1. Why not reach for the stars?

2. Why does diversity matter? “Engineering is a profoundly creative profession and without the diversity of life experiences for those who practice engineering, our society loses an opportunity cost in products not built, designs not considered, constraints not understood, and in processes not invented.” William Wulf, former President of the National Academy of Engineering & Board member of the Anita Borg Institute

3. Why a Mentor Program for Women? 46.7% of the U.S. workforce is female 11% of the engineering workforce is female www.nsf.gov/statistics/wmpd/

4. Female Enrollments in Engineering Degree2010 RPI2010 National Bachelors24%18.6% Masters15%21.8% Doctoral20%22.8% Rensselaer Registrar’s Official Fifth Week Statistics ASEE’s 2010 Engineering by the Numbers RPI Engineering this fall: 28% first year undergrads are female 25% undergraduates are female 25% first year graduate students are female 20% graduate students are female

5. Community= Persistence 2002 Goodman Study indicated community helped women in STEM fields to persist in completion of academic degrees

6. Community provides…  Critical mass  Networks  Support systems  Information  Friendship

7. What is mentoring? A power-free, two-way mutually beneficial learning situation in which the mentor provides advice, shares knowledge and experiences, and teaches using a low pressure, self-discovery approach. Starcevich, Matt, 1999, “Coach, Mentor: Is There a Difference?” www.coachingandmentoring.com

8. Invite participation… Mentors 2.5 or greater GPA Commitment Receive training Guidelines/packet Initiate contact w/ mentee Communicate/engage Network Coach Partnership Self-reflection Mentees Recognize benefits Choose match category Match letter + guidelines Goal setting Responsive Commitment Engage Network Partnership Pay it forward

9. Set Goals…then Go for It! First year goals Strategies Brainstorm Try it out Reflect Be authentic Communicate successes and failures Be a good listener Ask for advice Cast a wider net Support others

10. Network…attend socials and conferences!

11. Stay engaged! Use social networks to stay connected Join professional societies

12. Develop a Mentor Network! Rachel Gitajn ‘05 Tracy Mack-Askew ‘98

13. Questions?