Providing a forum for successful mentoring relationships has been part of the RV Women’s Alliance strategic plan since its founding. After a successful pilot program in 2022, the Alliance is officially launching a full mentorship program for 2023.
“We consistently hear from members that they want education and networking to help them thrive in this industry,” said Jessica Rider, RV Women’s Alliances managing director. “One of the best ways for women to both learn and network is through a mentorship program. We had a very successful pilot program this year and look forward to helping more women connect with mentors.”
The Alliance ran a six-month pilot program with five sets of mentors and mentees from all different sectors of the RV industry. These women met once per month to discuss goals that mentees had set for themselves. Mentors worked with mentees to help them strategize and achieve their goals.
After the success of the pilot program, the RV Women’s Alliance is expanding the program to include five pairings of mentors and mentees every quarter in 2023 for a total of 20 partnerships for the year.
“It’s the best! I love my mentor and our weekly calls. We decided to talk more frequently than required but I don’t feel like there could be a better match for me,” said pilot program participant Marissa Ulrich with Patrick Industries. “We talk nearly every week for 30-60 minutes. We have covered plenty of topics and this really couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I’m transitioning team members and adding to my roles and responsibilities, so to have an outside voice to run things by has been a blessing. We are very similar in personality so clicked right away. I am so grateful for this opportunity and hope to be involved on the other side down the line.”
“We have set up a couple goals and will continue to stay in contact every couple weeks,” added Shasta RV General Manager Meg Grierson, who mentored another member of the program. “She calls on my plant so I asked her to stop in anytime and to call or text about anything that might come up if she is not sure how to handle it. As most of us know I think the hardest obstacle in this industry is navigating relationships with our male counterparts, subordinates, or customers and sometimes just talking it out with someone who has been there really helps.”
The Alliance is looking forward to the program being a great way for women to connect, network, and learn from one another in 2023 and in the years to follow.
RV Women’s Alliance member who are interested in taking part in the program can apply to be a mentor or a mentee now.
