February 20, 2023
By Fatima Terhini
A good friend once made a comment to me that sticks with me to this day:
“You know, you are surrounded by such inspiring women. You are really lucky”.
When she told me this, my first instinct was to reply that it was true, I must have been very lucky in my journey to come across these big or little sisters of my heart who continually advise, teach and motivate me.
Then, as I quietly let that thought simmer, I realized that I had boosted that “luck” a bit, that in truth, I was always consciously seeking to connect with those I found inspiring in a room. I make connections, sign up for their workshop, support their project, and allow myself to be tamed by their advice.
What I will admit is that this is not easy for everyone and even though I recognize the importance of having a solid network of allies and mentors, it remains that reaching out or meeting people is still really difficult for some.
That’s why I want to invite you to sign up for the brand new and unprecedented mentoring platform that Sayaspora will be setting up!
Indeed, while thinking about our project Making Your Way Up, we thought of creating a space where several young women will have access to a network of mentors with diverse and inspiring backgrounds. By inscribing the objectives of this platform in the continuity of Sayasporian values, we wish to offer you a safe, empowering, innovative space, by and for young African and Afro-descendant women.
In short, if all this speaks to you, let me tell you more about it by explaining how and why you should join Asap!
What will it look like?
The Making Your Way Up cohort is a space of resources and connections between 25 young African, Afro-descendant women and 10 women leaders and mentors in their fields.
This space will allow you to learn more about the careers of 10 brilliant women in their fields and their ideas. The participants of this cohort will have the opportunity to discover an exclusive conversation on the themes of career development, female solidarity and the will to create your own opportunities.
In addition to this conversation space, participants will have access to
- A directory of resources exclusively designed for their career
- A total of 10 hours of interactive conversations with brilliant women in different fields in Canada
- A networking space by and for them
Different mentor profiles will be offered to you. We know that our community is diverse and we want to offer you a wide range of choices that represent many interests. With this in mind, you will find mentors with expertise in the arts, communications, politics, law and community involvement.
All of those who will be part of this cohort form an exclusive and unprecedented group. This is a one-time resource and we urge you not to pass up this TOTALLY free opportunity!
Then when is it?
The mentoring events will run from Monday, March 13 through Wednesday, March 29.
How do I register?
Register at the following link : https://bit.ly/CohorteMYWU to get a chance to be selected to participate in the Making your Way Up cohort.
Deadline to apply: March 10th 11:59pm.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to DM us or email us at info@sayaspora.com. We will be happy to answer them!
Fatima Terhini
Writer
Fatima Terhini describes herself as an "artivist" primarily concerned with feminist, anti-racist and decolonial issues.Her degree in psychosociology and experience in community work attest to her insatiable curiosity and love for humans, living beings and, of course, social facts. She joined Sayaspora in October 2020 as a community manager, but her love of writing and reading steered her a year later towards the blog, where she holds the position of co-editor-in-chief.
