Mentorship Program

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Mentorship Program →

The Plant Futures mentorship program is designed to empower a diverse group of college students, equipping them for successful and impactful careers within the food systems and plant-centric food sectors.

Central to this initiative is our commitment to fostering meaningful connections. We strive to build bridges between ambitious students and accomplished professionals, facilitating a dynamic exchange that empowers young leaders to drive transformative growth across the entire food system.

"We believe that mentorship is a powerful tool for driving positive change. Through this initiative, we aim to empower students with the knowledge, guidance, and connections they need to make a meaningful contribution to the plant-centric industry."

- Samantha Derrick
Plant Futures Executive Director

“We want to help our students think of college as a training ground of impact, and a place to build community through that impact.”

- Eric Sirvinskas
Community Relations Manager

Plant Futures' mentors will engage with students throughout the course of a semester, and hail from renowned organizations in the plant-based and agriculture sectors including:

Students from across the Plant Futures ecosystem are enthusiastically joining the program, representing institutions including:

Testimonials

  • "[My mentor] really helped me gain confidence in what I was doing and learn about opportunities that are out there and what is possible…I’m really lucky to have our relationship now and to have gotten to work with her.”

    Jessica Cohen

    Mentee, Cornell

  • “My mentee was doing such amazing things in this space already…from participating in the impact Lab with Plant Futures to organizing a plant-based dining fair on campus. She has honestly inspired me as much as I hope I’ve inspired her. This has been a great opportunity as well to be connected with the other mentors. While this space isn't new, it has been growing rapidly, so we are not always aware of all of the work going on…We have the same goal, so it's great to build those bridges and join forces whenever possible.

    Kate Jarvis
    Mentor, The Humane Society of the United States

  • “I am someone who doesn't love putting themselves out there…so it was really helpful for me to hear about [my mentor's] experience, because she has found so many positions through networking. She normalized it as part of developing your relational skills. She coached me through what a call looks like after you’ve reached out to someone on LinkedIn from what kind of questions you're asking to follow up. Having a person to talk to and get to know who has done this and has lived experience networking has been super valuable for me in learning professional development skills. I’m grateful…it gave me a huge confidence boost.”

    Rachel Anne Murphy
    Mentee, Arizona State University

  • "It has been really gratifying to participate in the kind of mentorship program I wish I had in college. I have enjoyed connecting with my mentee, hearing about what's exciting them, and serving as a resource and sounding board for their professional thoughts and aspirations. Big thank you to Plant Futures for facilitating this great program! We absolutely need more ways for students to connect to and visualize professional opportunities related to building more just and sustainable food systems for all."

    Lauren Kohler
    Mentor, Stray Dog Institute

  • “My two main takeaways from this mentorship opportunity was (1) to be curious. As people trying to change the food system with no blueprint or “right way,” we have to have the curiosity to try something new…and (2) in terms of networking, a lot of it can feel transactional but the main thing to keep in mind when reaching out is that you're trying to build human connection with them, a relationship. A lot of people in this space are really awesome!”

    Jeremy Martinez
    Mentee, UCLA

  • “My role as a mentor in the Plant Futures program has been a journey of deep fulfillment and insight…One of the most enriching aspects of this experience has been observing the development and growth of these bright, young minds. Their commitment and fresh ideas for building a plant-centric future have been inspiring… Seeing their eagerness to learn and their potential to innovate in this space underscored the vital role of mentorship in steering our food systems toward sustainability and ethics…Being a part of Plant Futures, I've been reminded of the profound impact that sharing knowledge and experience can have. It's a privilege to guide and empower the next wave of food system leaders.”

    Andrew Sayles
    Mentor, Co-Founder & COO at Livestock Labs

The Plant Futures mentorship program is strategically designed to accomplish the following objectives:

  • By exposing students to diverse career pathways within the plant-centric industry, the program empowers them to make informed decisions about their future endeavors. Mentors will offer invaluable guidance, aiding students in navigating their educational and professional journeys, and forming connections with industry experts. Strong resume, stronger network. All before you graduate.

  • The mentorship program also extends support to chapter leaders and members, fostering their growth as effective leaders. Mentors will collaborate with students to develop successful events, initiatives, and campaigns, enhancing their leadership skills and bolstering the influence of Plant Futures' network.

  • Encouraging students to approach their careers and chapter responsibilities through an entrepreneurial lens, the program seeks to instill innovation, creativity, and strategic thinking. By cultivating this mindset, Plant Futures aims to nurture the next generation of visionary leaders in the plant-centric movement.

Become a Mentor

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Become a Mentee

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Become a Mentor → Become a Mentee →

Interested in getting involved?

The mentorship program underscores Plant Futures' commitment to cultivating a community that drives transformative change.