As we come to the close of the calendar year, many of us use this time to reflect on what we have accomplished as well as what we would like to achieve in 2026. Members often have professional goals in mind including advancing their careers or expanding their knowledge and experience as it relates to their jobs. One of the ways to do this is through our ANFP Mentorship Program. Launched in September of this year, the ANFP Mentorship Program has brought together seasoned professionals and new members, as well as those members who have some experience under their belt but are looking for some additional support and guidance as they navigate mid-career challenges. If you’d like to share your knowledge, experience, and wisdom with other life-long learners as well as learn from your peers, consider becoming an ANFP Mentor. We will be accepting new mentors and mentees in early 2026. Learn more about the program and how to apply.
Mentor Benefits – Being a mentor offers many benefits for your mentee as well as yourself:
- Sharing your knowledge and experience
- Helping new/prospective members shape their career path
- Applying/sharing unique skills and abilities
- Giving back and a sense of fulfillment
- Gaining new perspectives
- Supporting inclusion and equity
Servant Leadership – As a mentor, you are practicing servant leadership that demonstrates to your members, your colleagues, as well as your current and future employers, that service to others is at the forefront of your leadership skills and the positive impact and influence you have on others.
Be a Sounding Board – We know our members face unique challenges within their roles and often struggle to find time for self-care and work-life balance. A large part of mentoring is being a sounding board for mentees by providing encouragement to take care of themselves and find work-life balance so many of our members seek.
Create a Sense of Belonging – Mentors have often weathered many storms and have done so gracefully through teamwork, collaboration, and sheer determination. Mentees (and mentors) can benefit from this through shared experiences, so they feel we are ‘in this together’ and gain a sense of belonging within a community of individuals facing many of the same challenges.
To learn more about the Mentorship Program, including time commitment and expectations, please click here.
If you are interested in being a mentor for fellow and aspiring CDM, CFPP’s, please complete the following application.
All new mentors will be asked to complete a brief online course to help navigate and optimize their time spent with mentees.