News
Launching the Women’s Mentoring Program at Berkeley
The Women@Berkeley Network is delighted to launch the Women’s Mentoring Program, its latest initiative to further women’s development.
The Berkeley Partnership has launched the Women’s Mentoring Program, a new initiative from the Women@Berkeley Network, which will provide tailored one-to-one support in career and personal development for the firm’s women.
The launch is the key event in Berkeley’s celebrations to mark International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.
Tailored mentoring with a focus on women’s lived experiences
The voluntary program is open to all Berkeley women in both the UK and US, matching mentees with internal mentors across the firm, with a focus on exploring and learning from lived experiences. Participants are encouraged to personalize and shape the mentoring relationship to meet each mentee’s individual needs and encourage her development.
Our mentoring gives one-to-one support to our women in their client roles and career progression, but also in wider situations where a female lens is invaluable, such as working successfully in male-dominated environments or balancing career with life outside of work. By providing mentorship based on lived experiences, rather than seniority or tenure, we can tailor the program to meet individual women’s differing needs.”
Jenna Goldstein, consultant and one of the Women’s Mentoring Program leaders
Developed by the Women@Berkeley Network to support DE&I
The Women’s Mentoring Program has been developed by the Women@Berkeley Network. Active across both the UK and US, the group provides Berkeley’s women with social and professional networking opportunities, and learning and development opportunities.
The network is open to both men and women at the firm, with men encouraged to take part in select events to better equip them as allies and champions.
Sameera Simjee, Partner and Women@Berkeley Nework sponsor, said: “To date, the Women@Berkeley Network has offered focused community and support for many of our women’s concerns, such as career progression, balancing work with other commitments, and effective leadership. A more structured mentoring program was a natural next step for our continued work to enable the firm’s women to succeed both professionally and personally.”
We envisage this program will allow longer-term relationships to flourish between mentors and mentees. Through deepening connections across the firm, we are helping to foster a warm, open culture of belonging and inclusion. I’m very proud that the women’s network is a key contributor towards The Berkeley Partnership achieving its DE&I ambitions, building a more equitable workplace where all women can achieve their full potential.”
Sameera Simjee, Partner and Women@Berkeley Network sponsor
The Women’s Mentoring Program is complementary to Berkeley’s other career and personal development initiatives, which include coaching, one-to-one guidance and support from partners, and formal training.
