MENTORSHIP
Whether you're just starting your career or are a tenured professional, the Women in Chemicals Mentorship Program is tailor-made to broaden your knowledge, expand your network, and enhance your skillset. Our overarching goal is to champion personal and professional development at every stage of your career trajectory.
Overview
The Women in Chemicals Mentorship Program is intended for all women in our community who are enthusiastic about learning, growing, and empowering themselves and others —regardless of their current role or level of experience. Whether you're in search of conventional mentorship, eager to engage in reverse mentoring, or interested in dynamic peer-to-peer connections, our mission is clear: foster meaningful relationships between mentors and mentees. Through these connections, we aspire to facilitate the sharing of expertise, empowerment, and the cultivation of career-enhancing skills, contributing to the development of future women leaders in the industry.
Eligibility
You must be a member of Women in Chemicals to apply. If you aren’t already a member, it’s easy to sign up here:
structure
Each program cohort will run for nine months, pairing mentees with mentors based on their goals, interests, and areas of expertise. Participants must be willing to commit a minimum of 1 hour per month to support the partnership. Since our community is global, connections will be virtual but you are welcome (and encouraged) to meet in person if interested and available.
Important Dates
Our 2024 class will run from February – October 2024. Please see key dates below:
December 19, 2023: Applications Open
January 12, 2024: Applications Close
February 12, 2024: Mentor Pairing Matches Announced
February 22, 2024: Kick-off / Orientation Call
February 28, 2024: Mentor & Mentee On-boarding
Feb – Oct 2024*: Mentor & Mentee Sessions
May 23, 2024: 90 Day Best Practice Sharing
August 22, 2024: 6 Month Check In
September 9, 2024: In Person Get-Together at Conference**
October 30, 2024: End of Session Ceremony
* Sessions are 1 hour per month, to be scheduled independently by mentor and mentee between the specified dates
** Conference attendance is not mandatory for mentorship participation
how to apply
Interested mentor and mentee participants can apply through our online platform at Chronus. Applications will be reviewed, and successful matches will be communicated by February 12, 2024.
Our Sponsors
Thank you to Coalition for sponsoring Chronus, our mentorship software.
Coalition is the executive management team responsible for creating and developing the growth of Element Chemicals, Mission Chemical, and Sharp International Services. Our team serves small to mid-sized companies in the chemical industry to achieve their operational goals. Coalition takes pride in providing the best possible solution to our customers by starting with the customer in mind and leveling up industry expectations.
Element Chemicals is a premier specialty wholesale chemical manufacturer serving the energy and water treatment industries. Backed by cutting-edge manufacturing and laboratory assets, our expertise spans high-performance chemicals for various sectors enabling rapid formulation and application solutions. With a commitment to excellence and collaborative care, we deliver innovative solutions tailored to our partner’s needs.
Mission Chemical pioneers chemical supply chain solutions through strategic partnerships, comprehensive manufacturing and laboratory assets, and extensive chemical distribution expertise. With a global network and in-house resources, we swiftly tailor comprehensive supply chain solutions to address industry challenges. At Mission Chemical, redefining excellence drives our commitment to innovation and collaborative problem-solving.
Sharp International Services, located an hour north of Houston, TX, is a 300,000 square foot chemical manufacturing facility featuring a private mile-long rail track serviced by BNSF. Specializing in reactions, liquid blending, and versatile packaging, our assets deliver cost-effective manufacturing solutions. Equipped with multiple glass-lined reactors, a Class 1 Division 2 blend plant, and a large rail spur, we cater our service to the customer’s needs.
Help Topics and Frequently asked questions
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Yes you can. Select the option to join as both mentor and mentee at Chronus and your application will cover both.
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Apply at https://wicmentoring.chronus.com/ and select Join As Mentor. You will be asked if you are applying as a male ally in the application.
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All applicants will receive an email from Women in Chemicals Mentorship acknowledging their application has been received.
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Applicants will receive an email from Women in Chemicals Mentorship confirming their application has been accepted.
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Applications
Matching
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Partners will receive an email from Women in Chemicals Mentorship confirming their mentor / mentee connection, names and next steps.
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We also have male ally mentors. You will be asked for your preference in the application and matches will be based on your comfort level.
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Only if you are comfortable with it. You will be asked for your preference in the application and matches will be based on your comfort level. It is important to note that, regardless of the pairing, mentors and mentees are expected to uphold professional ethics. This includes not sharing proprietary or confidential information about their respective employers without the explicit permission of those employers.
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Only if you are comfortable with it. You will be asked for your preference in the application and matches will be based on your comfort level.
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You will be asked for your manager’s name in your application to prevent this from happening.
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Connections will be virtual but you are welcome (and encouraged) to meet in person if both partners are interested and available.
Mentors
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Yes you can. See role expectations to determine if you qualify.
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Participants must be willing to commit a minimum of 1 hour per month to support the partnership.
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Mentors are expected to offer a minimum of one hour of support and interaction per month to their mentees. They contribute to others' success by providing guidance for personal and professional development, sharing their expertise and experiences. Mentors inspire, encourage reflection, set objectives, and offer constructive feedback. They collaborate with their mentees to understand their goals, determining the specific guidance that will be most beneficial for achieving their full potential. Upholding confidentiality, mutual trust, honesty, respect, effective communication, and maintaining a positive outlook are of utmost importance.
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Our program offers opportunities for traditional, peer-to-peer and reverse mentoring. What matters most is that mentors bring valuable experience or expertise from which others can learn.
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If you encounter challenges in the mentorship relationship or have concerns, we encourage you to communicate with your mentee about the situation, if possible. Additionally, please don't hesitate to contact your Mentorship Program Chair. We are committed to providing full support to resolve any issues in a positive and satisfactory manner.
Mentees
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Participants must be willing to commit a minimum of 1 hour per month to support the partnership.
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Once matched, the mentee should take the first step by initiating contact and setting up the introductory meeting with their mentor.
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If you encounter challenges in the mentorship relationship or have concerns, we encourage you to communicate with your mentor about the situation, if possible. Additionally, please don't hesitate to contact your Mentorship Program Chair or Admin via Chronus. We are committed to providing full support to resolve any issues in a positive and satisfactory manner.
Question not answered in our FAQs?
If you have any questions not listed in our FAQs, please contact our Mentorship Program Chair christine@womeninchemicals.com.