Two Ten Footwear Foundation Launches Industry-Wide Mentoring Program to Support the Next Generation of Footwear Leaders
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
The Two Ten Footwear Foundation today announced the launch of a new industry-wide mentorship program designed to help foster the next generation of footwear professionals and leaders. The program will bring together employees at various career levels and industry sectors for 3-month engagements that include one-on-one mentoring relationships, monthly group coaching sessions, and dedicated development support. The first session will begin in February 2027.
Developed in partnership with CoLabl, the program is designed to facilitate career growth and create meaningful connections across the footwear industry. Mentees will have the opportunity to gain perspective from experienced industry leaders, work towards specific career goals, and develop relationships that can support their continued growth. Mentors will be able to share their expertise and strengthen their coaching and leadership skills, while giving back to the industry.
While Two Ten previously offered a mentorship program for its Women in the Footwear Industry (WIFI) community, this latest mentorship initiative is open to all industry professionals and will facilitate relationships between people at all levels and stages in their footwear careers.
“We have long heard from our community that they want ways to make deeper connections and build relationships within the industry,” said Shawn Osborne, President and CEO of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation. “This initiative taps into footwear’s most valuable resource: its people. By bringing individuals together for shared moments of learning and growth, we hope to open doors for new career pathways and create a stronger, more unified footwear community.”
Two Ten is currently accepting applications for mentors and mentees through December 23, 2026. Once selected, participants will engage in a series of touchpoints with their match and the broader participant group over the three-month period, from February 2027 through April 2027.