2 0 2 3 I M P A C T R E P O R T
A MESSAGE FROM WWIL 03 ABOUT THE PROGRAM 04 PROGRAM ACTIVITIES 05 PROGRAM OUTCOMES 06 MENTOR TESTIMONIALS 07 CONTENTS PROGRAM PARTNERS 08
A MESSAGE FROM WWIL
Women of Walker and Watauga Women in Leadership made the leap to partner and form the inaugural Watauga Women in Leadership Mentor Program 28 female business students and 28 female business leaders from the Boone community came together to explore professionalism and personal growth through structured group programming and one on one interactions
The end result was fondly formed friendships and two generations that found common ground while navigating their professional journeys New professionals who are learning what comes next and veterans who have weathered roadblocks that emerge during a woman's career They each shared their stories, their obstacles and their wins
The Watauga Women in Leadership Mentor Program was ultimately a celebration of women in business; a safe space for female leaders both emerging and developed to collaborate A space where women who have achieved can send the elevator back down for the rising stars of tomorrow I hope you enjoy this report and it provides you some insight of the WWIL Mentor Program
AMY H ODOM DIRECTOR, BUSINESS CAREER SERVICES BOARD
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MEMBER, WWIL
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
The mentor program is an initiative led by Watauga Women in Leadership in partnership with Women of Walker, an experiential professional development program for female business majors at Appalachian State University. The program provides one-on-one mentoring opportunities between WWIL affiliates and female business students in order to motivate, empower and encourage both mentors and mentees in the local community.
WWIL empowers High Country women in business and leadership in all stages of their careers. The organization presents events that support women through networking and educational speakers. The marriage of WWIL and WOW provides valuable professional development and networking opportunities for current students while enabling female professionals a space to develop their own networks while giving back.
A PROGRAM IS BORN
The mission of WWIL and WOW parallel one another, striving for similar personal and professional outcomes Aligning the efforts of both organizations, creates a synergy among leaders that benefits the local community and future female business leaders 2023 is marked as the inaugural year for the Watauga Women in Leadership Mentor Program with 56 participants
TIMELINE
The program is designed to meet during the spring semester of each academic year from January to May Interactions are comprised of at least five group meetings In addition mentors and mentees are expected to meet as a pair one to two times a month in addition to group activities
TRAINING & EXPECTATIONS
Training is provided to all mentors prior to the start of the program to prepare mentors to deliver the best experience to their mentees Mentors and mentees are provided expectations, develop goals together and sign an agreement that outlines their commitment to the program and each other
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PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
MENTOR TRAINING
Training is provided to all mentors prior to initial interaction with mentees The training provides expectations of the mentor role and ways to successfully engage the mentee in the program
ONE ON ONE INTERACTIONS
Mentors and mentees will be required to meet one to two times a month throughout the program Interactions will provide opportunity for mentors and mentees to build relationships and rapport with one another outside of a large group setting
GROUP INTERACTIONS
An emphasis on community and relationship building will be incorporated throughout the program. A kick off event will take place at the beginning of the program so pairs can meet, interact and build rapport before meeting one-on-one.
PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS & NETWORKING
Student mentees will be invited to participate in all Watauga Women in Leadership events to provide exposure to professional development opportunities and networking. An end of program networking event will be held so pairs can come together to reflect on their experiences and practice important networking skills with their peers
SERVICE
Serving the larger community creates self-awareness of an individual’s impact on the bigger picture and fosters an appreciation of the community surrounding them Watauga Women in Leadership and Women of Walker will collaborate on a minimum of one group volunteer event/project designated by WWIL each program year
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Provide exposure to local business owners, community leaders and potential economic development opportunities to retain top talent to reside and work in Watauga County post graduation.
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PROGRAM OUTCOMES
56
The mentor program is comprised of 28 business students and 28 female professionals from the High Country
$45
Cost per person to execute the program for 56 people. Sponsor and donor support covered all programmatic costs for both mentors and mentees
500
Number of programmatic hours that included one-on-one mentoring sessions and group interactions over the course of five months
44%
Ethnic diversity represented among both mentors and mentees spanning Hispanic, Asian, African American and White
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MENTOR INDUSTRIES
Mentors completed an in depth registration process to gather important data to help match mentors and mentees for an optimal experience for both participants
Mentors provided their educational backgrounds, past and current career paths and personal interests to ensure professional exploration and experiences aligned
Over 70% of business graduates remain in North Carolina after graduation However a very small percentage are able to remain in Western North Carolina Proper matching could positively impact both local internship and full time placement
828 Real Estate Amorem
Appalachian State Univerisity
Beech Mountain Resort
BlueCross BlueShield NC
Blue Ridge Energy
Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture
Chetola Resort
Collette Woodruff PLC
CS Smith Management
Go Postal
First Horizon Bank
Horton Hotel
Lees McRae College
LifeStore Bank
Lost Province Brewing
PlazaBridge Group Safe Harbor
Savored Moments Travel
Watauga County Schools
A wide variety of local companies and large corporations were represented for students to explore and connect with during the program:
STUDENT MAJOR
Education 25.8% Hospitality 226% Other 19.4% FinancialServices 129% Non-Profit 65% RealEstate 65% Marketing 31% Management 172% Finance 138% CIS 103% Accounting 69% SupplyChainManagement 69% Undecided 69% InternationalBusiness 34% RiskManagement&Insurance 34%
MENTOR TESTIMONIALS
"I think this is a great program because it helps young women learn how to enhance their professionalism and gives them the capacity to dream big in a sense Many of us started in one professional direction and then ended up with something different It shows them that it's a journey "
Virginia Wallace, Appalachian State University
"Seeing the incredible young professionals that go through the Women of Walker program was incredible! I would have loved a program like this in college I think the ability to connect with successful women in leadership positions is an incredible thing for college students "
Abby Carson, Horton Hotel
"I enjoyed getting to know my mentee and relating to her culturally We have similar backgrounds and grew up very similarly so it was nice to connect with someone about that and share stories and experiences I wish, at her age, that I would have had a mentor or a program like this as some of my choices may have been different "
Alex Morales, Cabarrus CVB
"This was the first year I participated in the program and I was inspired by the women participating in this program. It made me proud of the graduates App State is sending out! I think the continuation of Women of Walker is critical to providing young women who would not normally receive such hands on, real life coaching, a way to improve their professional skills and learn the importance of networking in order to give them the best possible opportunities for success upon graduation.
Amanda White, First Horizon Bank
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
PROGRAM PARTNERS
"Watauga Women in Leadership is designed to empower High Country women in business and leadership in all stages of their careers The organization presents events that support women through networking and educational speakers. The organization enables business growth, support and mentoring opportunities among professional women in the High Country Leadership is comprised of a five person board who develop the strategy and execute the mission of the organization to the female professionals across the High Country
Contact: (828) 264-2225
www.boonechamber.com/watauga-women-in-leadership
Business Career Services exists to prepare future leaders through transformational career education and professional development We aspire to guide students to have access to and leverage the tools and resources they need and are equipped and empowered to independently seek future opportunities and work that is fulfilling Business Career Services is a decentralized career services housed in the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University
Contact: 828-262-8119
www.businesscareers.appstate.edu
Watauga Women in Leadership operates under the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce umbrella The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership association that stands as the unified voice of the business community The chamber seeks to connect members and enhance relationships They serve as advocates to their membership on key community issues Through programming and events we further educate our member businesses and local workforce.
Contact: 828 264 2225
www.boonechamber.com
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