The 2025 program will take place from September 21 – October 25, 2025.
Cultural Mentors play a vital role in helping TechWomen Emerging Leaders (ELs) acclimate to life in the San Francisco Bay Area or Chicago, while also introducing them to American culture and values. You’ll build meaningful cross-cultural relationships and help create a welcoming, enriching experience for women from around the world.
We accept U.S. residents only as TechWomen volunteers and prioritize applicants who live and work in Chicago or the Bay Area.
Application Process
This application may take up to 25 minutes to complete, and you may work on it over multiple sittings. Starting on the next page, you’ll have the option to “Save and continue later” (look for the link at the top or bottom of each page, depending on your browser).
Please use the “Back” button at the bottom of the application to revisit or edit previous answers. Do not use your browser’s back button, as it may cause you to lose progress.
What Does It Mean to Be a TechWomen Cultural Mentor?
Support, inspire, and share your city with global women leaders.
Cultural Mentors are volunteers working and living in the San Francisco Bay Area or Chicago who have a strong commitment to empowering women globally. Cultural Mentors support Emerging Leaders’ - professional women from Africa, South and Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East - professional and personal growth by helping them acclimate to life in the U.S. and inspiring them to make the most of their time in the United States. Mentors serve as cultural ambassadors, exposing Emerging Leaders to local attractions, cultural events and service opportunities.
What Cultural Mentorship Involves
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You’ll be matched with 1–2 co-mentors and a group of 7–10 Emerging Leaders.
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Together, you’ll plan and lead 2–3 city-centric cultural activities during the program period.
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Activities might include local outings, cultural events, or service opportunities that give ELs a deeper look into your city and culture.
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You’ll help coordinate logistics and ensure events are accessible to ELs in your group who wish to attend.
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You’ll serve as a welcoming presence and a consistent point of connection—while encouraging ELs to explore other program and community opportunities.
Key Dates
(These dates are subject to change)
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Virtual Mentor Orientation 1 (of 2): Wednesday, September 3
10 AM – 12 PM PT / 12 – 2 PM CT
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Virtual Mentor Orientation 2 (of 2): Thursday, September 11
10 – 11 AM PT / 12 – 1 PM CT
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Mentor Mixer: Tuesday, September 16 (evening, PT + CT)
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Optional Events:
– Welcome Reception, Tuesday, September 23 (4 – 6 PM PT / 6 – 8 PM CT)
– Networking Event, Thursday, October 9 (6 – 8 PM, PT + CT)
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Community Celebration Picnic: Saturday, October 18 (time TBD)
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DC Trip (Optional): October 21–25 (Mentors may apply to join at their own expense; details to follow)
Application Deadline
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST