Mentoring & Networking

For Diana from Russia, succesful communication in Danish with another professional, Gitte, was essential to her confidence in speaking the language.

A special mentor programme supports ethnic minority women's way into local politics. Hakima is the first woman candidate of Moroccan origin.

Honest and open-minded communication is the basis of good mentoring and problem solving for Chinese Minnie and her mentor Marianne.

Focus on opportunities rather than limitations. That's the message from mentor Claus and Xi Lin from China, two of the few men in KVINFO's mentor network.

Nasrin was educated and lived nearly all her life in Denmark, but still benefits from her mentor Karen's job experience and network.

Is there a time limit for the mentoring process? After 5 years, Shazia and Jytte still maintain their relationship, built on trust, openness, and loyalty.

As a refugee from Indonesia, Evelyn spent much time at her local library in Denmark. But she didn't imagine that she would find her mentor there!

Kathy from Iran and her mentor Henny agree that the shared ethical responsibility is a rewarding side of mentoring.

Shahla from Iran and Danish Renée share the experience of living in a foreign country, as well as similar hopes and dreams.

“I didn’t need to integrate; I needed inspiration and a professional network!” says Kamilla about coming from Uzbekistan to Denmark.

Despite good grades, Turkish-born Günes had difficulties finding an internship. Christine had the professional network and experience to make it happen.

Both being music teachers, Thuan from Vietnam and Vibeke have shared job hunting as well as the joys of making music together.

Since Chinese engineer Xiaoyi found her first job in Denmark at a bistro, she and mentor Ulla have kept setting new goals. Today Xiaoyi has a managerial post in finance.

A dramatic life event became a milestone in the long mentoring relationship of Bosnian Saneda and Danish Inger, who can now add “grandmother” to her mentor title.

“Antonieta’s courage inspires me", says Eva Maria about her Bolivian mentee. Their meetings are more about inspiration and brainstorm than guidance.

Shukria was born in Afghanistan. In Denmark, she got a friend in Sanne and is now realizing her dream of becoming a preschool teacher.

"I couldn't have found time to mentor if it wasn't fun and stimulating," says Inge. Though her mentee Karina found a job after only two months, they keep working together.

One of the most important elements in any mentoring relationship is commitment. Athamaica and Ulf know this very well.

After 60 applications and no job, Helen from China was starting to feel desperate. The most important advice her Danish mentor could give her was: "Keep being yourself".

Ina describes entering a mentoring relationship as a sort of therapeutic process: she had to get used to asking for help and taking advice.

Before, Sherin did not dare to seek contact to Danes because of negative public debate about immigrants. The fact that Danish women volunteer as mentors made a difference to her.

From Selina, Tina learned about the China where her company produces bags, and after working as in intern in her mentor’s business, Selina now has a full-time marketing position.

Taking on the challenges of Danish grammar, Talin found support in teacher Hanne – and an internship in a Danish company.

“Do you really need a mentor? You are so skillful and have so many resources!” was Danish Helene's first reaction, when she was introduced to Yasmina.