Where women connect, innovate, and grow
Next cohort starts
July 13
Cohort length
6 Months
application deadline
May 1
To ensure that innovation is for everyone, Women’s Mentoring Co-Op, launched in 2015, run by Chicago Innovation.
Now in it’s 10th year, the Women’s Mentoring Co-op is designed to help women connect, innovate, and grow through meaningful 1:1 mentorship, a strong community network, and curated resources.
Whether you’re advancing in your career or building a venture, the Women’s Mentoring Co-op supports women at every stage. Join us in creating a powerful space for women leaders and innovators to access opportunities, share experiences, and move up together.
By the numbers
Program Impact
Women participated to date
%
Reported being closer to their goals than when the 6 months started
Top areas of impact in 2025
Where Participants Felt in Most
Career Advancement
- New roles, promotions, and expanded leadership responsibilities
- Final-round interviews, contract renewals, and graduate school acceptances
Entrepreneurial Growth
- 83% reached a tangible business milestone beyond core skill development
- Startup launches, first client acquisition, and product launch readiness
Leadership Development
- Increased confidence in decision-making, communication, and leading teams
- Strengthened ability to navigate challenges and advocate for growth opportunities
Network Expansion
- 90% expanded their professional networks
- Developed meaningful connections that led to new opportunities and collaborations
Participant experience
What to Expect
A dedicated mentor chosen to support your goals
Curated workshops and cohort-wide networking opportunities
Access to monthly Chicago Innovation events while in the cohort
Connections and resources across the broader innovation ecosystem
Examples of current & past mentors
Supported by Leaders Who Believe in You
Christine Sandman Stone
Deliver at Scale, Founder
Lola Eniolorunda
VG Platform, Chief Operating Officer
Nicole Shaver
Nicole Shaver Coaching & Consulting, Founder & CEO
Bich-Thuy Le
LeLumin LLC, President, AI and Digital Transformation
Kristi Ross
tastytrade, CEO
Participant insights
Hear it From Them
Honorable Addition
Introducing Women Reinventors Track
In partnership with The Chicago Network and RRF Foundation for Aging, the brand new Women Reinventors Program welcomed 34 women over 55 to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and create space for women to continue thriving and advancing in their careers.
FAQ
How many cohort per year?
When mentee applications open?
Who is encouraged to apply?
What is the selection process?
Applicants will be selected if they can be paired with a mentor based on their goals and expectations of the program. We intentionally pair mentors and mentees together to help each participant thrive. Unfortunately, we traditionally receive more applicants than spots available in the program. If you are not selected for one cohort, we encourage you to apply again.
What are the benefits of joining?
Mentees receive:
– Access to a mentor who can help them achieve their goals while also getting the benefits of supporting another person to accomplish their goals.
– Access to a supportive network of over 1200 innovators who have participated in the program
– Invitations to cohort-only events with industry leaders and thought leaders
– Complimentary invitation to Chicago Innovation events during your 6-month program
What is the program structure of the Women's Mentoring Co-op?
Each cohort is six-months long. Mentees will be invited to attend orientations to learn how to get the most out the program. During the six-month cohorts, mentors and mentees meet one-on-one to help the mentees reach their goals. Throughout the cohort, we host intimate gatherings to allow participants to get to know other innovators in the program.
What is the time commitment if accepted?
Participants can plan to spend a total of 8-10 hours over the course of the cohort with their match. Mentees and mentors will also be invited to 4-5 program specific events and workshops geared toward connection making and skill development. You will also be invited to monthly Chicago Innovation events while in the program.
What are the participation requirements?
Mentees are asked to enter the program with a clear goal and objectives regarding why they wish to participate. We ask you to respect your mentor’s time and respond promptly to emails and communicate well about meetings.
Tips to help increase my chances of being accepted?
Fill out the application as fully as possible. The more information you provide, the easier it will be to match you with a mentor.
Are scholarships available?
We offer a limited number of need-based scholarships for applicants who may not otherwise be able to afford the enrollment fee. Additional details about these scholarships, along with a section to indicate need or interest, can be found at the end of the application.
I am interested in sponsoring the Women's Mentoring Co-op. Who do I contact?
Please contact Laura LeClair at lauraj@chicagoinnovation.com if you wish to join us in connecting innovators in Chicago.
PROGRAM SPONSORS
