Creating an inclusive and supportive environment is essential for the success of every individual in the realms of education and career development, regardless of their background. Girls E-Mentorship (GEM) is an organization dedicated to this cause, offering a research-based mentorship program that empowers underserved high school girls to pursue their chosen paths and attain meaningful career opportunities. Founded in 2012 by Rochelle De Goias-Jackman, GEM has evolved into Canada's largest charitable career mentorship program, making significant strides in supporting the next generation of female leaders.
With nearly 300 mentees participating in the current year, the program's expansion has facilitated an increased pool of professional women mentors volunteering across various disciplines, offering a broader range of opportunities for mentees.
As GEM's network of mentors and partners has expanded, so has the richness of its program offerings. The organization has achieved key milestones in supporting the next generation of female leaders by enhancing experiential learning workshops, broadening the understanding of diverse careers, and tailoring its curriculum to meet the evolving needs of participants.
Amber, a GEM mentee in the 2021-22 program, initially aspired to pursue a career in education. However, her ultimate dream was to become an actor and attend her dream school, New York University (NYU). Initially deeming this dream unattainable due to the high tuition fees at NYU, Amber, with the support of her mentor, researched scholarships and opportunities to turn her dream into reality. Together, they identified three scholarships that would cover all of Amber's tuition expenses. Her mentor played a crucial role in connecting her with the executive director of recruitment at NYU, facilitating an informal interview.
Utilizing the GEM curriculum and her mentor's expertise, they honed Amber's interview skills, refined her resume and cover letter, and ensured she was well-prepared for the NYU application and interview process. Their hard work paid off, as Amber not only gained admission to NYU but also received one of their most substantial scholarships.
“GEM means so much more than mentorship and resources; GEM means to me to be a family. A sisterhood with like-minded people from varied backgrounds and levels of experience who are all there to help you with your academic and professional goals, wherever that may be. I personally come from an arts background, which is less represented in some youth organizations or mentorship organizations. Coming into GEM, I was worried I wouldn’t find what I was really looking for because of that, but I was completely wrong. This attests to why GEM is so unique because even if you come from an Arts background or a niche career choice you have selected for yourself, there is always something you can gain from the people and presentations at GEM; it truly is a one-of-a-kind program.”
Amber's testimonial highlights GEM's unique role as a family and sisterhood that transcends traditional mentorship. It showcases the organization's commitment to supporting individuals from niche career backgrounds and its effectiveness in providing a one-of-a-kind program.
GEM's success is rooted in its multifaceted approach to empowering young women. The organization offers a suite of programs and resources designed to develop professional skills, facilitate higher education pursuits, and build successful career paths.
- GEMinars: These experiential workshops expose mentees to different industries and female leaders, providing opportunities for skills development, roundtable discussions, and networking.
- GEM Enrichments: Special events and workshops curated by partners offer mentees unique experiences, exposing them to various aspects of the professional world.
- GEM Scholarships: Generously sponsored by individuals and corporations, these scholarships assist mentees in pursuing their educational goals, making higher education more accessible.
- GEM Internships: Collaborating with partners like Empire Financial, Dream, and RBC, GEM facilitates paid summer internships, providing valuable workplace experience.
- GEMwork: Interactive assignments enhance interpersonal development, creating a sense of community among mentees.
- Custom Curriculum: A nine-month curriculum focuses on empowering young women with essential professional and personal development skills.
Through this holistic approach, GEM ensures that participants gain confidence, resilience, and competence to navigate challenges in academic, personal, and professional spheres.
GEM has established a collaborative network comprising mentors, community partners, and volunteers, creating a robust support system. Mentorship involves the dedicated contribution of hundreds of volunteers who guide and empower high school girls. Simultaneously, community partners provide invaluable inside-industry knowledge, exposing GEM girls to a variety of career fields. Financial support from donors facilitates GEM's outreach efforts, enabling the organization to reach more girls and dismantle the barriers they encounter. This collaborative effort not only breaks down barriers but also imparts industry-specific knowledge and extends crucial financial support.
Danielle Skipp, Managing Director of Ontario and Chief Legal Officer at Nicola Wealth, became a dedicated GEM Champion after being inspired by the testimony of a GEM alumna at an event. Recalling the impactful moment, Skipp shared, "I remember hearing the alumna speak about the transformative impact that the program and her mentor had on shaping her future. Raised by hard-working immigrant parents, this young woman was the first in her family to attend university. Upon graduating, she secured a highly competitive entry position with a large Canadian corporation. She spoke about the importance of role-modeling and programming that provided her with confidence, competencies, and connections. GEM's mission to create a positive impact for high school girls facing socioeconomic barriers is truly commendable." Skipp's endorsement reflects the profound influence GEM has on empowering young women and breaking down barriers to success.
Through community engagement, GEM ensures that its participants witness diverse, successful women, thereby broadening their perspectives and providing them with relatable role models. This holistic approach underscores GEM's commitment to creating a comprehensive and supportive environment for the young women it serves.
GEM measures its impact by assessing improvements in academics, job readiness, self-confidence, social capital, and post-secondary admissions for young women. The organization addresses challenges such as low self-confidence, discrimination, limited opportunities, and financial insecurity by bridging access gaps through mentorship, workshops, scholarships, and experiential learning.
Individuals and organizations can support GEM by volunteering, donating, and providing paid internship opportunities. GEM's Mentor application is open year-round, welcoming professional women to contribute their experience. Exciting future initiatives include geographic expansion to reach more young women and extended programming for GEM Alumni, acknowledging the evolving needs of post-secondary students.
Girls E-Mentorship's transformative journey exemplifies the power of mentorship, education, and community collaboration in empowering young women. As GEM continues to evolve and expand its impact, it serves as a testament to the potential for positive change when organizations are committed to breaking down barriers and fostering the growth of the next generation of women leaders.
