The Art of Honoring Leadership Mentoring Program began as a Pilot in 2008.   This unique program was designed for first generation; female junior and senior college students of color and female organizational leaders of color.

3M Company, Wells Fargo Bank and Target Corporation agreed to provide women of color leaders to kick-off this pilot program. Metropolitan State University, The College of St. Catherine and the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Business, engaged students of color to participate in this eight month program.

2008/09 students are Vietnamese, Chinese, Iranian, East Indian, Mexican, Latino, Russian, South African, Somalia and Black.  Students have improved their skills in public speaking, giving presentations, conflict management, projecting your image, ways to read organizational culture, dressing for success, resume writing, managing finances, how to deal with racism, setting boundaries, and many other skills.

In each session, a panel discussion of three mentors representing Target, 3M and Wells Fargo addressed the focus of the day, their personal stories, professional journeys, and challenges in their careers. The students are riveted to their seats and love the process. Mentors are learning from and about one another and are creating great connections in the process. Students have the opportunity to ask questions to fully understand and learn from the mentors.  It has been a rich and rewarding experience for all.

HWW has received great reviews from this program. The mentors report they have gained as much or more as the mentees for their professional development and have taken the learning back to their organizational teams.  Several students have gotten incredible jobs, due to their involvement with mentors in this program.