NextGen Mentorship Program

Overview:

The NextGen Mentorship program is a recurring yearly mentorship program in partnership with the Asian American Advertising Federation.

The program is designed to be targeted & focused on helping rising Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Leaders in the marketing, advertising, and creative industry.

As an often underrepresented and fragmented group within these fields, the NextGen program seeks to serve as a learning resource for rising leaders and industry professionals to empower them in their careers. It also seeks to serve as a learning opportunity and resource for industry professionals to connect with up-and-coming talent, hoping to provide them with insights into the new generation of consumer advocates.

2023 Next Gen Program:

We’re excited to announce the call for applicants for the 2024 NextGen Mentorship Program presented in partnership with the Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF). 

Mentees and mentors will be matched through the program and meet monthly for over six months.

Each month, the steering committee will set a specific theme or topic to discuss, allowing Mentors and Mentees to learn from one another and hopefully forge a long-term relationship.

Participants will also connect with the program through monthly speaker series, workshops, and happy hours. Not only will they get an opportunity to learn from Industry Professionals, but they’ll also learn from others going through similar stages in their professional careers from all around the Country.

Mentees/Mentors will also receive other perks, like opportunities to meet & greet with Board members from the Asian American Advertising Federation or Asians in Advertising, early access & discounts to workshops & panels, and other industry resources.

APPLICATIONS OPEN: July 1, 2023

ACCEPTED APPLICANTS NOTIFIED: August 2023

APPLICANTS PAIRED & PROGRAM STARTS: Sept. 2023

 

2022 Program Recap

#IamRemarkable facilitated by Senna Bayasgalan

Creative Storytelling featuring Far East Movement moderated by Dan Matthews

The Visibility Mindset featuring co-authors Bernice Chao and Jessalin Lam moderated by Suzie Bao

Creating Memorable Presentations by Kenny Nguyen Founder of Big Fish Presentations and co-founder of ThreeSixtyEight

History of Asian Americans and the Model Minority Myth featuring Jay Kim 3AF Boardmember and

TESTIMONIALS

“Love the program, it's great to have a community of Asian Americans and to see how willing people are to help each other and it's cool to see the diverse positions Asian Americans have and to hear their stories! Really great program and hope it continues!” - (Mentee)

“The 3AF Mentorship program was transformative for me. I really appreciated the time and thoughtfulness of their pairing. My mentor and I had so many similarities in experience and values. After each session I feel infused with confidence on how to be a better manager and how to navigate the workplace. She has made me realize that I am accountable on paving the way for the next generation of female Asian leaders. THANK YOU.” – (Mentee)

“This was my first year volunteering at the Asian American advertising foundation, I am really impressed by the efforts of this group to continue to champion the voice of Asian consumer. The  marketing and advertising world is fast changing and we are living in unprecedented times, I encourage broader Asian marketing community to lean in and support 3AF mission. this is the go to team who is making a difference and having fun!” – (Mentor)

What Does the Mentor and Mentee Relationship Look Like

MENTEES:

Mentee Qualifications:

  • <10 years of professional experience in marketing, communications, advertising (career pivoters are welcome!)

  • Dedicated & committed to making the most of your time with your mentor

  • Want to work on specific action item

  • Willing to bring new perspective

  

MENTEE COMMITMENTS

  • 1 x Monthly Meeting w/ Mentors

  • 1 x Monthly Meeting w/ Young Professionals Group for workshops, speakers & happy hours

  • 1 x Orientation Meeting w/ 3AF

  • Be available for the duration of program Sep ‘23 - Mar ‘24

MENTORS:

Mentor Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of industry experience

  • Dedicated & committed to spending time with your mentees

  • Openness to open your network to help Mentees

  • Share your personal journey & help mentees shape theirs

 

MENTOR COMMITMENTS

  • 1 x Monthly Meeting w/ Mentee

  • 1 x Orientation Meeting w/ 3AF

  • Be available for the duration of program Sep ‘23 - Mar ‘24