ATD San Diego Mentorship Program
Connect with experienced Talent Development professionals, build lasting relationships, and accelerate your professional growth with ATD San Diego's premier mentorship program. We provide a highly structured and supportive program that mentees and mentors find valuable and rewarding.

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The mentorship program is for members only (FREE with membership). Not a member yet? Join ATD San Diego first to apply - membership includes free access to the mentorship program. Non-members are welcome at other learning and social events provided by the chapter for a small fee, and we would love to meet you!

Why Mentorship Matters
Research shows that mentorship isn't just beneficial—it's transformative for career advancement. Organizations that prioritize mentorship see dramatic improvements in employee retention, promotion rates, and overall professional development.
6X
Mentor Promotion Rate
Mentors are six times more likely to be promoted according to Sun Microsystems Study
5X
Mentee Promotion Rate
Mentees are five times more likely to be promoted according to Sun Microsystems Study
#4
Top L&D Strategy
Mentorship ranks as the fourth most prioritized strategy by L&D teams globally per Donald H Taylor Survey
Sources: Sun Microsystems/Gartner Study; Donald H. Taylor Global Sentiment Survey, 2023; LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report, 2023
What Our Community Says
Rob Tirsbier
"The mentor program is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and give back to the ATD community. You build bonds not only with your mentor or protege but also with the other participants."
Samantha Jimenez
"ATD's mentoring program came to me at a time when I was navigating a career pivot and a lot of uncertainty. With my mentor's support, I gained clarity around my goals, confidence in my transferable skills, and the momentum to start putting myself out there again."
Timi Gleason
"As a mentor volunteer for the past two years, I've discovered that the ATD mentorship program has been instrumental in reconnecting me with colleagues and building meaningful new relationships within our professional community. The exceptional dedication of the team managing the program makes all the difference."
2026 Program Schedule
1
Orientation &
Mentorship Pairings
Thursday, March 19, 2026
5:30–7:00 PM PST | Virtual
2
Kick-Off &
First Cohort Gathering!
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
5:30–7:30 PM PST
San Diego Humane Society
5500 Gaines St, San Diego, CA 92110
3
Cohort Gathering!
Thursday, May 7, 2026
5:30–7:30 PM PST
San Diego Humane Society
5500 Gaines St, San Diego, CA 92110
4
Cohort Gathering!
Thursday, June 4, 2026
5:30–7:30 PM PST
San Diego Humane Society
5500 Gaines St, San Diego, CA 92110
5
Cohort Gathering & Graduation!
Thursday, July 2, 2026
5:30–7:30 PM PST
San Diego Humane Society
5500 Gaines St, San Diego, CA 92110

Application Deadline: Feb 28, 2026- Apply early to secure your spot!
Attendance at all five cohort gatherings is required for program completion. These sessions build the foundation of community, shared learning, and meaningful mentorship relationships that make this program transformative. Plus, we will have fun!
Additionally mentor/mentee pairs meet once per month either virtually or in-person, per their preference.
Apply as a Mentee
Seeking guidance in your L&D career? Connect with an experienced mentor who can help you navigate challenges, set goals, and accelerate your growth.
Personalized Guidance
Get career advice tailored to your unique goals and challenges
Skill Development
Build competencies that matter in today's L&D landscape
Network Expansion
Connect with professionals across the San Diego L&D community
Become a Mentor
Ready to share your expertise? Guide the next generation of L&D professionals while expanding your own network and leadership skills.
Give Back to the Community
Share your knowledge and help shape the future of L&D in San Diego
Develop Leadership Skills
Enhance your coaching and mentoring capabilities through practice
Build Meaningful Connections
Create lasting professional relationships that enrich your career
Resources for Mentorship Pairs
We provide comprehensive resources to support your mentorship journey and ensure productive, meaningful partnerships. All resources will be available to program participants.
Conversation Guides
Structured discussion topics and questions to guide your mentorship sessions
Goal Setting Templates
Worksheets to help define and track your mentorship objectives
Best Practices Guide
Tips for building a successful and meaningful mentorship partnership
Meeting Agendas
Ready-to-use agendas to keep your sessions focused and productive
Progress Tracker
Tools to measure and celebrate your growth throughout the program
Community Forum
Connect with other program participants and share experiences
Why Join Our Mentorship Program?
The ATD San Diego Mentorship Program offers a structured, supportive environment for Learning & Development professionals at all career stages.
Reciprocal Learning
Both mentors and mentees grow through shared experiences and perspectives
Expand Your Network
Connect with L&D professionals across San Diego and beyond
Career Development
Gain clarity on your goals and build confidence in your abilities
Give Back
Contribute to the ATD community and support emerging talent
Ready to Get Started?
Join ATD San Diego's premier mentorship program and take the next step in your Learning & Development career. Whether you're seeking guidance or ready to share your expertise, we're here to support your professional growth.

© 2026 ATD San Diego Chapter. All rights reserved.
ATD San Diego is the local chapter of the Association for Talent Development, supporting Learning & Development professionals in the San Diego region.