Throughout 2015, EPIP DC has been focusing on supporting members improve their knowledge and skills on career advancement with sessions from prominent speakers and skill-based workshops. Earlier this month, we added networking to the cadre of offerings.

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By Stephen Alexander, Program Manger, Exponent Philanthropy

For career-minded professionals working in philanthropy—whether in program or administrative roles at foundations, philanthropy support organizations, consulting firms, or academic centers—the field can be a difficult space to navigate. Career paths tend to be limited and unconventional, and, although funders are making great strides in going public with their giving, the field has yet to overcome its tendency toward anonymity. 

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This is an interview with Nicole Gulotta, a member of the steering committee of EPIP-LA.  In this interview, she shares how the LA chapter developed a mentorship program for their members and the process they developed to select both mentees and mentors.   The EPIP-LA chapter steering committee developed a mentorship program for their members. What motivated the group to put together a mentorship program? As the EPIP-LA chapter continued to grow, members of the steering committee noticed a gap between where members were and where they wanted to go. A strong mentorship program that valued both peer relationships and the one-on-one guidance from seasoned professionals seemed like a wonderful addition to the philanthropy landscape in Los Angeles, and would help EPIP-LA members navigate their careers with confidence.   With the second cohort recently put together, can you tell me more about how you selected mentors and mentees for this round of the mentoring program? Mentees are selected from a strong pool of eager applicants. Although the steering committee plays a role, one of the hallmarks of the program is its flexibility for the mentees themselves, so we look for self-starters, enthusiasm, and strategic thinking. Because the program is still relatively new, we’re always looking for ways to improve our process and offerings, and look to each cohort to help refine it for future participants. It’s a very hands-on program, and the cohorts have a chance to help shape it.   How will the impact of this experience be measured for those […] Read more

Through its Mentorship Program, EPIP LA aims to provide participants with the tools needed to seek out and develop meaningful connections with experienced leaders and their peers. Last year, EPIP LA successfully piloted its mentorship program. We’re excited to announce the program’s second year cohort...

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NTERGENERATION is a dynamic intergenerational group of funders, organizational development practitioners, and nonprofit leaders working to transform thinking and practice about leadership and leadership development. Since 2011, we have been finding, elevating and strengthening examples of collaborative leadership in the Philadelphia region, making connections between collaborative leadership and enhanced impact to communities and sharing these tools and examples with the broader community.

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Last year, EPIP’s LA Chapter launched a mentorship program to help our members establish long-term, meaningful relationships, both with a mentor and with other emerging professionals in the field. If you’re a member of EPIP LA, and are interested in gaining professional development skills and exploring your career interests, apply to participate in year two of the EPIP LA Mentorship Program...

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The EPIP Los Angeles mentorship program recently kicked off its pilot year. Since being selected to participate in the cohort, we’ve each identified, reached out to, and had initial conversations with our mentors.   One of the first steps in mentorship is realizing how you can benefit from the process. Prior to our involvement, each of us asked ourselves the question of whether or not we needed a mentor. Mentorship is a unique opportunity to deepen relationships, learn more about the sector, and define career goals. If you’re trying to determine whether or not mentorship is right for you, here are four questions to ask yourself before beginning. 1. Have I articulated what my career goals are? If you’re still trying to determine what you want most out of your career, a mentor can help guide you. It’s often beneficial for someone to talk you through developing goals that are aligned with your skills and interests. 2. Am I currently in a position to fulfill my career goals? Once you’ve determined your short- and long-term goals, you need to ask yourself if your current role is helping you achieve them. Where are your shortcomings? Do you need more training in certain areas, or could you benefit from a masters or certificate program? A mentor can help identify where you might want to focus your energy moving forward. 3. Have I opened myself up to new experiences? Working with a mentor can help expose you to new experiences, like following along […] Read more

Finding a mentor is tough. We all know it. So this year, EPIP LA is piloting its first ever mentorship program to make that process a little easier for our members. Through our Mentorship Program, EPIP LA aims to provide participants with the tools needed to seek out and develop meaningful connections with experienced leaders and their peers. Read more

EPIP’s LA Chapter is launching a mentorship program to help our members establish long-term, meaningful relationships, both with a mentor and with other emerging professionals in the field. How? This program believes that deepening both types of relationships will enhance professional and personal competence while opening up new areas of interest for its participants...

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EPIP-LA invites you to the launch of our Leadership Salon on Wednesday, November 14 with John E. Kobara, Executive VP and COO of the California Community Foundation. Mr. Kobara will be talking about the importance of mentorships as EPIP LA also announces and seeks your feedback in developing its mentorship program set to launch in late Spring 2013!

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