Now in its seventh 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:
- Young Professionals of Color connect virtually to continue participation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 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 100 individuals. The DEADLINE to apply is Friday, September 9, 2022.
Event Type: Employer Events
Audience: Race/Ethnicity
Industry: Agriculture, Environment & Sustainability