Tempe Chamber Mentorship Program
The Tempe Chamber’s Mentoring Program, presented by the Women in Business Council, kicks off its 2025 cohort this October. Designed to support both women and men, the program empowers participants to achieve their personal and professional goals in a supportive, success-driven environment. Mentorship remains one of the most impactful ways to foster growth, development and long-term success for individuals and organizations alike.
For protégés, some key benefits of business mentoring include:
• Exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking
• Advice on developing strengths and overcoming weaknesses
• Guidance on professional development and advancement
• Increased visibility and recognition within the company
• The opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge through business education
Proteges are paired with a mentor to complete a six-month program with a monthly issue day.
Back Row, from left: Ty Lee, Chris Watts, Franklin Zyriek, Michelle Butler, Dane Ellsworth, Katie Johnson, Darreyl Davis, Dianne Haws; Front Row, from left: Kelli Cholieu, David Keys-Nuses, Marisa Calderon, Kimberly McGoldrick, Heather Rodriguez, Isaac Grove, Maria Elena Coronado-Sutter
Tempe Leadership: Shaping Tempe’s Future Leaders
Since 1985, the Tempe Leadership Program — in partnership with the Tempe Chamber Foundation and the City of Tempe — has united community-minded individuals to connect, collaborate and deepen their understanding of Tempe. Participants are challenged to grow as leaders while making a meaningful impact. Today, Tempe Leadership alumni can be found serving on local boards and commissions, holding elected office, and volunteering countless hours to strengthen the community — leaving behind a legacy of service and leadership that continues to shape Tempe’s future.
Tempe Leadership Community Service Project: Lost Our Home Pet Rescue
Each year, the Tempe Leadership Class chooses a community service project. This year, Lost Our Home Pet Rescue was chosen. Founded as a no-kill shelter in 2008, Lost Our Home rescues abandoned pets and is committed to ensuring they get the care they need and the new loving homes they deserve. In addition to rescue efforts, the organization is dedicated to serving the community and providing support for families that are experiencing crisis by giving comfort to pet parents who must surrender their pets because they are no longer able to care for them.
This year’s class project delivered a much-needed boost for Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, providing an industrial-grade washer and dryer along with upgraded laundry and storage areas. The improvements will double the shelter’s laundry capacity, helping ensure a cleaner, safer environment for every pet in its care.
Tempe Leadership class
Career Ready Tempe: Strengthening the Future Workforce
Every summer, Career Ready Tempe, another partnership program between the Tempe Chamber Foundation and the City of Tempe, opens doors for local high school students by pairing them with local businesses for paid internships. But the program does more than just provide a summer job — it creates lasting opportunities, both for students and the companies that mentor them.
This year students were placed in a variety of businesses, including hospitality, engineering, local government, aerospace, startups, retail and service areas. For one student, the internship strengthened a résumé and laid a meaningful foundation for future opportunities. The mentor’s support went beyond the workplace, even offering to serve as a reference for the student’s next steps.
Another participant gained hands-on experience with industry tools like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Lightroom and even drone technology. “These hard skills are things I can take into any marketing workplace,” the student explained, “and they’ll make it easier for me to adapt in the future.”
The program also ensures the right fit between students and mentors. By involving interns in the interview process and listening to their feedback, Career Ready Tempe creates matches that lead to rewarding and successful experiences.
At its core, the program is about partnership. Students gain real-world skills, businesses build stronger talent pipelines, and together, they shape a brighter future for Tempe’s workforce. As one participant put it: “The program is put together in a way that helps both students and businesses succeed together.”
career ready students
