PRESS RELEASE

[Los Angeles, California] — Newly released data from the Society of Saleswomen (SOS) Sentiment Study on Mentorship showed that more than two-thirds of women would be interested in joining a mentorship program if it were offered tomorrow.

The study demonstrated clearly that women both understand the value of mentorship and are actively looking for opportunities to find a mentor. Surprisingly, in spite of this interest, only 22.8 percent of respondents reported that their companies or organizations offered formal mentorship initiatives.

That may, in fact, be holding women back from leadership roles. According to Forbes, being a mentee increases the chance of promotion by five times. Mentorship has surprising benefits for mentors as well. They are six times more likely than their peers to be promoted.

SOS (Society of Saleswomen) now fills this need through its Swamini mentorship program, named for the sanskrit word meaning, "one who knows, who is master of himself." In the Swamini Program, mentees are selected and grouped together into a cohort of complementary interests and skill sets. Cohorts are then paired with a Swamini, or mentor, with relevant career experience and skills.

The structure and intentionality of the Swamini Program are unique and stem from the SOS definition of mentorship: “sharing and receiving feedback and guidance for the purpose of self-development and growth in intimate and vulnerable spaces.” SOS strives to create an environment where both mentees and mentors flourish, within and outside of their professional settings.

“Mentorship is a two-way street,” SOS CEO Cindy Truong, during the SOS “Mastering Mentorship” event Tuesday May, 18. “It’s up to us to learn from the people we interact with,” she said.

SOS will be hosting an info session about its Swamini Program on May 20 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m PST. Swamini Program mentee applications are open through May 30.

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About Society of Saleswomen: Society of Saleswomen unites women in all sales disciplines. The mission is simple: cultivate an environment where women can be empowered to unify, connect, and support each other in their craft. The vision for SOS is to create a space where women in sales and entrepreneurship can discuss the unique experiences that affect them in sales and sales leadership roles. The organization provides tools, resources, support, and encouragement through in-person events, small dinner groups, digital access, and forums. All female or female-supportive/hiring members are welcome.


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