In 2002, PAAWBAC established its Catalyst Fund Mentorship Program. The mentorships provided women in our target group -- Asian Pacific Islander young girls and women (ages 11-21), ‘at-risk’ teens, refugee/immigrant women, and women in transition -- the opportunity to work directly with mentors and begin building their own leadership skills. Since its inception, more than 50 women benefited from the guidance of our Woman Warriors and Monarchs through these mentorships.

Catalyst Fund Mentorship Programs were designed and monitored by the participating Mentors. Programs allowed for a wide array of growth opportunities to a Mentee. Mentors worked with Mentees to define their roles and responsibilities. They requested stipends for the Mentee as well as some compensation for Mentor’s own time and commitment.

The PAAWBAC Board reviewed selected mentorships based on 1) opportunities for the Mentee to gain practical work experience and develop leadership skills; 2) the program area, with the highest need for a specific community or population; and 3) commitment of the Mentor to directly oversee the Mentee’s development. At the program’s conclusion, the Mentee submitted a brief written report about the experience. Occasionally, PAAWBAC asked the participants to join in an informal roundtable on the Mentorship experience.