Today we are thrilled to announce our newest program: the BLCK VC Mentorship Network! The BLCK VC Mentorship Network aims to support Black investors through group mentorship as they advance through their careers. According to a case study at Sun Microsystems detailed in an article by Forbes, “Employees who participated in the [Mentorship] programs were five times more likely to advance in pay grade, and mentors made even more progress… [and]… Mentees were promoted five times more than those not in the program, and mentors six times more.” Mentorship also improves diversity within organizations. That same article goes on to state results from “…Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations found that mentoring programs boosted minority representation at the management level by 9% to 24% (compared to -2% to 18% with other diversity initiatives)…” Having understood the effects a well-run mentorship program has within organizations, we hope to replicate the same results across the venture industry.
This initiative will support Black investors in their careers by providing mentorship opportunities. The program is meant to help connect Black investors of all roles and titles. Participants will have a mentoring tree of near-peer and senior mentors that provide knowledge from different stages across their careers to learn from one another. These structured engagements enable a community-oriented feel to the mentoring experience.
Eligibility
- U.S. based full-time institutional Black investors
- Ability to commit 2.5 hours monthly within the three-month program
The Mentorship Network is a 3-month program that aims to assist U.S based full-time institutional Black investors in the BLCK VC community. Participants will be expected to commit 2.5 hours monthly within the three-month program. In addition, this consists of a 1-hour family tree meeting and 30-minute sessions with family tree members monthly.
To apply, please visit the Mentorship Network application. The deadline for applications is January 14, 2022, at 11:59 pm PST. if you have any questions, please reach out to muriel@blckvc.org
