A Mentor the Young program's success story – How It All Started for Iva and Yoana, Women Who Grow co-founders

What is Mentor the Young and Who Is It For?

Mentor the Young is a free, three-month hybrid mentorship program designed for curious and driven individuals aged 18 to 25. This program combines online and in-person interactions, pairing mentees with experienced professionals who dedicate around two hours per week to guide, inspire, and support them.

At the start of the program, each mentee sets three personal, professional, or entrepreneurial goals. Over the three months, they work towards achieving these goals through one-on-one mentorship, business simulations, educational events, and networking opportunities. The program is ideal for young people who are proactive and eager to grow. Mentors come from various fields, each with at least five years of experience, and are genuinely invested in helping the next generation thrive. Impressively, around 75% of mentees reach their goals by the end of the program—a testament to its structure and impact.

How Did My Journey Begin?

Not too long ago, I was working as a copywriter for one of the largest e-commerce companies in Bulgaria. However, deep down, I felt ready for a change. I wanted to pursue something that truly excited me: UX/UI design. This field felt thrilling, but at the time, it was completely new and unfamiliar to me.

That’s when I discovered Mentor the Young and joined Season 3 of the program. I was paired with Yoana, an inspiring R&D manager. From our very first conversation, I knew I had found the right mentor. Yoana didn’t just give me advice; she offered a window into the real tech world. She shared practical tools, workflows, insightful articles, and even examples from her daily work.

Over time, our relationship evolved into something even more meaningful—we became friends. We live just five minutes apart, which helped us stay connected long after the program ended.

Yoana and Iva as a mentor and mentee couple in Mentor the Young program

From Mentee to Co-Founder

Two years after that first meeting, Yoana and I—together with another incredible woman—became co-founders of Women Who Grow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women in tech. What started as a mentorship turned into a shared mission.

More About Women Who Grow

Women Who Grow is a Sofia-based nonprofit community aimed at empowering women in the technology sector. We bring together women from various tech fields—engineers, UX/UI designers, QA professionals, and more—through mentorship, skill sharing, and professional development events.

Here’s what we offer:

• In-Person Sessions: We host regular in-person sessions focused on career growth and professional transitions, often in partnership with leading companies like Paysafe, Progress, and the Financial Times.

  
  

• Mentoring Circles: We create opportunities for mentoring circles and hands-on learning through activities like QA challenges and peer-to-peer knowledge exchanges.

  
  

• Community Building: Our members connect through self-organized groups, motivational talks, and storytelling sessions, building long-lasting relationships and a strong sense of community.

  
  

Yoana and Iva and Dev: Challenge Accepted conference as Women Who Grow representatives

The Impact of Mentorship

Mentor the Young isn’t just a short-term mentorship—it’s a launching pad. Through its thoughtful structure, experienced mentors, and supportive community, it helps young people take meaningful steps toward their dreams.

In my case, it led to something I never imagined: co-founding an organization that uplifts women in tech. It all began with a two-hour-per-week commitment and a mentor who truly believed in me.

Why Mentorship Matters

Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development. It provides guidance, support, and a fresh perspective. For many, it can be the difference between feeling lost and finding a clear path forward.

Mentors offer insights that can only come from experience. They help mentees navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and learn from failures. This relationship fosters growth, resilience, and confidence.

Building a Supportive Network

Creating a supportive network is essential for success in any field, especially in tech. Women Who Grow aims to cultivate this environment. By connecting women across various tech sectors, we foster collaboration and encouragement.

Networking events, workshops, and informal meet-ups allow members to share experiences and learn from one another. This sense of community is invaluable, providing a safe space to discuss challenges and celebrate achievements.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, our mission remains clear: to empower women in technology. We believe that by lifting each other up, we can create a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.

If you’re considering joining a mentorship program, I encourage you to take that step. It could lead to opportunities you never thought possible. Remember, every great journey begins with a single step, and mentorship can be that step.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, my journey from mentee to co-founder has been transformative. I am grateful for the guidance I received and the friendships I formed. Mentor the Young opened doors for me, and I hope it can do the same for others.

If you're interested in learning more about mentorship opportunities, I encourage you to explore programs like Mentor the Young. They can provide the support and guidance you need to excel in your career.

Let’s continue to build a thriving ecosystem where women in technology can grow, lead, and confidently excel. Together, we can foster a more inclusive tech industry.