The Women in Business Council Mentorship Program, offered through the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, empowers business owners and professionals by fostering leadership development through education, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of their strengths and leadership styles. We spoke with Women in Business Council (WIB) Chair Carly Schorman to learn more about the program.
Can you share any success stories from past mentor-protégé pairs?
Our program has received incredibly positive feedback, with one of its greatest successes being the lasting relationships formed between protégés, mentors, and fellow participants. Having been involved in the program for several years, I still connect with my former protégés over coffee to catch up and discuss new challenges they’re facing as business owners.
How long does the mentoring relationship typically last?
Throughout the six-month program, mentors and protégés build meaningful relationships that often continue well beyond the program itself. In my experience, these connections don’t simply end—they evolve into lasting friendships between peers, extending beyond the traditional mentor-protégé dynamic.
What kind of support does the Chamber provide to mentors and protégés during the program?
The Chamber supports the program by providing staff assistance, meeting spaces, and connections to esteemed members of the local business community who lead learning sessions and share valuable insights. They also facilitate business visits, giving protégés first hand exposure to successful companies in Tempe and the opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders about their strategies for growth and success.
How has this program contributed to the local business community?
This program cultivates well-informed, confident leaders while providing access to a strong professional network in Tempe, creating a lasting impact on local businesses. By supporting business owners and professionals in their personal growth, we directly contribute to the success of the organizations they lead. Fostering connections among local business owners encourages them to seek out community-driven professional services and support, ultimately strengthening the local economy.
What skills or experiences do mentors typically bring to the program?
Our mentors come from diverse backgrounds, and one of our key goals is to match each protégé with a mentor who has already demonstrated the skills they seek to acquire or achieved success in their field. Every protégé follows a unique path to professional success, and we strive to pair them with a mentor whose guidance aligns with their specific journey.
For example, an aspiring IT professional might be paired with a mentor who owns a business in that industry. A new business owner could be matched with an entrepreneur who understands the challenges of launching a company. We’ve also mentored individuals in the sciences looking to expand their interpersonal skills by pairing them with mentors experienced in human resources or management.
What are some key takeaways past participants have shared?
Within the broader scope of the program, we place a strong emphasis on the individual, tailoring the experience to their specific growth goals—making each mentorship unique. While many participants highlight the value of building strong connections and exploring different leadership approaches, the benefits are ultimately personalized to each protégé.
For example, my expertise is in marketing and content creation, and I’ve worked with protégés looking to strengthen their branding strategies. In my first year as a mentor, I was paired with a protégé focused on improving their marketing practices. This year, I’m working with a holistic practitioner aiming to expand their digital presence through podcasting and social media. In another year, I mentored someone seeking to enhance their daily operations by improving organization and time management skills.
What makes an ideal mentor or protégé?
The ideal protégé is anyone eager to grow as a business leader, while the ideal mentor is an experienced professional who has successfully demonstrated the skills a protégé hopes to develop. Since each pairing is unique, the protégé’s goals shape the mentorship experience, making the process highly personalized. This tailored approach is both our goal and what sets us apart from other mentorship programs.
How can interested individuals apply, and what is the selection process like?
Interested individuals can apply through the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, where the selection process focuses on matching protégés with mentors whose expertise aligns with their goals. For example, if a protégé wants to expand their entrepreneurial skills as a restaurateur, we prioritize pairing them with a mentor experienced in hospitality or food services. If no applicants have that specific background, we may explore other Chamber members to fill the niche. In rare cases where a protégé’s desired skill set—such as data analytics—isn’t represented, we discuss alternative learning opportunities within the program to ensure a valuable experience. However, it is uncommon for a protégé to not find a suitable mentor.
What networking or professional development opportunities does the program offer?
Networking and professional development are at the core of our program. Protégés and mentors engage in meaningful connections with each other, fellow participants, guest speakers, and industry leaders through workshops, mentorship sessions, and company visits. Because networking is a key component of business growth, we ensure ample opportunities for participants to build relationships and expand their professional circles.
Additionally, we offer monthly classes covering a range of topics, from understanding leadership styles to overcoming personal and professional challenges. These sessions also include practical learning modules on subjects like marketing, providing immediate, real-world applications to help participants advance in their careers.
This year's mentors are Dr. Aneesah Nadir, Carly Schorman, Cheri Fisher, Jacqueline McCormack, Julie Immerman, Karri Hill, Lisa Rehurek and Marisol Ruiz. On April 11th, at Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix-Tempe, the Tempe Chamber of Commerce will host the "Women Who Inspire" Leadership Conference to celebrate the achievements of local businesswomen and the graduates from the mentorship program.
To learn more, please visit tempechamber.org.
"This program cultivates well-informed, confident leaders while providing access to a strong professional network in Tempe, creating a lasting impact on local businesses."