Mentor-A-Thon:

Mar 26, 4:00 – 5:00 PM (UTC)

Career Development

Join us for the GDI Mentor-A-Thon, where we make 100 mentor matches in just one day! This exciting event is your chance to connect, learn, and grow while supporting the future of tech. Whether you're an experienced professional looking to give back or an aspiring tech-enthusiast eager to learn, this event is for you.

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About this event

Breaking into the tech industry can be daunting, especially for those navigating systemic barriers and lacking access to critical connections and industry-specific knowledge. At GDI, we recognize that our community members often face significant challenges in bridging the gap between education and career opportunities.

We are launching a GDI Mentoring Program to address the critical gap in mentorship within the tech industry by fostering meaningful, one-on-one connections between experienced professionals and those striving to break into the field.  To kick off this effort, we are hosting a Mentor-A-Thon, where we aim to make 100 mentor matches in one day and provide an incredible opportunity to push our community forward towards their goals in one day. 

Mentor-A-Thon: Details 

Join us for the GDI Mentor-A-Thon, a fantastic opportunity to network, receive insightful career advice from seasoned professionals, and explore exciting new possibilities. This exciting event is your chance to connect, learn, and grow while supporting the future of tech.

Whether you're an experienced professional looking to give back or an aspiring tech-enthusiast eager to learn, this event is for you.

 Plus, we're rallying our community to raise $10,000 to sustain and grow this critical mentorship program.

How to get involved:

After reviewing the role description, please sign up as a mentor or mentee.  If you can not make the event but would like to support the Mentorship Program, please consider donating either through this site or through workplace giving (we are on Benevity and most major donor sites)

Event Schedule:

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

  • 12:00p ET / 9:00a PT: Event Kick-Off and Panel Conversation
  • 1:00p ET / 10:00a PT:  Mentor Meet-Ups Start 
  • 8:00p ET / 7:00p PT: Mentor Meet-Ups Wrap  

What to expect as a Mentee:

Before the event:  

  • As you register, we will ask a few questions to learn about your interests and make a good match.
  • You will receive a mentee packet two weeks before the event, including tips and insights into making the most of your match.
  • You will also receive a calendar poll asking you to choose three times you are available throughout the event for your mentorship meeting.

During the event:

  • The event will kick off with some opening remarks and a panel discussion of industry leaders sharing their career and mentor stories. 
  • Once the panel is wrapped, you will either stay on Zoom or return at your meeting time.  When you log in for the meeting, you will be welcomed and sent into a Zoom room to meet your mentor.

After the event:

  • You will receive a short survey to provide feedback to this event and our mentor matches.
  • You will be invited to join us for future mentoring events and opportunities. 


What to Expect as a Mentor

We understand (and are excited about ) mentors with varying degrees of experience.  Do not be shy about considering yourself a mentor and sharing your career experience.  We'd love it if you have some professional experience in the technology field.  The minimum ask is for one 45-minute session, but you may volunteer for more sessions if you have time. 

Before the event:

  • As you register, a few questions will be asked to help us ensure we place you in a successful match.
  • You will receive both a video and materials designed to prepare for all levels of mentorship experience.
  • We will host a mentor Q&A call a week before the event; this is not required but is available to all mentors. 
  • You will also receive a calendar poll asking you to choose three times you are available throughout the event for your mentorship meeting. (You may volunteer for two mentor matches if you have 90 minutes to volunteer)
During the event:
  • The event will begin with opening remarks and a panel discussion of industry leaders sharing their career and mentor stories.

  • Once the panel is wrapped, you will either stay on Zoom or return at your meeting time. When you log in for the meeting, you will be welcomed and sent into a Zoom room to meet your mentee.

After the event:

  • You will receive a short survey to provide feedback on this event and our mentee match.
  • You will be invited to join us for future mentoring events and opportunities. 


FAQs:

What if my schedule changes or I am no longer available

We ask that all participants do their best to give us 24 hours notice of changes; this will allow us to reassign mentors and mentees to ensure everyone has a great experience.

My office would like to volunteer as a group to mentor people during a time block. Is that possible?

We would love to have corporate volunteers as mentors and are happy to work with you to host a unique mentor prep session (if needed); we are so glad to do our best to schedule a group of mentors for a block of time.  Please reach out to Katie@girldevelopit.com to make arrangements.

I am not available on the day of this event. Can I help out in other ways?

We are building a long-term mentoring program to support women and non-binary individuals pivoting into technology. This event is just the kickoff. To help develop this program, we could use financial support and mentors throughout the year.   Please email Programs@girldevelopit.com and ask to be on our mentor list.

I don't think I'm ready for this event. My career goals are unclear, and I am nervous to jump in without being sure what I will get out of it.

To quote our community, "Do the thing"—join us and spend time with a mentor exploring your thoughts. Sometimes, getting out of our heads and getting a new perspective on our thoughts is beyond valuable. This is a short mentor engagement and a great way to test ideas, get quick feedback, and generate new thoughts.  

I love this event idea but am looking for a deeper mentor (or mentee) connection.  Is there an option to do more than this event?

Yes, starting in April, you can sign up to be matched in a three-month mentorship program.  You will be matched with a pre-selected mentor/mentee to achieve a goal (i.e., find a job, navigate career transition, land the promotion, build a project). The commitment is 6 meetings in three months.  Follow this link for more information.

If you have any additional questions, please email Programs@girldevelopit.com






Explore GDI Memberships

Want More from GDI? GDI offers a variety of ways you can join our community! Whether you are brand new to tech or want to advance the experience you've already racked up, we have something for you. When you join as a member, you develop your own pathway to develop code, confidence, and community. If you just want to get your feet wet or want a personal coach to land your dream job, GDI has memberships to match your interest, availability, and budget. Learn more here. Code of Conduct: Girl Develop It is focused on providing opportunities for women and non-binary individuals to learn web and software development, but our classes and events are open to all genders and identities. We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and comfortable environment for all to learn to code and every attendee is expected to uphold our Code of Conduct (http://www.https://girldevelopit.com/code-of-conduct/).

Organizer

  • Katie Franco

    Girl Develop It

    Executive Director

Partner

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LMAX Group

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