At 1,000 Dreams Fund, we always look forward to Women’s History Month in March. And this year, we couldn’t be more excited to launch our Year 2 partnership with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), America’s premier civil rights legal organization fighting for racial justice, on our MentorHER Initiative. 

When we launched our partnership with LDF last year, we knew that AMAZING things were in store — and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come this month.

“We are thrilled to be partnering again with LDF to offer our students interested in legal careers the chance to be mentored by our nation’s best and brightest attorneys working in the field of racial and social justice,” said Christie Garton, founder and CEO of 1,000 Dreams Fund. “Through MentorHER, we have seen how mentorship can directly impact the lives of students, leading to new educational opportunities and even employment. We could not be doing the work we do without the support of incredible partners like LDF.”

Throughout the month of March, we’ll be offering mentoring opportunities specifically for students interested in working for racial equality in the legal field. Students will be paired with attorneys at LDF for a 1:1, 60-minute session by video conference.

“Few things are more important to the future of this country than ensuring the next generation is provided with the kind of professional support and guidance that benefits everyone, but which all too often remains unavailable to young women,” said LDF Associate Director-Counsel Janai S. Nelson. “We could not be more enthusiastic about this program, and we are excited to collaborate once more with our friends and partners at 1DF on behalf of the women who will one day take the mantle of mentorship on their own.” 

Also kicking off in March, Colgate-Palmolive, in continued partnership with 1DF as the title sponsor of the MentorHER Initiative, will have 70 professionals from the Colgate Women’s Network mentor students throughout the month.

“We believe mentoring young women is important to Colgate’s purpose — to reimagine a healthier future for all,” said Paula S. Davis, Chief Communications Officer, Colgate-Palmolive. “By providing pathways and professional opportunities for students, we are preparing the next generation of female leaders for success. That’s social impact! We are grateful to the 1000 Dreams Fund team for our partnership and for helping us ensure a brighter future for women in business.”

The following companies are also joining 1DF in their commitment to supporting MentorHER during Women’s History Month and throughout 2022:

• Kendra Scott is a lifestyle brand headquartered in Austin, TX, providing gemstone-inspired collections that include fashion jewelry, fine jewelry, home goods, and beauty. Following their 2021 commitment, which provided more than 50 hours of mentorship to collegiate women through MentorHER, 12 executives from the company mentored students on International Women’s Day on March 8.

• Ripple is a leading provider of crypto solutions for enterprises. Twenty-six Ripple professionals will provide 1:1 mentorship to students specifically interested in technology and the financial services industry throughout the month of March through MentorHER.
  

“Ripple is proud to be a part of the MentorHER initiative. We have extended the opportunity for all of our employees, on a global scale, to take part and provide mentoring services. Supporting women doesn’t start and stop with a single day. It’s about enabling a mindset based on inclusivity throughout the year,” said Alison Crawford, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Ripple.

With support from our partners, we aim to generate more than 1,000 hours of mentorship service over the next year! To reach this goal, we’ll be adding more partners to the MentorHER Initiative throughout the year as well as encouraging individual professionals to sign up. Professionals at all levels, including the C-Suite, are encouraged to participate!

How to Participate

Mentees: College and graduate-level students as well as recent graduates nationwide may apply. International students studying in the U.S. – even those who are based in their home countries due to COVID-19 – are invited to participate. To be connected with a professional in your desired industry, apply here.

Mentors: Corporations, small businesses and nonprofit organizations are invited to partner with 1DF in this extraordinary, high-impact, employee volunteer opportunity. Individual professionals with an interest in helping the next generation of female leaders are also encouraged to participate as well. Help change a life by signing up here or contact 1DF’s team for more information: programs@1000dreamsfund.org.

Let’s make a difference together!