Engage

Active Community Involvement

Group Mentoring Program

Opportunity for career advancement is the most important factor local young professionals consider in choosing a place to move to and stay, according to a survey of more than 300 Wichita YPs in 2015. Young Professionals of Wichita (YPW) launched a Group Mentoring Program in Fall 2016 to address two factors – providing connection to key leaders who can be professional mentors and strengthening YPs’ professional connections with a small group of like-minded individuals. This program also provides young professionals face time with some of Wichita’s key leaders, giving them the opportunity to learn from them firsthand.

Apply for the 2018-2019 program today. 

2017-2018 Group Mentoring Participants

Thank you to presenting sponsor

Why Participate as a YP?

  • To have facetime with some of Wichita’s key leaders
  • To have the opportunity to learn firsthand from experienced leaders about professional development and key lessons learned
  • To interact with other YPs in a small group setting

Who Are We Looking For?

We’re looking for individuals who reflect the below characteristics:

  • Current and active members of YPW and/or similar YP organizations in the community
    • Individuals who are not yet members are invited to apply. If selected, they will be required to join YPW to confirm participation.
  • Motivated young professionals in the Wichita area looking to enhance professional skills and gain the tools and connections necessary to advance their careers
  • Involved in volunteerism and want to polish specific leadership skills to enhance potential
  • Serve in a leadership capacity in organizations related to their profession, academic institution or other young professional organizations
  • Considered rising stars in business, government, non-profit, the service sector or as an entrepreneur, typically in the mid-20s to mid-30s age range.
  • Aspire to become actively engaged in Wichita through decision-making roles on community boards and organizations
  • Possess high standards of personal quality and integrity
  • Can and will commit the time required for the program

What Is My Commitment?

Seven 1.5-hour meetings between September and May each year (A program kickoff event in September, four mentoring sessions, a mid-program check-in in January, and a program closing event in May)

What Does the Group Look Like?

  • Two Co-Mentors
  • Up to 6 YP protégés
  • Made up of professionals across industries

What Will We Talk About?

All sessions will have a recommended agenda to follow, used at the group’s discretion

When Will We Meet?

  • Groups will primarily be formed based upon preferred meeting time (breakfast, lunch, after work)
  • Each group will have a YP acting as the scheduling coordinator who will coordinate all details

Mentors for 2018-2019 include:

Tammy Allen, Foulston Siekin LLP | Chief Marketing Officer
AJ Boleski, INTRUST Bank Arena | General Manager
Junetta Everett, Delta Dental of Kansas | Vice President, Professional Relations
Gloria Farha Flentje, Spirit Aerosystems (retired) | Senior VP & General Counsel
Ben Hutton, Hutton Construction | President
Wendy Johnson, Wichita Public Schools | Division Director, Marketing and Communications
Chris Kibler, INTRUST Bank Arena | Assistant General Manager/Director of Finance
Gary Plummer, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce | President & CEO
Scott Redler, Freddy’s Frozen Custard | Co-Founder & COO
Don Sherman, Westar Energy | VP, Community Relations & Strategic Partnerships
Jeff Turner, Turner-Nichols Group | Partner
Carol Urban-Deal, Fidelity Bank | Executive Vice President, Compliance Director
Sheree Utash, WSU Tech | President
Evan Wilson, Meritrust Credit Union | Vice President of Sales and Member Service

Apply for the 2018-2019 program today. 

Have more questions? Please contact Ulises Gonzalez via email or 316.268.1137.

To see more photos from the kick-off event and closing reception, check out our Facebook page. You will also find video testimonials from 2016-2017 participants posted there.

 

Other Frequently Asked Questions

If I apply, will I get into the program?

There are a limited number of spots in the program and we expect more applicants than available spots, so not everyone who applies will be able to participate. The 2017-2018 program will have 42 spots available for YPs.

If I’ve previously participated, can I apply again?

Yes, all applicants will be considered equally based on the current application pool. A new application must be completed each year.

What are the selection criteria for applicants?

The planning committee and YPW staff leadership will select applicants based on the following criteria (not in order of importance):

  • YPW involvement
  • Community involvement
  • Response to essays
  • Fit with mentors’ experience and interests

Can I pick my mentor?

You will be able to indicate your top two mentor preferences; however, the groups will be decided by the planning committee and YPW staff leadership based on additional considerations, including time of day preferences.

 

There is a mentor I do not want to be in a group with. Can I put in that request?

Yes, if you do not feel comfortable being in a group with a specific mentor for whatever reason, we will try our best to accommodate your request.

Where will we meet?

Each group can decide upon their own meeting space. Potential meeting spaces might be a restaurant, an office or another meeting space (City Arts, the Chamber, etc.)

What is the cost?

The fee is $50 and must be paid in full once accepted into the program. If selected for the program and not already a YPW member, we will also add in the cost of a one-year membership.

What does the program fee cover?

The program fee covers the total cost of participation, including the kickoff and closing events, and administrative costs.