2021-2022 VBA Women’s Mentorship Program Recap
December 2021-September 2022

Post October 5, 2022 Laurie Milligan

As part of our overall diversity and inclusion efforts, the VBA created the Women’s Mentorship Program to assist our member banks with preparing the talented women within your banks for future senior leadership positions. Our research shows that women often don’t recognize their own talent and need someone to identify the potential for future success in leadership.

In this program, mentor/mentee pairs participated in a 10-month experience involving one-on-one interaction and discussion combined with training and regional networking opportunities. Members of the Executive Women in Banking Peer Group hosted regional meet ups in the spring of 2022 for mentors and mentees to come together and share their experience thus far.

Katherine Wintsch, author of Slay Like a Mother, held a virtual session in May for all mentor and mentee pairs and also joined the group during the closing session in September 2022 for a session on how to slay your dragon of self-doubt.

“After completing this program, my overall outlook about myself has changed – my self-confidence is much stronger. I have really enjoyed growing my support system, both personally and professionally.” – Program Participant

Program Components

Formal Opening Session including mentor and mentee training hosted at the VBA
Bi-monthly industry and development focus themes
- Topical webinars presented by industry experts
- Bi-monthly emails to mentors and mentees with:
  - Discussion guides
  - Resources and templates
  - Suggested readings
Regional meet ups hosted by members of the Executive Women in Banking Peer Group
Closing event hosted by the VBA