In 2003, PAAWBAC expanded the scope of the Catalyst Fund by developing The Mentorship Program. The leadership and experiences of our Women Warrior Awardees made for, what we believed were, natural mentors and role models. Thus, all 80 past and present Women Warriors were solicited to develop Mentorship programs with the support of their organizations.

Funding was awarded to those proposals that provided opportunities for Mentees to gain practical work experience and develop her own leadership skills; program areas of highest need/interest for a specific community or population; and the commitment of the Woman Warrior, with support of her organization, to be directly involved in the development of the Mentee.

Three Women Warriors and their organizations were awarded Catalyst Funding for Mentorship Programs in 2003.

Patti Chang, President and CEO of The Women’s Foundation, mentored Tina Eshagpour, who is currently a staff member at the Women’s Foundation and Program Officer for the Initiatives Forum. Under Patti’s mentorship, Tina learned about policy, advocacy and how to work with special interest groups, institutional and individual donors and the government.

Anni Chung, President and CEO of Self Help for the Elderly, selected two women to mentor: Fang Liu and Nancy Wei. Nancy Wei is the program director of the San Francisco Nutrition and Senior Centers program. Fang Liu is the Program Director of the San Mateo Senior Centers. Their time with Anni was spent on understanding “servant leadership,” developing communication and media skills, and learning how to lead a non-profit organization here in the U.S.

Adrienne Pon, CEO at Zeum at Yerba Buena Gardens, is our third Awardee. Adrienne mentored Joanne Ta’amu, a student at Bryman College majoring in medical studies. Joanne has been a very dedicated staff member at Zeum for the past 3 years. Under Adrienne’s leadership, Joanne helped expand Zeum’s well-respected teen internship program through involvement in community outreach, and served as a mentor herself to lead her interns.