Stephanie DotyOriginating in the U.S., the idea of mentoring walks was Geraldine Laybourne’s response to requests for advice from aspiring women leaders. The Founder and former CEO of Oxygen Media would invite young women to meet her for a morning walk. It became a routine for Laybourne, and an invaluable opportunity for women who wanted to learn from her experience and perspective.A longtime friend of Vital Voices, Laybourne introduced the concept to leaders of our global network, who in 2008 took the idea to their home countries and coordinated the first annual Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk, linking women and communities globally around mentorship for one day each year. Since 2008, more than 120 walks have been held in 40 countries worldwide.In celebration of International Women’s Day, Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walks will bring established and emerging leaders together in more than 20 countries and, for the first time, three major U.S. cities: San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, DC.With the generous support of Global Sponsor Bank of America, this international event will connect women leaders and spark a global movement to promote the rising generation through mentor-ship.For 16 years, Vital Voices has invested in women’s leadership as a means to improve our world. We identify women who understand that power expands the moment it’s shared and who choose to leverage their individual leadership for collective progress. Across cultures and generations, we have seen that women leaders have a natural inclination to share talent, experience, wisdom and power. The Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk embodies this act of paying it forward.International Women’s Day recognizes women’s contribution to global progress and reminds us of the work that remains to advance women and communities everywhere. It is the ideal opportunity to demonstrate the power of women’s leadership and unite women in support of other women. Through the Vital Voices Global Mentoring Walk, mentors and mentees will come together to walk in their towns and cities, sharing challenges and solutions and forming supportive bonds that foster growth, confidence and leadership.
Women's Issues Matter
March 4, 2014
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