Marketing Mentor Network

Build a stronger community with the AMADC Marketing Mentor Network.

The AMADC Marketing Mentor Network (MMN) program is built on a foundation of community in the DMV. We work to match experienced marketing leaders with early to mid-career marketing professionals for one-on-one mentoring and group networking – and we have fun doing it!

This AMADC flagship program runs over the course of 6-months, starting in October, and is focused on the growth and development of the entire cohort, facilitating the exchange of ideas, and opportunities for professional growth through individual and group events. With guidance from the MMN Leadership team, mentors and proteges are paired together based on the proteges career objectives and goals outlined during the application process.

Proteges meet individually with their mentor every 2-3 weeks, and the cohort meets either in person or online approximately once a month. The result is an engaging mentorship experience, new connections, and lasting relationships.

 Applications open until August 31, 2023. The 2023/24 program runs from October 2023 – April 2024. 

How Does It Work?

The Marketing Mentor Network operates in a hybrid format to encourage interaction with the entire cohort. Our goal is to make mentorship fun!

The program kick-off will be in person with the entire cohort. The group will have the chance to meet each other, review program objectives, and mentors/protégés will have time to fine-tune their goals. Mentors and proteges will arrange to meet regularly on their own, and events for the entire cohort will occur once monthly.

The program makes use of Slack and LinkedIn to keep the group connected and can be used to seek advice from others and stay in touch with other program participants. Previous cohorts remain connected and can respond to questions from the group.

Why Mentor?

Mentoring offers an enriching experience for both parties, providing an opportunity to give back to the community while learning, growing as a leader, and enhancing professional skills. Learn something new from tomorrow’s leaders and gain a fresh perspective by becoming a marketing mentor. The AMADC Marketing Mentor Network is a fantastic opportunity for mentors to:

• Expand your network, build valuable, and develop long-lasting relationships
• Widen your perspective, and learn new things
• Sharpen your skills, contributing to your own growth
• Share your experiences for the betterment of others
• Support and foster the next generation of marketers

Mentor/Protégé Matchmaking Process

Mentoring is both a “get and give” experience with the goal of providing a rich and rewarding experience for both mentors and protégés. All participants are asked to fill out an application form, in which the data is used by the leadership team to make matches based on industry, type of marketing (B2B, B2C, B2G, nonprofit, etc.), stage in career, goals and other interests.

Matches are created prior to the program kickoff. The program leadership team takes matching very seriously to ensure the best pairing; it doesn’t happen often, but if challenges with a mentor match arise, the team will work with the protégé to find a better fit.

Location

The Marketing Mentor Network program will be held in a hybrid format. Some events will be held in person, and others will remain virtual. In the instance that public health guidelines change, the program will transition to 100% virtual.

Eligibility and Fee

The Marketing Mentors Network is a member-only benefit. All new mentor/protégés applicatants will be interviewed to determine eligibility and placement. Participants must be located in the DC-Metro area.

Mentors
– Mentors volunteer their time, and participate for free.
– Non-member mentors are allowed to mentor for 1 year, then are required to become AMADC members to continue in the program.

Protégés
– There is a one-time program fee of $199* for protégés due upon program acceptance.
– Protégés must be AMADC members to participate.

* Financial Hardship Scholarship – AMADC is committed to making our programming accessible to all that want to participate. If you have concerns with the program fee, please provide detailed within your application, as we may be able to provide a scholarship.

Not a member? Become a member today.

To Apply

Applications are now open for the 2023/24 cohort. The program runs from October-April. Apply by August 31, 2023 to be considered.

Questions?

For any questions about the Marketing Mentor Network, reach out to Stefan Bradham at stefan.bradham@amadc.org.

Program Leadership Team

The Marketing Mentor Network is led by experienced marketers and past program participants:

Born and raised in Florida, Stefan moved out of state to attend the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he obtained degrees in marketing and international business. Following his passion for marketing, he later obtained his master’s degree in marketing from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. With close to 20 years of experience in B2B, B2C, and nonprofits, Stefan has led teams of marketers and communicators in several industries (financial services, scientific, legal, and economic empowerment) and serves his organizations as a Certified Association Executive and Certified Diversity Executive. He currently works at the National Minority Supplier Development Council where he puts both certifications to work driving socioeconomic equity and generational wealth for systemically excluded communities of color.

Mónica Malavé is the Marketing and Branding Strategist and CEO of Elevate It Now®, an award-winning Marketing Agency with offices in Haymarket, VA, and Puerto Rico.

She’s a creative and marketing professional with over 30 years in marketing. Before starting Elevate It Now® in 2014 Mónica worked for several years in Executive Management, leading the marketing departments of several credit unions in the Washington D.C. area. Mónica’s specialties are Strategic Marketing Planning, Branding, Content Marketing and Social Media Marketing and Management along with technical and creative marketing development. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Management.

Mónica’s impact extends beyond the professional realm. She is a firm believer in giving back to the community and has worked closely with AMADC’s Marketing Mentors Network since 2019 as a Mentor. She is also an Adobe Express Ambassador, where she works with other creatives educating others how to embrace the power of Adobe Express, to create visually stunning and impactful brand designs. 

Julia is the founder and chief strategist of Maple Leaf Communications. With over 20 years of experience as a brand strategist and executive marketer, she is responsible for the creation of several award-winning global marketing programs representing brands across the technology industry. Julia’s work is informed by her deep understanding of customer experience in a B2B and B2C environment, along with the unique challenges they face in today’s marketplace.

Julia holds a Master of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland, and an Advertising-Creative Diploma from Algonquin College. She serves as the Web Strategy Chair on the AMADC Board, on the Advisory Committee for the AMADC Marketing Mentors Network, and is a Senior Mentor. She is also a Family Mentor with the International Rescue Committee.