Young Professionals of Color Mentorship Program

Now in its eighth year, the Young Professionals of Color (YPC) Mentorship Program enables Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities working in the environmental field to achieve their career and professional development goals, while closing the racial diversity gap that exists within the Chesapeake Bay restoration movement. With the understanding that BIPOC communities face inherently racist structural barriers to advance their careers, this program is designed to provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to increase retention among BIPOC colleagues in the region.

YPC provides mentorship and customized trainings to young professionals seeking to excel in their careers and also strengthens the leadership abilities of our mentors. Participating in this unique partnership fosters better relationships among clean water partners and helps build a pipeline of diverse leaders interested in advancing our watershed goals throughout the region.

Past trainings have included:

• Personal Sustainability and Community Care

• Courageous (Difficult) Conversations

• Overcoming Imposture Syndrome

• Combating Microaggressions

• Creating Equity in the Workplace

• Theories of Change to Advance Equity

• Advancing Equity, Influencing without Authority

The program is among very few spaces, let alone mentorship opportunities within the Chesapeake Bay partnership, that builds support for diverse leaders within the Bay community. An annual program, YPC typically hosts a class of 40-50 professionals and has provided mentorship and training to more than 200 individuals. If you are interested in learning more about the Coalition’s YPC program, please contact Kristin Reilly at ReillyK@nwf.org.

Reflections from a YPC Alum

"I participated as a mentee with the intention of gaining professional skills in the workplace and strengthening my professional network. Not only did I gain skills and enhance my network, but I came away with so much more including a lifelong friendship with my mentor and a new confidence in myself and my career. I plan to continue my participation in this program as I think it is a fantastic resource for young professionals of color and truly gave me so much joy that I hope to share with others as a mentor in the future."

—Syd Godbey, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation