In an inspiring move to uplift aspiring professionals, the Beyond Mentorship Program held its first physical event in Nairobi.
The initiative, founded by Vivian Opondo in 2021, aims to bridge the gap in mentorship for individuals navigating their careers, particularly women in technology.
Vivian’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. With a background in aerospace engineering, she transitioned into software development and later specialized in data science.
Reflecting on her career path, Vivian recognized that she could have advanced further with proper guidance. This realization led her to mentor others, starting with just two Nigerian women.
“I felt a strong desire to help those who might be where I once was,” Vivian shared. “There’s a significant lack of mentorship, especially for women in tech. I wanted to create a space where they could thrive.
The Beyond Mentorship Program began as a small initiative but has since grown organically. Vivian’s approach is personal; she connects with mentees through various channels, often through referrals from parents.
The program focuses on individuals who are educated but may be unemployed or unsure of how to enter the workforce effectively.
“My goal is to provide exposure and engagement. Recently, I took some of my mentees to a summit, allowing them to network and learn in environments that were previously inaccessible,” she explained.
Each year, Vivian selects ten mentees based on their needs, offering them not just guidance but also financial support. “I allocate around $300 to each mentee for things like logistics when attending events or purchasing necessary equipment,” she noted.
Praise Michelle 23, one of the program’s mentees, shared her transformative experience. With a background in mechanical and chemical engineering, she initially felt lost in her career path. “The mentorship program really caught my eye because I was confused about what I wanted to do,” she revealed.
Through the program, Michelle has grown significantly. “I used to be a big introvert, but networking is crucial in this field. The events pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover a more confident version of myself,” she said.
In addition to networking skills, Michelle highlighted improvements in her time management. “I struggled with deadlines, often arriving late to meetings. Now, I find myself more organized and proactive,” she added.
As the Beyond Mentorship Program continues to expand, Vivian remains committed to maintaining a quality experience for her mentees. “I prefer to work with a smaller group to ensure I can provide the attention and resources they need,” she explained.
With plans for future events and initiatives, Vivian’s vision for the Beyond Mentorship Program is clear: to empower the next generation of leaders and innovators.
