The Aunties, a volunteer support network that aims to inspire, protect and champion women across creative industries, has announced a senior mentorship program involving 100 industry powerhouses.
The phase two mentorship program follows the success of its launch program for graduates and junior women across the Melbourne industry.
The junior mentorship program launched in early 2021, which saw 88 young women paired with 88 mentors across creative, production (agency and post), strategy, client management, PR and social.
Sarah McGregor, Aunties co-founder and executive creative director, Dentsu Creative said: “This era in our careers, when many are on the cusp of stepping into leadership positions, is of vital importance. This is where we typically see the numbers of women start to dwindle and so mentorship at this stage could make a real difference to retaining excellent female talent.”
The Aunties Senior Mentor Program is designed for women with around 5-10 years’ industry experience who are looking for wisdom, guidance and support as they navigate their way towards leadership.
Phase two will involve 100 industry executives as Aunties, including Emma Robbins, ECD, M&C Saatchi, Margie Reid, CEO, Thinkerbell, Nomfundo Msomi, head of strategy, whiteGREY, Sonia Von Bibra, executive producer, Clemenger BBDO and Elly Hewitt, co-founder & MD at Alt/Shift, will help deliver a special experience for mid-level career women to learn from a diverse range of backgrounds to shape their leadership styles and support them through situations at work.
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Huei Yin Wong, Aunties co-founder and senior creative at Clemenger BBDO said: “Since starting The Aunties in our bedrooms last year we have been dreaming of hosting an event that connects and empowers women in a room historically reserved for men—is going to be electrifying. We’re very thankful to The Producers and Peach for supporting us and making this wonderful event happen.”
The launch campaign created by Izzi McGrath & Mads Catanese, creative team at WhiteGrey, celebrates the collective power and strengths of these 100 women. Using data collected from the application forms to showcase the combined achievements and experiences of this cohort.
The O.G Auntie, Esther Clerehan said: “It has long been known that our industry has a problem attracting and retaining female talent. The Aunties is an incredible network of support that has had an immediate positive impact, not just for mentees, but for the Aunties themselves. Phase one was a game-changer. Phase two will be next level.”