The HerWILL mentorship programme - Cohort 01: A rarity in reach and depth

What happens when a young changemaker from Dhaka, a data science student from Cairo, a future policymaker from Toronto, and a mid-career professional from Atlanta walk into the same virtual room—with a NASA executive, a corporate strategist, a top academic, a legal powerhouse, and a civic innovation leader? You get something rare. You get HerWILL's Mentorship Programme.

In a world where access is everything, but rarely equitably distributed, this initiative stands apart—not just for the calibre of its mentors, but for the uniqueness of its audience. These mentees weren't already plugged into Ivy League circles or Silicon Valley pipelines. They came from Bangladesh, Egypt, Canada, Syria, and the United States—diverse not only in geography, but in socioeconomic reality, educational background, and opportunity. And they were granted something exceptional: one-on-one time with some of the most accomplished professionals in academia, industry, and public service. People who shattered ceilings, climbed ladders with no rungs, and built careers on grit and brilliance.

And what took many mentees by surprise? The warmth. The humility. The utter contrast to leadership dynamics they often witness—where kindness is mistaken for weakness, and generosity of time is rare currency. That, too, is what made this first HerWILL Mentorship Cohort unforgettable.

The Vision Behind HerWILL Mentorship

The HerWILL Mentorship Programme connects brilliant minds with pioneering leaders who have not only challenged the status quo but are committed to guiding the next generation. We believe the right mentor can change the course of a life by providing support, knowledge, and direction in moments of doubt and decision-making.

Meet Our Mentors of Cohort 01

Cohort 01 featured five remarkable mentors, each a distinguished leader in their respective fields, who brought a wealth of experience, knowledge, and leadership strategies to the programme. Among them were Casey Swails, Deputy Associate Administrator at NASA; Erika Cowen, Vice President of Customer Success at F5; Dr Reem Khir, Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering at Purdue University; Melanie Rodriguez, Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Toronto Public Library Foundation; and Nickola Voegelin, General Counsel at the University of Waterloo. Their diverse expertise and commitment to mentorship set a strong foundation for the programme's impact.

Key Takeaways from Our Mentees

The sixty-minute mentorship session provided mentees with a meaningful opportunity for both personal growth and professional insight. Beyond learning about the mentors' impressive experiences and areas of expertise, the session highlighted moments of realisation and transformation, encouraged mentees to reflect, grow, and envision their own paths forward.

During the session, Tahiya Islam, one of the mentees, arrived two minutes late and apologised, explaining that she had had a long day. Her vulnerability was met with a thoughtful response from Nickola Voegelin, who said, "Be flexible and be kind to yourself, but also keep yourself disciplined in your work and personal life." This message resonated deeply with Tahiya and the other mentees in the room. This balance between self-compassion and discipline became a recurring theme in the session, and it reminded mentees that success requires both perseverance and grace.

Dr Reem Khir's insights left a lasting impact on many mentees. She shared, "It is crucial to ask critical questions regarding feasibility, safety, and applicability before adopting any established method." This shifted the way mentees viewed innovation and encouraged them to pursue research with purpose and real-world impact. Neelima found motivation in Dr Khir's words, "If it doesn't happen right now, it doesn't mean it will not happen. Keep working hard and everything will fall into place," which instilled a deeper sense of perseverance.

Trina Chakraborty, one of the mentees, found immense motivation in the session, especially in Dr Khir's reassuring words: "You will end up exactly where you're supposed to be. Trust the process, believe in yourself, and everything will be okay in the end." It offered her a renewed sense of direction and self-belief. Meanwhile another mentee, Azmine Toushik Wasi, gained practical career strategies when he asked Dr Khir about her "X-factor" in securing admission to a top PhD programme. She highlighted the importance of having relevant research experience and aligning one's application with a professor's area of work—factors that significantly enhance selection chances.

For Sanam Bhuiyan and Neelima Monjusha Preeti, Casey Swails' words made a significant impact. When asked about successfully running and leading a big team, "Communication is key when leading a big team. Regardless of backgrounds, when communication exists, big problems can be solved easily." This emphasised the crucial role of communication in leadership. Additionally, Casey's advice on personal growth resonated deeply with Sanam, "When you find what you're passionate about, growth and learning come naturally. Leading with kindness and leveraging personable skills help in building strong connections." These insights reinforced the importance of staying true to one's passion and cultivating meaningful relationships.

Maisha resonated deeply with Melanie's emphasis on authentic networking: "It's not just about expanding your circle but forming meaningful connections with those who align with your values. Authenticity promotes lasting bonds and unlocks new opportunities." This lesson reinforced her belief that true mentorship is built on trust, shared purpose, and genuine relationships. Adding to that, Erika Cowen shared, "Start with WHY, for yourself and for your organisation. And when you are telling your story, make sure to add your vision to it."

The Path Forward

What started as a pilot for HerWILL's own team is now a blueprint for something much bigger. The success of this first cohort reinforced a fundamental truth: transformational mentorship isn't just about transferring knowledge—it's about shifting belief systems.

HerWILL is now committed to scaling this globally, intentionally targeting those who often sit outside traditional power structures. The next phase will bring in more brilliant minds—mentors and mentees alike—who understand that access is a catalyst and kindness is a strength.

Because when generosity meets genius, everyone rises.