WLI Mentoring Circles
The WLI Circles program is designed to provide a peer mentoring program for Full Member ULI women. A WLI Circle is a small group of ULI women peers who gather virtually for confidential input and frank discussions on business and personal opportunities and challenges; education and idea exchange; and, personal growth and support. Each WLI Circle will be formed with 8 to 12 women with a focus on diversity of geography, industry disciplines, as well as race, ethnicity, and age. The circles will be self-governed, and each circle will identify a leader among their group to coordinate meetings based on the interests and agendas of the group.
Circles will meet virtually monthly at a convenient time for participants, and eventually in-person at ULI programs. It is expected that each WLI Circle will be maintained for one year, then participants can opt to renew with their circle, or participate in a draft for new Circles. The norms and expectations of WLI Circles are available to review here: WLI Americas Mentor Circles Norms. Circles are self-governed and each circle adjusts these norms to what works for their members.
The goal of the WLI Circles program is to help enable network-building and peer mentoring, and advance the pipeline of women ready to take on key leadership roles within ULI. The program was launched in June 2020 to deliver member value to ULI Full Member women, align with the core mission of WLI, and create a sustainable source of ULI Annual Fund support for WLI programs.