The Aunties kick off senior mentorship programing with ‘Speed-Auntie-ing’ event
The Aunties kicked off its first senior mentorship program last Thursday with a networking night at the State Library of Victoria.
The evening saw 220 senior and executive women from 78 agencies and companies across Melbourne gather in the gran Ian Potter Queen’s Hall for an industry-first ‘Speed Auntie-ing’ event in partnership with The Producers and Peach. The event launched The Aunties’ six month senior mentorship program designed to guide and support the next wave of emerging female leaders, by pairing them up with ‘Auntie’ mentors who are leaders in their field.
Carolyn Eglinton, business manager, TBWA Melbourne and Aunties operations lead, was one of the upcoming leaders paired with an Auntie: “I’ve been in the industry for a few years now, and I’ve never seen such an active movement to support future female leaders. It’s a privilege to have been part of such an iconic event, let alone to be able to benefit from invaluable knowledge my Auntie will be sharing with me over the next 6 months.”
This unique take on networking saw mid-senior mentees (some of whom were mentors themselves in the junior phase last year) engage in short one-on-one conversations with four potential Aunties each, paired up based on their disciplines, interests and experience. From here, Aunties had the option of choosing a mentor they connected with, or felt they could support the most.
Robyn Bergmann, creative director at VMLY&R and proud Auntie, set the tone for a powerful evening with a welcoming address.
Nat Taylor, executive producer at SHERPA and Aunties co-founder, said: “The energy in the State Library was electric. It’s rare to have so many industry leaders in one room, let alone be filled with intelligent, kind and incredible women. It felt like an epic reunion. Big shout out to my fellow Aunties, The Producers and Peach for helping us make this event happen.”
The senior program comes off the back of the successful launch of the junior mentorship program in early 2021. Phase one saw 88 young women paired with 88 mentors across: creative, production (agency and post), strategy, client management, PR and social.
Sive Buckley, chief experience officer, Essence and co-founding Auntie, said: “The brilliance of The Aunties is how unique and comprehensive it is. While the first program provided Aunties for grads and juniors, now it’s the next generation’s turn. And we’re so excited to plan more programs that will aim to support more women at all stages of their lives and careers.”
The Aunties’ much-anticipated expansion into Sydney is in planning for 2023, along with more mentorship programs, networking events, seminars and a stream of useful content.
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