Alumni Mentorship Program

The Wisconsin Progress Alumni Mentorship Program represents more than 600 current and former elected officials, along with past candidates—including those who may not have won their races but continue to do impactful work in their communities.

The Alumni Mentorship Program connects progressive leaders across generations, creating a supportive community grounded in shared values, lived experience, and a deep commitment to public service. By fostering honest conversations, meaningful relationships, and peer-to-peer learning, the program strengthens the progressive leadership pipeline in Wisconsin and beyond.

Program Overview

Through one-on-one mentorship, group discussions, and shared resources, the Alumni Mentorship Program creates space for leaders at every stage of their journey—whether currently in office, preparing to run, or transitioning after a campaign.

Participants benefit from:

  • Practical advice on campaigning, governing, and community engagement

  • Lessons learned from both victories and setbacks

  • Solidarity, connection, and resilience within the progressive movement

By valuing the full spectrum of leadership experiences, the program ensures that every journey contributes to a stronger, more sustainable, progressive future.

Join the Alumni Community

The Alumni Mentorship Program is built on the belief that progressive leadership is collective, resilient, and strengthened through shared experience. Whether you are seeking guidance, offering mentorship, or looking to stay connected after a campaign, there is a place for you in this community.

Interested in getting involved? Learn more about becoming a mentor or mentee and help shape the next generation of progressive leaders.

Reach out to Kristina Sandherr, Executive Director to get started.

Strategies for Success

To achieve these outcomes, the Alumni Mentorship Program employs the following strategies:

  1. Match mentees with mentors based on specific goals, including campaign skills, governance, fundraising, and communications

  2. Offer structured workshops and alumni-led office hours

  3. Host alumni-exclusive networking events, both virtual and in person

  4. Facilitate storytelling sessions where alumni share campaign wins, losses, and lessons learned

  5. Maintain a digital resource library featuring alumni reflections, videos, and best practices

  6. Pair mentees with multiple mentors over time to provide diverse perspectives

  7. Organize regional meetups to strengthen local alumni connections

  8. Provide mental health and well-being resources for candidates and alumni

  9. Intentionally recruit mentors and mentees from underrepresented communities

  10. Offer affinity-based mentorship opportunities, such as women of color or LGBTQ+ leader cohorts