The Exchange is a mentoring program designed to create opportunities for two-way learning between a mentor and mentee.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2027 COHORT WILL OPEN ON OCTOBER 26, 2026

About The Exchange

WHAT IS THE EXCHANGE?

The Exchange is a year-long program that pairs experienced professionals (mentor), with a another member of the AWWEE community who is seeking support and advice (mentee).

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO PARTICIPATE?

  • Be a current AWWEE member and maintain active AWWEE membership for the duration of the program. Not a member? Join here.

  • Have a desire to learn and share your knowledge with a partner.

  • Have ambition to succeed.

  • Be committed to establishing and working toward goals with a partner.

  • Be willing to commit time and energy to the partnership.

  • Mentors should have 5 or more years of experience.

  • Anyone can apply to participate as a mentee. We have paired everyone from recent graduates seeking support to transition into the workforce to seasoned professionals looking to move into a consulting role before full retirement.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE MENTOR?

Mentors serve as invaluable resources, guiding their partners through a journey of learning, growth, and professional development. Drawing from their industry knowledge and experience, they share meaningful insights, practical advice, and lessons learned to help mentees navigate challenges, explore opportunities, and build confidence throughout their careers.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MENTORS?

  • Understand their partner’s desired outcomes and prepare for meetings accordingly.

  • Help their partner establish meaningful goals.

  • Encourage their partner to think critically and explore different options.

  • Share relevant experiences, knowledge, and insights.

  • Offer guidance to support their partner’s professional and personal goals.

  • Provide constructive and meaningful feedback.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE MENTEE?

Early-career professionals, or mentees, bring fresh perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the partnership. They offer insight into current trends and embody the values of the next generation of industry leaders. This dynamic exchange creates a meaningful relationship where both mentors and mentees can learn, grow, and inspire one another.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MENTEES?

  • Make initial contact with their partner and schedule meetings.

  • Identify the outcomes they hope to achieve through the partnership.

  • Prepare and provide an agenda in advance of each meeting.

  • Follow through on commitments and goals established during meetings.

  • Be receptive to feedback, guidance, and coaching.

  • Take advantage of the opportunities and advice shared by their partner.

Application Process

  • Be an active AWWEE member. Join AWWEE.

  • Applications will open on October 26, 2026 and close on November 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

  • Program organizers will review every application and match as many applicants as possible based on areas of interest and expertise, desired outcomes, and location.

  • All applicants will be notified by 5:00 p.m. PST on January 8, 2027.

Resources

2027 Cohort Dates

October 26 – November 27, 2026
Applications accepted

January 8, 2027
Notifications to selected participants with partner information

January 14, 2027
2027 Cohort Virtual Orientation; 12:00-1:00pm PT

January 15, 2027
Program start date

December 31, 2027
Program end date

2026 Mentoring Program Sponsors

We extend our sincere thanks to our Empower- and Elevate-level sponsors whose support fosters growth and professional development for AWWEE members in our mentoring program, The Exchange.

Interested in becoming an annual sponsor? Check out our 2026 Sponsor Opportunites!

Empower Level

Elevate Level