Two Ten Mentorship Program
Grow your footwear career with someone in your corner.
A three-month mentoring program bringing together emerging and experienced footwear professionals.
The footwear industry is constantly changing, and with that comes new opportunities to learn, grow, and shape your career.
Two Ten's Mentorship Program connects people who are looking to take the next step in their footwear careers with seasoned professionals who want to help them grow. Over three months, participants build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, talk through challenges, and leave with the confidence to take their next step, however they define success.
Why Mentoring, Why Now
There are few education pathways that lead into footwear, and once people are inside the industry, opportunities to learn and grow can be hard to find. Mentoring opens doors. It gives industry professionals access to people, knowledge, and pathways they might not otherwise see, and it gives experienced leaders a meaningful way to give back and grow as leaders themselves.
How It Works
The program is built on three layers of support:
One-on-One MentoringEach mentee is matched with one mentor. Pairs meet once a month at a time that works for both of them. Monthly Group CoachingAll participants come together each month for sessions with prompts, resources, and activities that help them get more out of their mentoring relationship. Personal Support When You Need ItEvery mentor and mentee receives one-on-one support throughout the program as needed. |
Both mentors and mentees commit to three months of monthly one-on-one conversations and monthly group sessions from February through April 2027.
Who Should Apply
MenteesYou have at least one year of experience in the footwear industry, or you're a recent graduate. You might be early in your career, a small business owner, or looking to move into a leadership role. If you're looking for connections, career guidance, skill building, and a clearer view of where you can grow, this program is for you. MentorsYou have at least five years of experience in the footwear industry and you want to help the next generation succeed. We're looking for mid-to-senior-level leaders across functions and regions who want to share what they've learned, sharpen their own leadership skills, and expand their networks along the way. |
*Please note the requirements stated are minimums but there are no maximum experience requirements for participating as a mentor or mentee.
Have questions about the mentorship experience?
What You Will Gain
As a mentee
- A trusted relationship with an experienced footwear professional
- A clearer picture of career pathways and industry trends
- Support setting goals and planning your next move
- New connections across the industry
- Confidence to pursue growth opportunities
As a mentor
- A meaningful way to invest in the future of footwear
- Leadership development through practice and group coaching
- A broader, more diverse professional network
- Fresh perspectives from the next generation of the industry
How Matching Works
Every application is reviewed by Two Ten. Our partners at CoLabL will help us make matches thoughtfully, based first on the career pathway a mentee is interested in, then on the mentee's goals, and then on geography. Location helps us strengthen access to opportunity; it never limits who you can be matched with.
Before your first meeting, you'll receive everything you need to start strong, including program guidelines, mentor and mentee FAQs, and a kickoff toolkit with conversation prompts, self-awareness activities, and a goal setting template.
Key Dates
Your next opportunity starts here.Applications are open through December 23, 2026. Take the next step toward a meaningful mentoring experience. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does it take?
Plan for one conversation with your match each month, scheduled around both of your calendars, plus one monthly group session over three months.
I changed careers and I'm new to footwear. Can I apply?
Yes. We welcome people who have pivoted into footwear from other industries. Mentees need at least one year in footwear or to be a recent graduate.
Do I need to live near my mentor or mentee?
No. Geography is one factor we consider to strengthen access, but it won't limit your match.
What if my match isn't working?
It happens, and we're here to help. CoLabL provides one-on-one support throughout the program and will arrange a new match if needed.
How many people will be selected?
This first program will include 50 mentor-mentee pairs, for 100 participants in total. If you are not matched for the pilot, there will be additional mentorship opportunities available to participate in.
Is there a cost to participate?
Two Ten is sponsoring this mentoring program so there is no cost to participating mentors and mentees.
Can I request a match of a specific demographic/background?
Yes. Please share your preferences in your application.
I'm senior in my career but looking to make a move into leadership, can I apply to be a mentee?
Yes. We believe that great mentorship balances teaching and learning together. Please share what you are specifically interested in gaining from this mentorship experience when applying.
Still have questions? Let's connect.
Our team is happy to answer questions about the program, application process, or what to expect from the mentorship experience.
Contact Our Team →Your next step in footwear starts with a conversation.
Apply to be a mentor or mentee by December 23, 2026.
More ways to learn and connectExplore Two Ten's virtual learning events for opportunities to hear from footwear professionals, gain practical career insights, and build meaningful connections across the industry. Explore Upcoming Events → |