International Women's History Month
Some of our Featured Partners for this Month
Thank you to the incredible organizations making a difference through mentoring in our community.
A mentoring tip from HeartSpark:
“Lead with curiosity, not judgment. When we get curious about what a girl is feeling or trying to express, instead of correcting it, we create space for trust to grow.”
What mentoring means to us:
At HeartSpark, mentoring isn’t about fixing or advising. It’s about sitting beside a girl while she figures out who she is becoming. We create calm, creative spaces where girls can talk about friendships, anxiety, confidence and identity while working with their hands. The conversations that unfold when paint is drying or beads are being threaded are often the most honest ones.
Curiosity allows us to ask, “What’s underneath that?” instead of “Why would you do that?” It helps girls feel safe enough to open up, reflect and grow without fear of being labeled or dismissed.
Tips for Mentoring Women & Girls from Vivian Cheng, one of CIWA's mentors:
- Lead with empathy, listen first, advise second.
- Build confidence by highlighting strengths, not just areas for improvement.
- Share real experiences openly, including challenges, not only successes.
- Encourage action, small and consistent steps build long-term growth.
A quick story or insight about what mentoring means to them
Mentoring, to me, is about creating a safe and supportive space where women feel seen, heard, and empowered. Throughout the year while I was mentoring , I was reminded that growth doesn’t happen overnight, it is built through honest conversations, accountability, and encouragement. Having someone who genuinely believes in your potential can be transformative. Mentorship is not just advice, it is partnership, trust, and confidence-building.
“We acknowledge that we are on and support Mentoring for Youth in the traditional territories across Alberta of the many First Nations from Treaty 6,7,& 8, the Métis of the 8 Alberta Settlements, and Inuit people whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.”