The Ann Krcik Professional Mentoring Program is a cross-industry DEI mentoring initiative advancing inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplaces by developing inclusive leaders, supporting professional advancement, and amplifying the organizational impact of workplace DEI.

 Applications to participate as a mentee for the 2021 program will be open until November 30th, 2020. You will be able to edit your application until this time. 

WHAT

The Ann Krcik Professional Mentoring Program is a cross-industry DEI mentoring initiative advancing inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplaces by developing inclusive leaders, supporting professional advancement, and amplifying the organizational impact of workplace DEI.

Our program is named to honor the life and legacy of Camber Outdoors’ co-founder, Ann Krcik. Ann believed the broad inclusion of individuals and industry leaders drove smart and effective business decisions. Through her own participation in mentoring, she enabled deeper engagement and stronger professional development of diverse leaders across the Outdoor Recreation Economy.

The program was founded in order to create professional development support systems for women. In an era of national reckoning with systemic racism, police brutality, and other forms of inequality and injustice, we are evolving our program to have a deeper emphasis on diversity. 

For this reason, we are actively seeking mentors and mentees who are women of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Program Benefits

● The program provides one-on-one learning and leadership development opportunities between director-level, manager-level, or high-potential mentees and director/executive-level mentors.

● Since its inception in 2014, 180 women have participated as mentees in the mentoring program. In a typical year, 25-35% of these women received promotions within a year of completing the program. More than 33% are now at Director level and above.

● Mentees gain a strong ally and experienced thought partner for advancing their careers in the Outdoor Recreation Economy.

● Mentors hone their leadership and coaching skills; gain insights into the needs of women within the workforce; contribute to creating more inclusive and diverse workplaces; and have the personal and professional satisfaction of supporting the professional development of other women in the Outdoor Recreation Economy.

WHO

● Mentees: Director-level, manager-level, or high-potential employees

● Mentors: Director level and above Mentors and mentees currently working in or interested in potentially working in the Outdoor Recreation Economy.

● In 2019-2020 mentees came from companies such as Columbia, Smartwool, Marmot, Outside Magazine, Trek Bicycle, REI Co-Op and more.

● Mentors and mentees who are women of diverse backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW

Camber Outdoors convenes a selection committee composed of past mentees, current mentors, members of Camber Outdoors’ Board of Directors, and staff . Finalists will be contacted for a telephone interview

● Mentees are matched with a Director level or higher woman in the active -outdoor industries. Mentor - mentee matching is based on criteria including experience of mentors, mentee needs, geographic location, career interests, and personality.

● Participants engage in a 9-month 1:1 mentoring relationship meeting bi-weekly or 6+ hours a month.

● Each mentoring pair receives access to a web-based system to assist in managing the mentor/ mentee relationship and to provide support. Each pair will have the flexibility to set their own schedule and meeting style.

● Signing of a confidentiality and mentoring agreement is required as well as participation in post -program surveys and assessments, annually for up to 10 years, to help gauge the overall health of the program and the mentoring relationships.

COST:

● Fees: $250 Corporate or Non Profit Partner | $750 Individual Partner

● The program fee includes all program materials (guide books, assessment tools, presentation course), Webinars, Workshops, Zoom Virtual Lunches, and inclusion in an ongoing Mentoring Alumni group. Travel expenses are not included.

● Although there is a fee, no qualified applicant will be turned away for an inability to pay the program fees. In an effort to help candidates’ access funding, Camber Outdoors will provide materials to share with employers for reimbursement.

● In addition, a limited number of scholarships are available, to cover all or part of the fee through funds from the Cassie Hoepner Foundation. Scholarships will be awarded based upon need.

WHY

This mentoring program is an opportunity for women at all levels of the organization. Many leadership programs are targeted at women performing at the VP level and higher -- missing aspiring future leaders who get trapped at middle management positions and become discouraged and and/or leave the company in order to advance their career. As a result, businesses lose the highest percentage of high-potential women, as well as the return on their investment in those employees.

● Mentors support mentees in their professional growth. These mentees eventually become mentors themselves, creating a mentoring culture in which professional development opportunities drive a healthy employee ecosystem and enhanced organizational culture through increased employee engagement, retention, and productivity.

FACTS

● Research shows that mentoring programs are one of the most effective tools for creating inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplaces.

● A study from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations dramatically improved promotion and retention rates for minorities and women— rates improved from 15% to 38% as compared to non-mentored employees.

● A case study at Sun Microsystems showed that mentees were promoted five times more often than those not in the program, and mentors six times more often than those not participating.

● Retention rates were significantly higher for mentees (72%) and for mentors (69%) than for employees who did not participate (49%).

To make a contribution to our scholarship fund, enabling more talented women leaders the opportunity to participate, visit the Ann Krcik Advocacy Fund

Our program is named to honor the life and legacy of Camber Outdoors’ co-founder, Ann Krcik. Ann believed the broad inclusion of individuals and industry leaders drove smart and effective business decisions. Through her own participation in mentoring, she enabled deeper engagement and stronger professional development of diverse leaders across the Outdoor Recreation Economy

www.camberoutdoors.org

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Application Period 
10/29/2020- 11/29/2020
Interviewing & Matching
1/3/2021-1/29/2021
New Cohort Kick Off
2/1/2021