Welcome to the 2025-2026 CONNECT & INSPIRE Mentorship Program
We’re glad you’re here! Here’s what to expect as a participant in the program, including tips for getting the most from your investment in your personal and professional growth.
Questions? Contact mentorship@triangleama.org
Program Details
Program Dates
The current program will run from November 2025 – June 2026. For anyone who enrolls after the initial match process, AMA Triangle will take your application and pair you if possible.
Events
- Week of Oct. 13 – Mentor-Protege Networking Match event – est. 5:30 to 8:30 pm – Venue TBC
- Week of Feb. 9 – Mid-Program Leadership Coaching Program with Brian Alvo of the NextGen Center – est. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Venue TBC
- Week of June 8 – Program Graduation & Awards – est. 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm – Venue TBC
Flexible Scheduling
Mentor-Protégé pairs decide how frequently they want to meet and will hold each other accountable to the agreed-upon standard, allowing for maximum flexibility. We recommend discussing whether in-person or virtual works and if pairs have busy periods that need to be worked around. Our most successful Mentor-Protege pairings make time for some in-person meetings.
Supporting Triangle Area Marketers
AMA Triangle does support marketers in central North Carolina. However, participation as a mentor or protégé in CONNECT & INSPIRE succeeds when participants are based in our geographic area. Program applicants should live or work within a 100-mile radius of the Triangle area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill). If you reside or work outside that radius, we will consider applications on a case-by-case basis.
Program Fees
We offer free and low-cost options for participation to help open up to a range of mentors AND proteges. Here’s the breakdown:
-
- AMA Triangle Member Proteges – FREE OF CHARGE with your paid dues
-
- Local collegiate AMA chapter member Proteges – FREE OF CHARGE
-
- Professional-level, non-member Protégés – $49 non-refundable fee will be due with your application submission
-
- Collegiate-level, non-AMA collegiate chapter member Proteges – $29 non-refundable fee will be due with application submission. Your fee for this program includes a full year of professional chapter membership too! A payment processing fee will apply to all purchases.
• Mentors are always FREE, whether a chapter member or not. This includes participation in all three in-person events.
Mentorship Matching
We approach mentorship matching with the entire individual in mind.
Matching Process
Mentor-Protégé matching is conducted using a 3-point system that includes credentials, goals, and personality. This allows for maximum compatibility and impact.
Mentor-Protege Match Event
This will be a speed networking event in October 2025. Invitations to this event will be distributed following acceptance into the program. NOTE: We will make every effort to pair all of those who apply but may not make it to the Match Event. However, the Match Event is often critical to achieving a best Mentor-Protege fit.
To participate in the networking match kickoff event, application materials (and payment if applicable) must be submitted no later than 6PM on Friday, September 30, 2025. Applications submitted after this time may not have the opportunity to meet match participants ahead of matching.
"The AMA Mentorship Program has been one of the most valuable experiences of my career. It pushed me to grow in ways I didn't even realize I needed, and in the process, I gained not just a mentor, but a lifelong friend who has continued to inspire and support me well beyond the program."
How to Apply
In order to be considered for the AMA Triangle CONNECT & INSPIRE program, applicants must submit the following items:
- Application Form
- Commitment Agreement
- Payment (if applicable – see cost information for details)
Application Tips
The application itself should take approximately (##) minutes.
To make the process easier, you’ll want to have your headshot and your professional bio (300 words or less) ready before starting your application. There are also insight questions that you will want to think through during the application process. There is no advance preparation needed for these, and please take your time with them.
Program Cost
We offer free and low-cost options for participation to help open up to a range of mentors AND proteges. Here’s the breakdown:
- AMA Triangle Member Proteges – FREE OF CHARGE with your paid dues
- Local collegiate AMA chapter member Proteges – FREE OF CHARGE
- Professional-level, non-member Protégés – $49 non-refundable fee will be due with your application submission
- Collegiate-level, non-AMA collegiate chapter member Proteges – $29 non-refundable fee will be due with application submission. Your fee for this program includes a full year of professional chapter membership too! A payment processing fee will apply to all purchases.
- Mentors are always FREE, whether a chapter member or not. This includes participation in all three in-person events.
Application Deadline
To be included in the Networking Match Event, application materials (and payment, if applicable) must be submitted no later than 6PM on Friday, 30 September 2025.
Applications received after this date will be considered, but attending the Networking Match Event will not be included.
Have Questions?
For additional questions, please feel free to contact Rachel Bonistalli, Director of Mentorship AMA Triangle, at mentorship@triangleama.org.
Disclaimer
Although AMA Triangle will make every effort to find a Mentor-Protege match within the first 30 days for each qualified applicant, we cannot guarantee successful pairing due to the diversity of our applicants and limited program space. If, in the event, you have not been paired with a mentor within 3 months, you will remain in the program, receive a 50% refund and we will continue searching for your perfect mentor/protege match.