Sonoma State University

SUEÑO: Supporting Underrepresented Excellence through Networks of Opportunity

Overview

Mentorship represents a community-based approach to professional and personal advancement, for both mentors and mentees.  As a part of its mission to promote Latino/a/x success, Alianza for Equity pairs students, junior faculty, and new staff with mentors composed of senior faculty, staff, and prominent alumni of SSU.

Objectives

Alianza’s SUEÑO (Supporting Underrepresented Excellence through Networks of Opportunity) mentorship program aims to:

  • Build professional and support networks for Latino/a/x students and emerging professionals, with an emphasis on cultural connections.
  • Promote the personal, academic, and/or professional growth of Latino/a/x students and emerging professionals as they navigate their journey in higher education.
  • Foster inclusivity, excellence, and equity within the Latino/a/x student, staff, and faculty community through connectivity, visibility, and guidance; 
  • Empower Latino/a/x students and emerging professionals to mentor the next generation.

Learn More

Eligibility

Mentees must be currently enrolled, full-time students (undergraduate or graduate), or current staff and faculty employed at Sonoma State University. 

Mentors must be alumni or faculty and staff currently or formerly employed by Sonoma State University. 

Both mentors and mentees must be able to commit to mentorship for at least one semester (preferably for a year), and willing to meet with their mentor or mentee on a monthly basis. 

Program Structure

  • The application cycle takes place each Fall semester.
  • Mentor-mentee matching is conducted by a small committee of Alianza for Equity members, and is based on information that participants provide regarding goals, background, and interests on their applications. 
  • Mentees can expect to be paired with their mentor by the end of the Fall semester.
  • Alianza for Equity will host a brief orientation and social gathering for the purpose of introducing you to the mentorship program and the mentor/mentee with whom you have been paired. 
  • Mentors and mentees jointly fill out a mentoring agreement at the beginning of the partnership outlining the duration, expectations, and purpose of their mentoring relationship. 
  • Mentors and mentees will fill out an annual feedback survey to keep Alianza apprised of their progress and the suitability of their partnership. Mentors and mentees will have the opportunity to renew their partnership via this feedback survey.

Program Benefits

As a mentee, you will:

  • Gain guidance from an SSU-affiliated professional aligned with your interests, passions, and goals
  • Engage and create collaborative opportunities for personal and professional growth
  • Experience a sense of accountability for short- and long-term goals
  • Explore strategies or steps you need to excel

As a mentor, you will:

  • Contribute to the retention of Latino/a/x students and growing professionals at Sonoma State University
  • Feel a greater sense of belonging, purpose, and involvement
  • Develop yourself as a leader by gaining new perspectives and interpersonal skills 
  • Connect with young, up-and-coming professionals
  • Share your expertise and experiences

Getting Started

Apply to become a mentor or mentee here ( link coming soon)

Application deadline TBA.

Below find resources to support your mentoring partnership: