The Alliance of Women in Washington Wine, a nonprofit formed to build a safe community to connect, inspire and advance women and their advocates, has opened applications for its first mentorship program class. Driven by a desire to support and advise students and professionals in the wine industry on career trajectory and life/work balance, the Alliance created a program that addresses those goals. According to Mentorship Board Chair Megan Schofield, “Mentorship is the most hands-on, effective way to connect our promising professionals with industry leaders to advance their roles.”
Schofield reached out to industry leaders in wine production, marketing, and operations who had experience in diversity, inclusion, and leadership training. The committee met for six months to develop the program format and include Rebekah Zale, Communications Manager, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; Katie Nelson, VP Winemaking, Chateau Ste. Michelle; Mari Womack, Owner Winemaker, Damsel Cellars; Tanya Morning Star Darling, Founder, Cellar Muse Wine School; Sydney Anderson, Viticulturist, Eagle Butte Vineyards; and Megan Schofield, Director of Winemaking, Constellation Brands.
HOW TO APPLY: The application form is at https://awwawine.org/program-overview.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Mentees should have at least one year in the industry and consider themselves driven to advancement. Mentor applicants should have at least ten years of industry experience and have an interest in working with young professionals.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications close September 10, 2021.
COST: There is no cost to apply or to participate.
PROGRAM DETAILS: Mentors will be paired with a mentee and will meet for an hour per month, either in person or virtually. The pairing will be focused on a mentee’s personal goals, either professional, career/life balance, or a combination. Once accepted, the timeline for the program begins with a training session in November 2021 for both mentees and mentors. Formal, one-on-one sessions begin in January 2022 and run through August 2022.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Questions may be directed to Megan Schofield, mentorship@awwawine.org
Alliance of Women in Washington Wine
The Alliance’s mission is to connect, inspire, and advance women in the Washington wine industry. The organization’s programming includes mentorship programs and the development of educational outreach tools about careers in wine. The Alliance of Women in Washington Wine was approved as a 501(c)3 public charity on April 24, 2021. For further information, contact secretary@awwawine.org . The website is awwawine.org. The Alliance mailing address is: Rebecca Alberts, WineBoss, 318 Wellhouse Loop, Richland, WA 99352.