At the heart of WiT’s mission of advancing women, we believe that mentorship is a path to leadership.
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Our Mentorship Program is named in honor of Ruth Handler, the iconic leader who created Barbie and paved the way for future leaders. She was an inventor. A business owner. A creator. A marketer and a mom. She was curious, entrepreneurial and above all, she was a mentor to many. Ruth Handler was truly revolutionary.
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Having a mentor can have a huge impact on you and your career. But connecting with a mentor who will be just right for you — that’s easier said than done. WiT has matched hundreds of women with knowledgeable mentors in the toy, licensing, and entertainment industries from around the globe. Join today to form meaningful connections, deepen your industry knowledge, and gain the professional development skills you need to lead and succeed.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Ruth Handler Mentorship Program for WiT is designed to help women at all levels of their career achieve their goals, with a focus on facilitating career development. Click here for a shareable one-sheet.
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Guided 4-month 1:1 personalized partnership.
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Mentees are paired with mentors who have the skills and competencies that are best matched with the mentee's goals and objectives.
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Mentees build skill sets, increase industry knowledge, achieve development goals, and enhance leadership abilities.
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Mentors enjoy a rewarding experience by playing a vital role in the development and advancement of our industry's future leaders.
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Mentees must be active WiT members to participate. Apply here.
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Mentors do not have to be WiT members. Both women and men are encouraged to mentor! Enroll here.
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​IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Although mentoring has some overlap with a business consultant, this program is not intended as a way to pitch your business or your product to Mentors. For those looking for a "how to" or a "who's who," we recommend they hire a business consultant or agent.
This program is generously underwritten by The Mattel Foundation.
ANYONE CAN BE A MENTOR!
Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned veteran, you can make a difference in a woman's life and career. Mentoring others can help you up your leadership game, gain perspective, exercise emotional intelligence, and more. All it takes is 1-2 hours each month to encourage and empower, share your wisdom, and make a huge impact on the lives and careers of women in our industry. Both WiT members and non-members can participate as mentors.
WHAT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
"Thank you! I'll just keep saying that. This is already helping my career. As a freelance writer who was on the corporate side of games for many years, going out on my own was kind of terrifying and I wasn't sure where I/if I still fit into the industry. My mentor has shown me that I absolutely do and with her help, I feel like I'm on a career path."
MENTEE
"I think this match has been great and I am enjoying the formal process. I am looking forward to our next meeting."
MENTOR
"It's refreshing to speak to someone with significant insight into the industry and is a very well established individual personally and professionally."
MENTEE
"This program is great. My mentee is a good match and is using our conversations and progressing nicely."
MENTOR
"We were both pleased - and surprised - at what a perfect fit we are. So looking forward to helping my mentee and getting to know her better. I suspect we will continue to be in touch after the formal mentoring wraps up."
MENTOR
"I'm so excited I was paired with someone so perfect for me! My mentor commented a few times how similar our paths are. I'm really happy I joined the program."
MENTEE
"Love the Everwise platform that we are using to help guide the process. It helps me feel organized and ensure that I am delivering as a mentor and that I am providing my mentee with the right steps to achieve their goals."
MENTOR
"It's amazing!! It flows very naturally, my mentor is fun and very helpful, I'm so happy I enrolled!"
MENTEE
"Thank you! I'll just keep saying that. This is already helping my career. As a freelance writer who was on the corporate side of games for many years, going out on my own was kind of terrifying and I wasn't sure where I/if I still fit into the industry. My mentor has shown me that I absolutely do and with her help, I feel like I'm on a career path."
MENTEE
"She is fantastic. I am loving the experience. If I don't have the answers she needs, I bring in other professionals for her to answer."
MENTOR
"My mentor is an excellent match and I have already been much more productive because of our goal-setting session!"
MENTEE
"This is by far the best mentorship program that I have ever participated in. The structure, content, and matching are awesome! I would highly recommend it to any of my peers."
MENTOR
HOW CAN A MENTOR HELP YOU?
Gain
Perspective
Find the insights and answers you’re looking for to your most burning questions.
Explore &
Grow
Develop an understanding of your strengths and explore opportunities for growth.
Build
Skills
Build soft skills like resilience, problem solving, strategic thinking, and managing up.
Questions? Contact us at mentorship@womenintoys.com.