Assisterhood 2023 applications now open – QLD, VIC and NSW mentors announced

Following a successful foray into VIC in 2022, Assisterhood, the industry mentoring program opens applications for the 2023 cohort in QLD, VIC, and as of this year; NSW with 60 mentors ready to support the next generation of leaders.

The program – which is free for all, thanks to the wonderful mentors, sponsors and volunteers – encourages people of all cultures, genders, backgrounds, and ages to apply. A diverse lineup of senior leaders from a range of disciplines including marketing, client services, design, creative, tech, strategy and business leadership are matched with a mentee for 6 months, dedicating their time to help foster their careers and personal journeys.

Assisterhood undertakes a detailed match-making process to create mentor pairings for underrepresented people that become safe spaces to connect and learn, and ensures more inclusive and equitable access to advice from industry leaders. If you’re looking to expand your network, propel your career forward, and be mentored by someone who was once in your shoes, apply for the program today.

Since its first year, 99 mentees have gone on to succeed with renewed confidence and support. Cohort surveys show 62% of alumni obtained a promotion or new job within 12 months of the program, and a massive 85% gained new skills and experience.

Says Linh Diep, founder, Assisterhood: “There’s nothing quite as scary as admitting you need a mentor. It’s something else to put yourself out there and apply for one formally. But the mentoring impact is real. A large majority of past mentees have landed their dream job, got a promotion or returned to the workforce after parenting. Not only are careers catalysed, but Assisterhood creates a sense of community of like-minded individuals – for mentees and mentors alike!”

Past mentees include Colleen Gao – Head of Askable UK, Alessia Castiglione – Creative at Anomaly New York, Petrice Koutsis – Partnerships Trader at UM Worldwide, Nethmee Goonesekera – Account Executive at BCM, Anais Read – 30 Under 30 Grand Prix winner, Tish Jenkins – Assistant Accountant at Paramount, Kayla Malss – Head of Agency at Allies Management, Dilara Ulkutas – Business Manager at Wavemaker, and Clare Farrugia – Senior Performance Manager at Hatched.

Apply now at https://assisterhood.com.au/

Applications close Friday 14 April at 11.59pm.

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NSW Mentors

• Ali Ozden – Creative Director, Universal Favourite

• Avish Gordhan – Chief Creative Officer at Dentsu Creative

• Bronwyn van der Merwe – VP of Design, Culture Amp

• Carolyn Cho – Client Partner, INNOCEAN Australia

• Cat Burgess – Head of Frost Place, Frost*collective

• Christina Aventi – Chief Strategy Officer, BMF

• Feryx Hui Ming Lim – Creative Copywriter, Paper Moose

• Gerald Torto – Practice Director, Re

• Hannah Sturrock – National Head of Engagement, Advertising Council Australia

• Karishma Suresh – Agency Lead, Google

• Lea Walker – Founder, Mrs Walker Talent Consultancy

• Maddie Marsh – Client Services, Meta

• Niall Hughes – Group Account Director, Icon Agency

• Olivia Chen – Creative Director, Studio Chenchen

• Penny Brown – Head of Production, The Monkeys part of Accenture Song

• Renata Yannoulis – Senior Strategist, TBWA/Australia

• Sonja Källström – Business Designer, Accenture Song

• Souad Saied – Managing Director, HERO

• Tamara McCann – Head of Traditional Media Agencies, Google

• Trang Young – Head of Marketing & Digital, ANZ

• Zoe Crocker – Senior Motion Designer, Never Sit Still

VIC Mentors

• Anita Forte – Creative Director, R/GA

• Caitlin Burgess – Chief Financial Officer, CHEP

• Claire Tenzer – General Manager Nissan United, TBWA\Melbourne

• Dewani Shebubakar – Strategic Design Director, Today Agency

• Ella Keddie – Senior Client Partner (Retail, Finance & Government), Snapchat

• Georgia Mappin – General Manager & Executive Producer, Aunty Donna/Haven’t You Done Well Productions

• Ilona Janashvili – Head of Strategy, Leo Burnett

• Maria Voronina – General Manager Corporate Strategy, Chobani

• Dr Marion Piper – Creativity Coach & Copywriter, Marion Piper Creative

• Michila Macleod – National Sales & Partnerships Director, Broadsheet Media

• Mirella Arapian – Founder & Executive Creative Director, Mek

• Nancy Bugeja – Managing Director, HM Group

• Naomi Mulholland – Producer, Cloudberry Films

• Sheridan Devereux – General Manager, HBK Agency

• Stefanie DiGianvincenzo – Creative Strategist, Meta

• Zoe Fisher – General Manager, WebSavvy

QLD Mentors

• Amber Snow – General Manager, Pixel Palace

• Ash Ivory – Head of Product, Askable

• Ashton Tuckerman – Chief Marketing Officer, Gathar

• Camilla Marshall – Strategic Senior Marketing Leader, Endeavour Foundation

• Caroline Starecky – Director of Innovation & Ventures, Monitor Deloitte

• Christine Gannon – Managing Partner, CHE Proximity

• Clare Dlugosz – Group Director Tech & Transformation, EssenceMediaCom

• Emmagness Ruzvidzo – Brand & Marketing Strategist, Empowerment Coach

• Frankie Young – Senior Designer & Founder, Studio Neubau

• Georgia Ball – Brand Partnerships Director Australia, SoPost

• Jessamy Ross – Senior Copywriter & QLD AWARD School Head, VMLY&R

• Kate Lippett – Chief Client Officer, Publicis Groupe

• Kath Usabal – Head Of Marketing, Vision6

• Katie Martel – Founder & Director, Croft PR

• Kylee Ratz – General Manager, Cutting Edge

• Laura Jiew – Marketing and Events Advisor, CSIRO

• Lieve Torbeyns – Founder & Creative Director, Sgt Purple

• Megan Henderson – Global Marketing Operations Leader, Flight Centre

• Nina Ellingsen – Senior Marketing Manager, Orange Sky Australia

• Pamela Okada – Marketing & Fundraising, Royal Flying Doctors Service

• Sara Tweedly – Chief Marketing Officer, Canstar

• Simone Waugh – Managing Director, Publicis Worldwide

• Yasha Chandra – Client Partner, iProspect