INSPIRE.
Lander Womentum is a mentoring program that develops women's skills, confidence, and local social networks through a seven‐month schedule of workshops, dinners, and events. Womentum was founded in 2006 in Jackson, WY. In 2017, a group of Lander women, who attended Jackson’s program, founded Lander Womentum to bring the program here. Lander Womentum maintains the Womentum name, but we operate independently and with a slightly different structure. In 2019, Lander Womentum became its own 501(c)(3) non-profit, which allows us to fundraise and offer more programming to our community.
Lander Womentum includes two main structural components -- mentoring partnerships and the cohort (or group) experience. Since we believe both individuals in a mentoring relationship stand to gain from it, we don't assign mentor and mentee roles (as Jackson Womentum does) but instead structure the relationship as a partnership. The idea is to have mentoring partners who, through one-on-one time together and a variety of guided workshops and dinners, gain professional contacts, build personal relationships, and acquire the know-how to give back to their community.
Cohort sessions alternate between large group gatherings and small group events. The large gatherings are structured as workshops with a presentation of information followed by break-out sessions to explore topics in more depth. The small gatherings are potluck style dinners held at a volunteer cohort member’s home. We split the cohort into groups of about six people, which enables more intimate conversations and therefore further develops personal and professional connections within the cohort.
The Leadership Team assigns mentoring partnerships as part of the application review process. We take into consideration schedules, professional interests, and individual goals. Our aim is to pair people who can mutually benefit from the relationship. Our most vibrant mentoring pairs have embraced the excitement of letting uncertainty, curiosity, and a willingness to share drive their relationship. The Leadership Team provides structure around how to be an effective and nurturing partnership early in the program and remains available throughout the course of the program to support these relationships.
Who is the Program for?
Our philosophy is that leadership qualities can strengthen all aspects of our lives. Being a leader can mean being a good role model for your children just as much as being the C.E.O. of a company or governing in public office.
If you are interested in personal development, examining your ways of being, exploring new opportunities and ideas, while engaging with other women who share these values, this program is for you.
Why does it cost money?
We charge $150 per participant to help cover program expenses, including meals, drinks, venue-rent, and supplies. We fundraise to cover the rest of our expenses. We offer scholarships for those in need. If interested in a scholarship, email connect@landerwomentum.org.
What if I cannot attend everything on the schedule?
That’s okay. We know that life gets busy and unpredictable! We ask that if you apply, you intend to participate in the majority of scheduled events, workshops, and dinners. The time spent with your partner is up to you both, but we suggest spending at least a few hours a month as a pair. We would also remind you that, when you make something a priority in your life, you reap the most reward from it.
Is there a curriculum?
Every year the leadership team generally outlines the cohort programming AND we welcome the cohort members’ insights and suggestions about topics that inspire or resonate with them. The cohort is encouraged to ask for what they need and have ownership over the direction the group goes. The Leadership team has an “open door” policy and is here to make this the most positive experience it can be. So don’t be shy. In the past, we have explored topics from wellness to financial fitness to personality assessment, and the possibilities are endless.
