The Mentor Program matches a NOIAW member with young women interested in and/or pursuing a career in the Mentor's field. The NOIAW Mentor Program was the very first such program within the Italian American community. Begun in 1983, it joined NIAF's Program in 1988, and Mentoring USA in 1996. In 2002, with the help of a grant from NIAF, NOIAW reinstated its original independent program.

NOIAW members are often at the top of their fields and have achieved advanced degrees, important positions, and advancements in law, medicine, business, education, the arts, etc. A one-on-one interaction, over a period of one year can prove crucial to the success of women, who are at earlier stages of their careers. This will take place as Mentors invite Mentees to lunch or dinner, and join them at NOIAW meetings to encourage them. Both formal and informal means of contact have been established.

The mentor may invite mentees to events, conferences and meetings. Too often, women do not understand the complexity of undergraduate or graduate education, criteria for career advancement, available resources and opportunities, and/or the difficulty of maneuvering in complex organizations. NOIAW members can improve on their "networking" skills, and insure future success. One Mentee writes, "It was very exciting to be accepted into this Program. My Mentor called and we talked for an hour on my goals. She gave me new ways to think about my career options and how important it is to find a mentor within the company I work for."

The Mentor Program is a vital component of NOIAW's mission-as members serve as role models, encourage the development of ethnic pride, self-esteem, and professional identity for young women across the United States.
For more information, please send an email to Maria Marinello or Barbara Gerard at noiaw@noiaw.org.