topics such as negotiation skills, leadership skills - etc.
Discounted tickets to monthly RockIT events
Become a Mentor
Are you a senior executive in tech who has a burning desire to help women in tech? We are always looking for captains and co-pilots to share our mission and launch the careers of women in IT. Be the reason a young woman gets fired up about technology! Let’s work together to inspire and enable the next generation of women to explore these possibilities. In turn, you will hone in on your public speaking, mentoring, and teaching skills while expanding your network and actively participating in workshops with other industry leaders.
Commitment:
Meet with your mentor once a month (can meet more if you want) for the duration of the program from February through December.
Attend the quarterly ALL mentor/mentee meetings - one hour/once a quarter.
Give advice, recommendations, leadership skills, etc to your mentee
Mentor applications for the 2024 Mentor Program are being accepted through March 30th, 2024.
Our Mentors
Where our mentors are from:
Dean Dorton
Farm Credit Mid America
GE Appliances
Humana
KFC
LG & E
Net Tango, Inc
Papa John’s International
The Software Guild
University of Louisville
And more!
Positions our mentors hold:
Chair/Faculty in University of Louisville
CEO/Founder
Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture
Vice President
Senior Director of Product Management / Customer Experience
Senior Director, Governance and Strategy
Coding Instructor
President
Director of Strategy and Marketing
Associate Director, Enterprise Transformation
And more!
What you can expect
Regular meetups between meetees and mentors - we recommend a minimum of monthly meetings
Quarterly meetings (online/in person) with all mentees/mentors where we discuss and learn personal and professional development skills
Access to the RockIt Mentoring LinkedIn Group and
Discounts and first dips on RockIT events such as the RockIT Conference
Being inspired by fellow mentees and mentors… and more!
What participants are saying
“I was matched with a mentor that I was able to connect with on many different levels, and that was able to coach and support me in a unique way.”
— Cameron Taylor, mentee
“My mentor has the qualities I have been looking for. It is hard for me to find someone senior in tech that is also a woman. She has given me contextual advice that I can trust.”
— Caitlin Cambron, mentee
“I believe the mentors get as much out of these conversations as the mentees. Our discussions really helped me to think through what is important to me and why I am doing what I am.”