Women in Animation has launched the second call for its mentorship program for 2026, an initiative that connects over 500 creatives annually with volunteer professionals in writing, directing, or animation. The essential requirement is to be an active WIA member with a Creator level or higher. For people with underrepresented gender identities, this is a concrete career opportunity to accelerate their professional progress.
How the matching and selection system works 🎯
The application process is carried out through the official WIA website, where candidates complete a form detailing their experience, portfolio, and professional goals. The algorithmic matching system cross-references profiles with mentors based on specialty, skill level, and specific needs. The wait after submitting the application is short, which speeds up the start of sessions. The mentorship includes periodic meetings, work reviews, and quarterly goal tracking.
Mentorship or how to get someone to tell you your storyboard could use improvement 😅
Because of course, nothing beats paying an annual fee so a veteran with thirty years in the industry patiently explains that your action scene needs fewer explosions and more internal logic. But hey, it's free for the mentor. And for you, it's the perfect excuse to cry a little on a video call and then fix the script. Anyway, no one said the road to the Oscar was a walk in the park.