Where are Women Entrepreneurs Finding Their Most Valuable Mentors and Allies?

Networking events, women’s business orgs, online groups, incubators, corporate programs, alumni networks, industry-specific mentorships, co-working spaces, development workshops, and peer-to-peer networks are key for women entrepreneurs to find mentors and allies. Each offers unique resources and connective opportunities.

Networking events, women’s business orgs, online groups, incubators, corporate programs, alumni networks, industry-specific mentorships, co-working spaces, development workshops, and peer-to-peer networks are key for women entrepreneurs to find mentors and allies. Each offers unique resources and connective opportunities.

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Jazmín Rosa López Aruquipa
Founder & CEO in COOKIBYTE | Electrical Installation Consultant | CAD & 3D modeling | Student of Electromechanical Engineering
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Networking Events and Conferences

Many women entrepreneurs find valuable mentors and allies at networking events and conferences geared towards startups and specific industries. These events provide a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share ideas, and build relationships that can evolve into mentorships and alliances.

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Womens Business Organizations

Organizations aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs, such as Women Who Code, Female Founders Fund, and Women Entrepreneurs Network, offer a plethora of resources for finding mentors and allies. These groups often host events, workshops, and seminars where experienced businesswomen can connect with up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

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Online Social Media Groups and Forums

Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Reddit host various groups and forums dedicated to women in business. In these digital spaces, entrepreneurs can seek advice, share experiences, and meet potential mentors and allies who understand the unique challenges faced by women in the business world.

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Incubators and Accelerators

Many incubators and accelerators have programs specifically designed for female entrepreneurs. These programs not only provide funding and resources but also access to a network of mentors, advisors, and potential business partners who are committed to supporting women-led startups.

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Corporate Women Leadership Programs

Some corporations run women leadership programs aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion in the business world. These programs often pair participants with seasoned business leaders who can provide mentorship, career advice, and introductions to important business allies.

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University Alumni Associations

University alumni associations can be goldmines for finding mentors and allies. Many successful women entrepreneurs are eager to give back by mentoring younger graduates. Reaching out through alumni networks can open doors to valuable relationships and guidance.

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Industry-Specific Mentorship Programs

Certain industries offer mentorship programs designed to support women entrepreneurs. For example, in the tech field, organizations like Girls in Tech and Women in Technology International provide mentorship opportunities that can help women navigate the male-dominated industry.

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Co-Working Spaces

Co-working spaces often attract a diverse group of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives, including many women looking to build their own businesses. The communal and collaborative environment of these spaces makes it easy for women to find like-minded individuals who can become mentors and allies.

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Professional Development Workshops and Courses

Workshops and courses focused on professional development can also be excellent venues for meeting potential mentors and allies. These educational environments foster growth and learning, making it natural for participants to form supportive relationships.

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Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Networks

Finally, peer-to-peer mentorship networks, where women entrepreneurs mentor each other, are becoming increasingly popular. These networks offer a unique blend of camaraderie and support, acknowledging that peers can provide valuable insights and encouragement based on their shared experiences.

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What else to take into account

This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

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Jazmín Rosa Ló…
Founder & CEO in COOKIBYTE | Electrical Installation Consultant | CAD & 3D modeling | Student of Electromechanical Engineering
Sun, 04/21/2024 - 20:44

The path to success in technology entrepreneurship can be challenging and full of obstacles, and this is where the role of mentors and allies becomes crucial.

During my journey through the technological world in search of mentors and allies for both my entrepreneurship and my professional life, I discovered that one of the most important things is to stand out to show interest and commitment, be proactive and have clarity about your goals and resources available. Before looking for mentors or allies, it is essential to have structured at least a solid foundation, know your strengths and weaknesses, as well as be clear about the path you want to follow in your technological venture. On the other hand, it is also important that you have participation prior to this. in events, workshops, forums or similar, this so that you are taken more into account for your experience in the field.

That is why, to begin the search for mentors and allies within the sector that involves your area of interest, I recommend the following:
1. Research about the outstanding people in that field, what they do, what their achievements are and if they are in your city.
2. Check if you know anyone in your circle of contacts who knows him or knows how to find him.
3. Use social media to connect with them, preferably LinkedIn because it is more professional.
4. Introduce yourself and express your interest in receiving guidance and advice to take your first steps in technological entrepreneurship. In this part it is very useful to have a structured base on your goals.
5. Once you begin your first steps, try to take advantage of this person's networking, since a personal recommendation can open many doors and facilitate the selection of more suitable mentors or allies.

So, by building strong relationships within the tech community as a very active person, it is highly likely that you will begin to meet the right people, who will give you the right tools, and advise you more specifically about events, organizations, programs, workshops, conferences, among others that help your growth.

In conclusion, being proactive is essential to have a clear vision of what you are looking for in a mentor or ally. Define what type of support you need and what qualities you value in a mentoring or collaborative relationship. By setting clear expectations from the beginning, you will be able to more easily identify the people who can provide you with the kind of help and guidance you need to achieve your goals.

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