Singapore Day 4

The Global Ambassadors Program mentoring forum concluded today in Singapore after four days of constructive group dialogues, one-on-one mentoring sessions, a day trip to neighboring Bintan Island, Indonesia, and a public forum on strengthening women’s leadership in Southeast Asia.

Today, Global Ambassadors had a chance to learn more about the mentees’ businesses and social enterprises, and offered strategic advice on a range of topics. From helping Rosaleine to plan increased market share for her condiments business, to cautioning Mari Sawai to pace her plans to scale her education fund for girls, the group volleyed practical ideas for solving problems and setting manageable goals.

Mari Sawai and her mentor Virginia Littlejohn.

While the format of the Global Ambassadors Program is based on one-to-one matches for intensive mentorship, mentees in Singapore also took advantage of the collective wisdom present in group discussions, drawing on expertise from all of the Global Ambassadors and, through dialogue and debate, revealing new ideas, and new pathways for advancing their work and strengthening their leadership capacity.

Zoe Dean-Smith, the new head of the program at Vital Voices, offered her perspective at the close of her first Global Ambassadors Program:

“I think the Global Ambassadors Program is the frontrunner in women’s leadership and mentoring initiatives. It represents a beautiful partnership between two organizations that can make a significant impact on women’s lives.”