AAPI Mentorship Program

Serica will pilot an exciting, innovative new program in 2025 that amplifies the advantages of the traditional mentorship model into something altogether different, meaningful, and powerful–uplifting AAPIs across sectors and generations.

Magic has always happened when Serica brings together amazing women (and their allies, including men). How can we “bottle” that secret sauce? How can we capture that synergy into a program that can support AAPIs with measurable impact?

What is the success that we can define ourselves?

If you would like to be a part of this change we want to see–either as a mentor or mentee!–please indicate your interest below.

OPEN CALL FOR MENTORS

Are you an AAPI Leader who is passionate about supporting and empowering other AAPI women leaders? Apply below to join Serica's roster of exceptional mentors who serve our AAPI Women's Leadership Mentorship Program!

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Serica's AAPI Women’s Leadership Mentorship Program is designed to support and empower Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women as they transition from high-performing mid-career managers to confident, effective senior leaders. This program pairs emerging leaders with experienced mentors who provide guidance, strategic insights, and support to help mentees navigate leadership challenges, build their influence and impact, accelerate their career growth and cultivate balance between career and personal life.

Serica will select NYC-based mentees through a competitive application process, who will be paired with mentors based on mentee goals and needs.

This program is FREE to selected mentees. Serica’s mentors will be volunteering their time for this program.

Structured Mentorship: A 12-month program with monthly one-on-one mentor-mentee meetings

Community & Networking: Opportunities to connect with a broader cohort of mentors and mentees through three in-person events in New York City

Accountability & Growth: Mentees set personalized leadership goals, while mentors provide feedback, encouragement, and accountability
At least 5-7 years of leadership experience in the corporate, non-profit spaces or as an entrepreneur

A strong commitment and track record to giving back, mentorship and the advancement of AAPI women in leadership

Experience navigating leadership challenges, gender & cultural influences, and career transitions

Strong coaching, curiosity and listening skills, with a willingness to provide guidance, resources, introductions, in addition to constructive feedback

Passionate about shaping the career trajectory of future AAPI women leaders

Excellent communication skills and accountability - this is a self-guided program, including independent communication, responsiveness and scheduling.

Willing to volunteer time responsibly with scheduling and keeping session times to enable the best possible Mentee experience

This program is an opportunity for AAPI women to break barriers, elevate their leadership presence, and advance in their careers with the guidance of those who have walked the path before them.

Do You Want to Be A Mentor?

Thank you for your interest in applying to be a Mentor for Serica's AAPI Women’s Leadership Mentorship Program! After a successful inaugural Mentorship Program in 2025, Serica is now looking to expand its roster of NYC-based mentors in an effort to create a greater impact for our mentees.

To be considered, we would like to learn more about your background, skills, and specialties as a way to get to know you better, and assess if you would be a good match for our roster of mentees.

Please complete this form by December 9, 2025.

CRITERIA FOR OUR IDEAL MENTOR

At least 5-7 years of leadership experience in the corporate, non-profit spaces or as an entrepreneur
A strong commitment and track record to giving back, mentorship, and the advancement of AAPI women in leadership
Experience navigating leadership challenges, gender & cultural influences, and career transitions
Strong coaching, curiosity and listening skills, with a willingness to provide guidance, resources, introductions, in addition to constructive feedback
Passionate about shaping the career trajectory of future AAPI women leaders
Excellent communication skills and accountability - this is a self-guided program, including independent communication, responsiveness and scheduling
Willing to volunteer time responsibly with scheduling and keeping session times to enable the best possible Mentee experience

BENEFITS

Complimentary access to most of Serica Events throughout the year
Access to a network of AAPI professionals from across industries and backgrounds

NEXT STEPS

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through January and the Serica team will reach out to shortlisted candidates before February 15.

CONGRATULATIONS MENTEES!

The Serica Initiative is thrilled to announce the first-ever cohort of the AAPI Women’s Leadership Mentorship Program—a groundbreaking initiative designed to support mid-career AAPI women as they rise into senior leadership.

After a competitive selection process, eleven exceptional pairs of mentors and mentees have been chosen for the 12-month pilot program. These women represent a range of industries—from finance and nonprofit to entrepreneurship and education—and bring with them a shared commitment to elevating AAPI voices and building intergenerational leadership. Thank you to Farah Bala from Farsight for all her hard work and collaboration on this program!

Read more about the mentors & mentee kick off at our 2025 Trailblazers conference at our news post here!

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IMPORTANT DATES

November 17, 2025

Mentor Applications Open

December 9, 2025

Mentor Applications Close

Jan - May 2026

Mentors and Mentees Selected & Notified

June 2026

Mentorship Program Launch & Welcome

June - November 2026

6 Monthly Mentor-Mentee Sessions

Nov 2026 (Exact date TBD)

Mentor-Mentee Mid-Year Luncheon

December 2026 - May 2027

6 Monthly Mentor-Mentee Sessions

May 2027 (Exact date TBD)

Mentorship Program Graduation

PROGRAM COMMITMENTS & EXPECTATIONS

As a selected participant in Serica’s AAPI Women’s Leadership Mentorship Program, mentees are expected to fully engage in the program and uphold the following commitments:

Mentees will be matched with a mentor by the Serica team based on their stated goals and professional needs.

The official program kickoff will take place in June 2026 (exact date TBD) in NYC, where mentors and mentees will have their first in-person meeting.
Mentees will schedule 12 monthly meetings (at least 45 minutes/per meeting) with their mentors throughout the program. All meetings are fully confidential between Mentor and Mentee.

At least four meetings must be in person to foster a strong mentor-mentee relationship.

Please note that in-person meeting costs will be incurred by the mentors and mentees. Serica will not reimburse any in person meeting-related costs.

Mentees are responsible for scheduling meetings with minimal rescheduling.

If a mentor or mentee fails to attend a scheduled meeting without notice, that session will not be rescheduled.

If meetings are frequently canceled or rescheduled by either mentor or mentee (more than twice per session), the Serica team will assess whether changes to the mentorship pairing are necessary.
Mentees will submit quarterly progress updates to the Serica team. Further details will be provided once the program begins.
Mentees are expected to attend a Mentorship Luncheon in November 2026 (date, time, and location to be announced hosted by Serica).

The program will conclude with a Program Graduation Event in June 2027, hosted by Serica, where all mentees will celebrate their achievements (date, time, and location to be announced).

Mentees will be provided with complimentary access to attend all of Serica’s programming (both virtual and in-person) throughout the calendar year (with the exception of the Serica Trailblazers Gala events).

This program is a unique opportunity to grow as a leader and build meaningful relationships. Full participation and commitment will ensure mentees gain the most value from their experience.

For any questions, please contact mentorship@sericainitiative.org.