The Leadership Engagement And Development (LEAD) Mentoring Program pairs rising WQA leaders with a WQA current board member or past president. The eight-month program aims to help participants forge partnerships to develop engagement and advanced leadership skills that continues beyond the program. To help facilitate mentoring meetings, there is an orientation and guide with quarterly discussion topics and activities to be completed with the mentor, with the flexibility and understanding that everyone will have their own strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
The program is ongoing; nominations for the 2022-23 LEAD Mentoring Program will be accepted in summer 2022.
Who can submit a nomination?
Active and engaged WQA members. Nominators must nominate someone other than themselves.
What does the LEAD Mentoring Program look for?
Individuals who:
- Are a WQA manufacturer/supplier/retailer or dealer member
- Demonstrate a desire to engage with the broader water treatment industry, learn from others, and elevate to leadership at WQA.
- Prepared to bring an open mind and willingness to actively participate in the program
- Will attend, in-person or virtually, the 2021 WQA Leadership Conference Sept. 14-16 in Oak Brook, IL, and/or the 2022 WQA Convention April 6-8 in Orlando.
You are encouraged to renominate people who did not participate.
How long is the program?
This year’s mentoring program runs through April 2022; nominations for the 2022-23 LEAD Mentoring Program will be accepted in summer 2022.
Is there a program fee?
No. There is no fee to participate in the LEAD Mentoring Program. All participants are required to attend, in-person or virtually, the 2021 WQA Leadership Conference Sept. 14-16 in Oak Brook, IL and/or the 2022 WQA Convention April 6-8 in Orlando.
Will I hear back on the final selection?
Yes. The selection process will commence following the close for nominations. All nominees and nominators will receive a communication on the final selection of mentees. This is a highly sought program with limited spaces. We encourage anyone who is not selected for the program to reapply in the future.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Kathleen Burbidge, WQA External Affairs Associate Director at kburbidge@wqa.org or 630-505-0160, Ext. 609.