WISE Within San Diego Program

WISE Within: San Diego’s Local Mentorship Program

What Is WISE Within?

WISE Within is San Diego WISE’s local mentorship program designed to cultivate meaningful, growth-focused connections among women working in sports and events. Through thoughtfully matched mentor–mentee pairings and opportunities to connect in person throughout the year, the program creates space for learning, reflection, and progress rooted in shared experience.

WISE Within is a member benefit of WISE San Diego and is open exclusively to local San Diego members who are ready to take an active role in a mentorship experience that is flexible, relationship-focused, and guided by the needs and goals of each mentor–mentee pair.

For WISE members who are not based in San Diego—or who prefer a fully virtual experience—WISE also offers a National WISE Within program, which connects mentors and mentees across the country through a virtual format.

Who is WISE Within For?

For Mentees: Growth-Oriented, Engaged, and Curious

WISE Within is designed for members who are actively working in the sports and events industry and are ready to take ownership of their growth.

Mentees are expected to:

  • Come into the program with clear professional goals or a willingness to thoughtfully define them with the support of a mentor
  • Take an active role in the mentorship relationship by setting agendas, asking questions, and following through
  • Approach mentorship as a learning and development opportunity
  • Engage with authenticity, curiosity, and respect for professional boundaries

Mentors provide guidance, perspective, and lived experience—not employment opportunities, referrals tied to hiring expectations, or career shortcuts. The most successful mentees are those who are open, prepared, reflective, and committed to doing the work between conversations.

As a mentee, you’ll gain:

  • Thoughtful guidance grounded in real-world experience
  • Support navigating challenges, transitions, and decision-making
  • Increased clarity, confidence, and self-awareness
  • A deeper connection to the San Diego WISE community
  • Momentum toward goals you actively define and pursue

This program is ideal for members who are ready to invest time, energy, and intention into their own development.

For Mentors: Supportive, Honest, and Experience-Driven

WISE Within is for members who want to give back while continuing to grow themselves by sharing insight, perspective, and encouragement rather than prescriptive answers.

Mentors commit to meeting their mentee for at least 1 hour per month, virtually or in person. 

As a mentor, you’ll:

  • Support a mentee’s growth through listening, reflection, and experience-based guidance
  • Help mentees think critically, set realistic goals, and navigate challenges
  • Strengthen your own leadership, coaching, and communication skills
  • Contribute to a culture of authenticity, trust, and community within WISE San Diego
  • Engage in a reciprocal relationship that values learning on both sides

Mentors are not expected to have all the answers, just a willingness to show up consistently, share honestly, and support growth without obligation or expectation beyond the mentorship itself.

How to Get Involved

WISE Within is open to San Diego WISE members only. Participation requires an application to ensure thoughtful, aligned matches.

Mentee applications for the 2026 Cohort are now closed. The program is full. 
2027 applications will open Feb 1, 2027

Applicants will be asked about goals, career experience, availability, and expectations to help create meaningful, balanced pairings.

While we aim to thoughtfully match as many applicants as possible, participation depends on mentor and mentee interest, availability, and overall alignment across applicants. Submitting an application does not guarantee placement; however, WISE San Diego remains deeply invested in supporting women in our local sports and events community and will continue to offer connection, resources, and guidance whenever possible.

2026 WISE Within Program Timeline

The 2026 program follows a structured but flexible arc to support authentic relationship-building.

January

  • Speed Mentoring Roundtable - Setting the Tone for the Year of Mentorship Ahead. This is an in-person event to connect with fellow members, experience mentorship in action, and learn more about the program

February

  • Open enrollment and applications accepted

March 

  • Mentee enrollment closes March 1
  • Application review and mentor–mentee matching

April – September

  • Active mentorship period
  • Pairs meet independently, minimum 1 hour/month
  • Mentees attend supporting bi-monthly virtual sessions

October / November

  • Program wrap-up, reflections, and community celebration

What Participants Say

"Participating in the WISE Within program as a mentee has been an incredibly positive and impactful experience. Working in the sports industry, having a mentor to provide a safe space to ask questions and bounce ideas off has been invaluable as I navigate my career. Through the program, I’ve grown more confident advocating for myself in the workplace, building stronger professional relationships, and expanded my perspective on new areas and challenges I’m excited to pursue. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of a program that actively supports growth and connection for women in sports." - Logan Manley

Questions or Want to Learn More?

For general questions about the WISE Within mentorship program, please contact:

Tracy Walton
Director of Mentorships, WISE San Diego
sd_wisewithin@wiseworks.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyjwalton/