WN Mentorship Program Mission Statement

Build a welcoming mentorship community within Landscape Illinois that connects women through shared experiences, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for personal and professional growth in the green industry.

Please read through the program information and FAQ’s before completing the mentor or mentee applications below.

Overall Program Description

Mentorship creates a supportive community where women can connect, share experiences, and grow together. Built on trust, encouragement, and common goals, the mentoring relationship fosters the exchange of knowledge, skills, and leadership development for both mentors and mentees.

Vision

To positively impact the lives and careers of Women in the Landscaping Industry by establishing a stronger mindset that a more inclusive and diverse industry is a wholly greater industry for everyone.

Goal

To align mentoring as a lifelong learning tool and to ensure the benefits of the program are understood by the Women members of Landscape Illinois. Make productive connections and constantly improve the program through open feedback tracking and assessment.

Target Audience

The target audience for the program is women Landscape Illinois members willing and able to commit to a 21 week program as a mentor or a mentee. These people have a strong desire to develop and grow their career or to guide the growth of others.

Mentor Description

A mentor is a supportive industry peer who is interested in helping others grow through shared experiences, guidance, and conversation. Mentors do not need to have all the answers! They simply need a willingness to listen, encourage, and share their experiences with others in the industry. Mentors help mentees navigate opportunities and challenges, build confidence, explore career goals, and foster meaningful connections within the green industry. Mentorship is a collaborative experience where both mentor and mentee learn from one another.

Mentee Description

A mentee is anyone in the green industry who is interested in learning from others and growing in their career. Mentees can come into this program with a defined goal or simply an openness to learning and self-discovery. They partner with a mentor to discuss goals, challenges, and experiences in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Landscape Illinois WN Mentorship Program FAQ

Q:  Who can participate in the Mentor/Mentee program?

A:  A woman Landscape Illinois member that is looking to gain or share skills and knowledge through a positive partnership.

Q:  How much does the program cost?

A:  It’s free! Through great volunteers of Landscape Illinois this program is possible.

Q:  How can I apply?

A:  See the buttons above to apply as the Women’s Network is always accepting applications for mentors and mentees.

Q:  How long is the program?

A: The program duration is 21 weeks. Start date: October 1st, End date: February 28th

Q:  What can I gain from this program?

A:  As a mentee you will gain guidance for your career advancement.  Mentees will become connected with industry members through a mentor’s network. You will also gain knowledge and skills while establishing a plan to develop your personal growth that you set for yourself with guidance from your mentor.

As a mentor you will gain knowledge of other areas within our industry. You will also benefit from a fresh perspective by also discussing new challenges faced by up and coming women. Mentors will have a great opportunity to sharpen your leadership skills while also providing your own personal experience and growth in this industry.

Want to learn more?

Contact Marissa Stubler ([email protected]) for further information about the Women’s Network mentorship program.

Testimonials

“I was a lucky early participant in the WN mentorship program! My mentor and I differ on a lot of our personal opinions, which for some people may not have played out as well as it did for me. She taught me a lot about improving my openness to being challenged! Her warmth and steady commitment to my growth made a profound impact on how I approach my role and my team. Since participating in the program several years ago, it still lights me up to see my mentor at events! We continued to meet long after the formal program ended. I’d recommend the mentorship program to other women for the camaraderie we innately need, and the unexpected things you’ll learn that you never bargained for. I opened up about so much more than I had ever planned to when I joined!”

Jillyan MacMorris – Night Light Inc.

“Participating in the Landscape Illinois Women’s Network Mentorship Program as a mentor was both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful. The experience provided a unique opportunity to connect with talented professionals across the green industry and gain insight into the many different skill sets, perspectives, and career paths that contribute to our field.”

Dawn Shipman – Reinhart Landscaping & Snow

“Participating in the mentorship program is something I would encourage wholeheartedly.  The WN mentorship program gave me just as much as I invested if not more!  I loved the opportunity for a genuine connection with someone outside of my own organization who was navigating her own path in this industry.  I went in hoping to be helpful and came away feeling just as inspired and energized as I hope she did. It was time well invested that I enjoyed & learned from.  If you are someone who cares about the green industry and wants to invest in its future, showing up for someone else is one of the most meaningful ways to do that. Our industry is full of talented women who are doing remarkable things, and the mentorship program is an excellent way to find each other.”

Candi Scheuermann – Green View