Onward Women’s Network

Program Overview

Onward Women’s Network (OWN) is a year-long professional development program created by women, for women, with a focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and career advancement. Our mission is to empower women to excel in their careers and business ventures through a dynamic mix of small group mentorship, peer support, networking, and educational opportunities tailored to their unique needs.

While the structured program lasts one year, the relationships and opportunities extend far beyond. Mastermind groups, designed for ongoing peer support, have no designated end, and all participants are invited to stay connected through future networking events. We are looking for individuals committed to long-term growth and engagement in this vibrant community of women leaders.

Target Audience
OWN is open to women-identifying individuals from a range of backgrounds—including aspiring entrepreneurs, established business owners, corporate leaders, and affiliates of the University of Oregon seeking to bring their ideas or research into the private sector. Onward Women’s Network provides the practical tools and supportive community professional women need to thrive.

Expectations
Participants are expected to attend all or most of the sessions and remain thoughtfully engaged throughout the year. The cohort and mastermind groups operate as a collective, where individual success is driven by the group’s shared efforts. We seek participants who are fully committed to the program and dedicated to supporting the success of their peers.

Participation Fee
The program fee is $750 for the full year, covering all workshops, Mastermind Groups, and additional resources. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available; however, we encourage corporate leaders to seek funding from their employers before applying for scholarship assistance. UO affiliates may have their participation fee covered by the University. UO faculty, staff, post-docs, and graduate students please reach out to Program Advisor Christine Gramer at cgramer@uoregon.edu for financial support

For any other information, contact Program Manager Skye Ten Eyck at skyet@onwardeugene.org

Program Structure

OWN is structured around a year-long cohort experience that combines small-group mastermind sessions, educational workshops, and regular networking events. These core elements work together to provide participants with the support, skills, and connections they need to grow both personally and professionally. Each component is designed to foster collaboration and long-term engagement within the community.

Educational Workshops

Our cohort will convene bimonthly for dynamic educational workshops designed to provide deep dives into topics that resonate with all professional women. These workshops, led by passionate industry experts who understand the unique challenges and experiences of women in business, will equip participants with actionable knowledge and skills to elevate their professional journeys.

Workshops will cover a wide range of topics including, but not limited to:

  • Financial Planning & Forecasting
  • People & Time Management
  • Negotiation & Closing Sales
  • Company Culture
  • Risk Assessment
  • Market Research
  • Operational Excellence

Workshop Logistics: All workshops will be held at the Innovation Hub, 942 Olive Street. On Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoons or evenings, between 4:00 and 7:00 PM. Specific days and times will vary.

Mastermind Groups

Our Mastermind Groups are designed to foster collaboration, accountability, and growth within smaller, tight-knit groups of 8-10 cohort members. These groups are formed based on aligned goals and needs, creating a supportive environment where participants can work together to achieve their professional and personal objectives. Each group will be facilitated by a local expert but will largely be self-guided, allowing members to determine not only the structure and timing of their meetings but also how best to support one another.

Why Mastermind Groups Work:

  • Equity in Mentorship: Unlike 1:1 mentoring, which can vary greatly in value depending on the mentor’s availability and expertise, Mastermind Groups provide a more equitable experience. Members have access to the collective wisdom of the group, ensuring diverse perspectives and shared support, without relying on a single individual for guidance.
  • Greater Accountability: In a Mastermind Group, accountability is built in. Members are not only setting goals for themselves, but also for the success of the group. This interdependence fosters a deeper commitment to achieving outcomes, as each person is held accountable by their peers. The shared accountability can be just as valuable as the knowledge exchanged.
  • Empowering Women: One of the greatest barriers women face in male-dominated industries is self-doubt and a lack of confidence. Mastermind Groups encourage women to recognize and embrace the wealth of knowledge and skills they already possess. By sharing their expertise and supporting one another, members step into their power, build confidence, and collaborate to overcome challenges.

Mastermind Group Logistics: Groups will be assigned by the program manager and advisors. Each group will meet monthly, with schedules determined by the members.

Application Process

The application for OWN is designed to help us understand your background, goals, and commitment to personal and professional growth. Beyond gathering basic information, we ask you to thoughtfully identify the goals you aim to achieve through this program. The quality, clarity, and feasibility of these goals will be a key component of the application review process.

We’ll also ask about your time commitments and your enthusiasm for collaboration, as this is a cohort-based experience where cooperation and support are critical to success.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Competency: Your skills, experience, and knowledge.
  • Cooperation: Your ability to collaborate with others and contribute meaningfully to a group setting.
  • Commitment & Capacity: Your time availability and willingness to fully engage with the program.
  • Alignment: How well your goals align with the structure of the program and the challenges and objectives of other applicants.

Because the Mastermind Groups will be organized around common goals and challenges, aligning these elements will be a major factor in cohort selection.

Application Logistics: We are accepting applications through 5:00 PM on November 29. Applications will be reviewed in early December, and the cohort will be selected before Christmas. The program will officially launch in January 2025.