MAPS-Chicago: 2026 Mentoring Circles Kick-off

On April 23, Women In Bio Chicago brought together mentors and mentees participating in the 2026 Mentoring Circles Program for its first in-person kickoff event. The warm welcome session, held at the Simpson Querrey Auditorium at Northwestern University, featured program founder Laurie Wessels, who gave an overview of the program and shared practical advice for making the most of the program.

A central theme throughout the presentation was the core role of mentees. Laurie emphasized that Mentoring Circles are not passive groups and that it's key for mentees to own the process, get what they want from it, and demand it if necessary. She also encouraged mentees to “listen for understanding” and to use this as a safe space, going into it with the intention of building respectful relationships based on trust and confidentiality. The roles and expectations of mentees aligned with managing and taking ownership of the experience, as well as learning to communicate clearly, ask clarifying questions, and lead with curiosity and honesty. Laurie noted that “nobody will let you fall”, and “you have nothing to lose,” and reflected that it gets easier to take risks once you learn the worst that can happen is being told “no”.

The role of mentors was described as supporting, facilitating, and guiding, without becoming directors. Laurie reiterated the priority of communicating clearly, swiftly, and often. She then delved into the process and session content, introduced operating principles, and provided a few examples of what a Mentoring Circle meeting agenda might look like. The event concluded with remarks from Anu Ray, Vice-Chair of the Women In Bio Chicago Chapter and a former mentor for the program, who encouraged participants to attend as many events as possible. The day closed with food and beverages, providing an opportunity for mentees and mentors to connect, meet for the first time, share goals, and establish operating principles to ensure everyone's success.  

Submitted by Lisa Maccio Maretto