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.
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.
After a successful pilot program, in 2026, Serica will select up to ten mentees based in the Greater NYC area through an 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.
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Structured Mentorship: A 12-month program with regular one-on-one mentor-mentee meetings (monthly)
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Community & Networking: Opportunities to connect with a broader cohort of mentors and mentees through 3 in person events in New York City
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Accountability & Growth: Mentees set personalized leadership goals, while mentors provide feedback, encouragement, and accountability
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AAPI women in mid-career roles looking to transition from “doer” to leader
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Motivated to grow their leadership skills, take on greater responsibilities, and develop strategic thinking
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Open to feedback and willing to take action on career development advice
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Committed to engaging in the mentorship process and applying insights to their career growth.
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The Serica Mentors are some of the best in their industry and accomplished AAPI leaders. Our Mentors have:
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At least 5-7 years of leadership experience in the corporate, non-profit spaces or as an entrepreneur
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A strong commitment to mentorship and the advancement of AAPI women in leadership
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Experience navigating leadership challenges, gender & cultural influences, and career transitions
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Strong coaching, curiosity and listening skills, with a willingness to provide guidance, resources, introductions, in addition to constructive feedback
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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.
"What I really appreciate is my time that I get to spend with my mentor. She has a similar background to me—being an entrepreneur as well as navigating working in the nonprofit sector. She was able to give me her insights on how to navigate different transitions, and how you think about building your own business."
“My mentor has given me a critical perspective on the ebbs and flows of academia, as well as insight on how to navigate the current educational landscape that we're in. She reminds me to check-in with myself and that it's okay to re-assess and re-evaluate on how to approach my business strategy, while also tending to my personal needs as well. Above all, this program has given me a community of Asian American women leaders to learn and grow from in all sectors and industries!”
"We have talked a lot about leadership in business … [and] her experience getting more exposure at the workplace and establishing a reputation with the right and dedicated “client-first” mindset. She also shared with me lots of her perspectives about the latest trends and movements … and thus provided me with a long-term macro view of my career trajectory planning."
IMPORTANT DATES for the 2026-2027 Program
March 3, 2026
Applications Open
March 22, 2026
Applications Close
Early May 2026
Mentees Selected, Notified & Matched
June 4, 2026 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Mentorship Program Launch & 2025 Graduation (In-Person: NYC)
June 12, 2026 12:00 - 1:00PM
Mentee Convening (Virtual)
June 2026 - November 2026
6 Monthly Mentor-Mentee Sessions
November 2026
Mentor-Mentee Luncheon (In-Person: NYC)
December 2026 - May 2027
6 Monthly Mentor-Mentee Sessions
May 2027
Mentorship Program Graduation (In-Person: NYC)
Other Convenings TBA
Details for additional convenings will be shared through the year
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MEET OUR 2025 MENTEES!
After a competitive selection process, eleven exceptional pairs of mentors and mentees were chosen in 2025 for Serica's groundbreaking 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 our partners at FARSIGHT for their support in creating this program!
Read more about the mentors & mentee kick off at our 2025 Trailblazers conference at our news post here!
mentee 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:
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Mentees will be matched with a mentor by the Serica team based on their stated goals and professional needs.
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The official program kickoff will take place on June 4th, 2026, in NYC, where mentors and mentees will have their first in-person meeting.
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Mentee are expected to attend the first Mentee Convening (via Zoom) on Friday, June 12 @ 12:00pm ET
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Mentees will be responsible to 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.
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At least four meetings must be in person to foster a strong mentor-mentee relationship.
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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.
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Mentees are responsible for scheduling meetings with minimal rescheduling.
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If a mentor or mentee fails to attend a scheduled meeting without notice, that session will not be rescheduled.
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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.
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Serica is looking for applicants who are ready to take full ownership of their experience from day one. This is a highly self-directed experience, and our Mentees are expected to lead their journey throughout the year. That means being proactive, initiating communication, and responding promptly and professionally to all correspondence from mentors and the program, as well as asking for help and support when needed.
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Mentees will be responsible for setting clear goals, preparing for each session, and actively driving conversations to ensure you gain maximum value from your time with your mentor. Success in this program depends on your initiative, accountability, and commitment to making the most of every opportunity.
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Mentees will submit quarterly progress updates to the Serica team. Further details will be provided once the program begins.
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Mentees will meet 1:1 with the Program Director in January 2027 as a mid-point check in on the experience
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Mentees are expected to attend a Mentorship Luncheon in November 2026 (date, time, and NYC location to be announced, hosted by Serica.)
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The program will conclude with a Program Graduation Event in May 2027, hosted by Serica in NYC, where all mentees will celebrate their achievements (date, time, and location to be announced).
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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).
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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.
FAQs
For any other questions and concerns, please reach out to mentorship@sericainitiative.org.
If you join the Mentorship Program as a Mentee in a given program year, you are not able to participate as a Mentor in that same year. Graduated Mentees are welcome to apply to be a Mentor for future program years and can register their interest at this form HERE.
The Mentorship Program convenes annually in late Spring/early Summer to celebrate the transitioning of program years — with the graduation of one cohort, and the kickoff of another cohort. An invitation to this annual celebration is extended to all alumni of the program and is a great opportunity to connect with an incredible community of AAPI women leaders.
The Serica Initiative also offers a number of virtual and in-person programs and events to stay connected with a broader AAPI network. Past events have included day trips celebrating famed artist and choreographer Shen Wei, a live taping and convening of AAPI athletes through our award-winning program Voices Rising, and a Lunar New Year party and game night! The best way to stay connected with Serica and get updates about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities is by registering for our newsletter on our website or by following our social media (find links to both by scrolling to the bottom of this page)!
The Serica Initiative welcomes volunteers in the NYC area on an as-needed basis. Volunteer opportunities include event support at our annual AAPI Trailblazers Gala, photography, media design, and more! Submit information about your background and volunteer interest HERE and we will contact you when volunteer opportunities become available.
At this time, only Mentors and Mentees located in the Greater NYC area will be considered for the Mentorship Program, though we hope to expand the program in the future!
