What is the Latino/a Social Workers Network Mentoring Program?
The main purpose of the mentoring program is to provide Latino/a social work students with the unique and empowering opportunity to be mentored by senior professional social workers in a safe space created for us as Latino/a social workers in today’s climate. This culturally attuned program emphasizes relationships between experienced mentors and Latino/a students (mentees), guided by the values of familismo, personalismo, confianza, and colectivismo. It is designed to help students and recent graduates (within one year) build the skills and confidence needed to navigate the challenges of diverse professional settings.
What is the format or structure of the Mentoring Program?
The 2026 Mentoring Program runs January–April and uses a community-based model to foster professional growth and cultural connection. Meeting virtually via Zoom on the last Friday of each month, the four interactive sessions cover orientation, leadership, professionalism, negotiation, licensure preparation, salary and financial growth, cultural development, and private practice, while also addressing current challenges mentees face in workplaces, internships, or universities. This community-based program fosters one-on-one mentoring, allowing mentors and mentees to connect beyond sessions by phone, online, or in person, with liaisons providing check-ins to support and strengthen these relationships.
Beyond the virtual sessions, participants connect in person at networking events—often at Latino/a-owned restaurants—to share a meal, build relationships, and strengthen community ties.
Who can participate in the Mentoring Program?
This program welcomes all Latino/a BSW and MSW students, as well as recent graduates, who are NASW members or who plan to join at the start of the program. Mentors must identify as Latino/a, hold an MSW, be NASW members, and bring at least five years of post-MSW professional experience.
Joining NASW not only grants access to this mentoring program—it connects you to the nation’s largest network of social workers, offering professional development, advocacy, and community support. Learn more and join today at www.socialworkers.org/Join.
What is the time commitment needed to participate in the Mentoring Program?
All 2026 Mentoring Program community meetings are held via ZOOM on the following Fridays, 6-8 pm: Jan. 30, Feb. 27, Mar. 27, and Apr. 24. Mentors and mentees are expected to attend all four of these meetings. Please consider your availability on these dates/times before applying for the program.
If you’re interested in applying as a mentor or mentee or would like more information, please contact the Network Chair, (Reina) Lleidy De Leon at LSWCTMentoring@gmail.com.