LIVING AUTHENTICALLY • LEARNING CONSTANTLY • ADVOCATING FIERCELY • ACTING COURAGEOUSLY • FOSTERING COLLABORATION • BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS • GIVING BACK • CELEBRATING

ATHENA WIN Aspiring Leaders Program

As part of ATHENA WIN’s mission to advance women leaders in the Lansing region, this program provides learning and development opportunities around crucial skill sets for emerging leaders, while being matched with an established leader mentor to provide additional support and connection.

This is a 7-month program, and the second cohort will run from September 2025 through April 2026, with no meeting in December 2025.

Applications for both Mentees and Mentors are now open and are due by August 1, 2025.

Aspiring Leaders Program Mentor Testimonials

Aspiring Leaders Program Mentee Testimonials

Mentees (Aspiring Leaders)

Are you an emerging professional ready to grow into your leadership potential? At ATHENA WIN, we refer to our mentees as aspiring leaders — individuals who are in the early stages of their careers (typically with fewer than 3–5 years of supervisory experience) or those who are eager to step into leadership roles within their organizations. Leadership isn't defined by age — it's defined by ambition, purpose, and the drive to grow.

Apply today to join the 2025–2026 Aspiring Leaders cohort. Spots are limited, so don't wait — use the link below to submit your application. Applications will close at 11:59pm on Friday, August 1.

Final selections for Mentees and Mentors will be announced by mid-August. Please note: you must be a current ATHENA WIN member to participate. If you're unsure of your membership status, feel free to reach out to Sarah Bakken at sbakken@lansingchamber.org.

Mentees (Aspiring Leaders) Benefits

What: ATHENA WIN is seeking mentees to be a part of our 2025-2026 Aspiring Leaders cohort.

About: As part of ATHENA WIN's mission to advance women leaders in the Lansing region, the Aspiring Leaders mentoring program offers a powerful opportunity to connect with a mentor who can provide insight, guidance, and support as you navigate the next stage of your career.

Whether you're looking to grow your confidence, expand your network, or prepare for a leadership role, mentorship can be a game-changer. In fact, studies show that employees with mentors are 5x more likely to be promoted.

This is your moment to invest in yourself — and step boldly into your leadership journey.

What you'll give:

Monthly group sessions
In-person meetings from 8:30–10:30 AM, led by a professional facilitator (held September–April, with a break in December).
One-on-one mentorship
Monthly one-hour meetings with your assigned mentor — in person or virtual — during October, November, January, and February.
Preparation time
Approximately 1–2 hours each month to reflect, prepare, and engage with the session content and your mentor.

What you'll get:

A structured, supportive framework
Including curated conversation prompts and educational resources aligned with monthly leadership topics.
A personalized mentor match
Carefully paired with a leader in your area of interest or industry.
Professional recognition
Celebrate your growth with features in ATHENA WIN's newsletter, LRCC FOCUS Magazine, and a special spotlight during the 2025 Evening of Empowerment in September.
Empowerment and growth
Invest in your own development as a confident, capable leader — and take charge of your future.

2025-2026 Program Dates

2025
September 23 - Session 1 - Kick Off!
October 7 - Session 2
November 11 - Session 3

2026
January 20 - Session 4
February 17 - Session 5
March 17 - Session 6 - Final Session
April 7 - Celebration!

*All sessions are form 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at the Lansing Regional chamber, unless otherwise noted.

**Mentors will attend only the Sept. 23rd Kick-Off session and April 7th Celebration.

Apply as a Mentee (Aspiring Leader)!

Mentors (Established Leaders)

Do you remember someone who helped shape your leadership journey? Now it’s your turn.

We are actively seeking established leaders to serve as mentors in the 2025–2026 ATHENA WIN Aspiring Leaders program. If you have valuable experience, insight, and a desire to guide the next generation of women leaders, we invite you to apply. Mentorship is a powerful way to give back — and to grow yourself in the process.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our upcoming cohort of mentors. Applications will close at 11:59pm on Friday, August 1.

Final selections for Mentees and Mentors will be announced by mid-August. Contact Sarah Bakken at sbakken@lansingchamber.org with any questions.

Mentors (Established Leaders) Benefits

What: ATHENA WIN is seeking MENTORS to be a part of our 2025-2026 Aspiring Leaders cohort.

About: As part of ATHENA WIN’s mission to advance women leaders in the Lansing region, this program will provide learning and development opportunities around crucial skill sets for emerging leaders, while being matched with an established leader mentor to provide additional support and connection.

What you’ll give:

As a mentor, your commitment includes:

Kickoff and Closing Events
Attend the in-person Kickoff Meeting in September and Closing Ceremony in April.
One-on-One Mentorship
Meet with your mentee for one hour each month — in person or virtually — during October, November, January, and February.
Group Mentor Collaboration
Join two virtual calls with the full mentor group and program facilitator to share insights and provide updates (held in November and February).
Preparation and Support
Dedicate approximately 1–2 hours per month to prepare for discussions and support your mentee’s development journey.

What you’ll get:

A guided framework for success
Includes monthly topics, conversation prompts, and curated resources to support meaningful dialogue and growth.
A purposeful match
You’ll be thoughtfully paired with a mentee whose goals align with your professional background and leadership experience.
Public recognition
Be honored as an Aspiring Leader Mentor in ATHENA WIN’s newsletter, LRCC FOCUS Magazine, and during a special spotlight at the 2025 Evening of Empowerment in September.
The joy of giving back
Make a lasting impact by supporting an emerging leader — and living out the core ATHENA value of Giving Back.

Apply as a Mentor (Established Leader)!

CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS