Jane Morris Mentorship Program
WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Mentorship Program
In 2017, our chapter lost one of its staunchest supporters, Jane Morris. Jane served in various leadership roles for the City of Phoenix, including as Director of the Mesa Gateway Airport. Though Jane was a very busy woman, who was always embarking on her next big challenge, she always made time to support WTS and was an advocate for mentoring. Through direct one-on-one mentorship as well as the educational programs she presented, Jane inspired everyone who’s life she touched. We dedicated the WTS Mentorship Program in Jane’s honor as a reminder of what true mentorship and leadership inspires.
Applications for the 2026 Jane Morris Mentorship Program are due February 20, 2026!
Click here to submit an application to be a mentee or mentor.
Click here to attend our information session on Feb. 11, 2026.
Want to know more? We spoke with former program mentee Julia Hoath, to chat all things mentorship.
Program Overview
- The Jane Morris Mentorship Program is focused on building a diverse network - across racial and ethnic groups, genders, generations, disciplines and professional organizations.
- Mentees will have access to a brain trust of mentors rather than one individual, and hands-on application in lieu of monthly reporting.
- Rather than pre-determined pairings, this format encourages mentees to develop organic relationships with members of the mentor panel based on their specific needs at any given point in the program.
- Mentees are also expected to complete specific criteria including but not limited to: speed mentoring sessions, networking events and a personal project of your choosing.
- Please note that WTS Membership is required for mentees and optional for mentors.
2026 Program Schedule & Duration
MONTHLY IN PERSON MEETINGS (7:30AM-9:00AM)
- MARCH 10
- APRIL 14
- May 12
- JUNE 9
- JULY 14
- AUGUST 11
- SEPTEMBER 8
OCTOBER - MENTORSHIP PROGRAM RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Expectations
MONTHLY MENTORING SESSIONS
Mentees and mentors will attend and participate in a monthly facilitated discussion around a specific topic(s).
TITLE TALKS
There are a variety of roles and titles within the transit and transportation industry. Roles and responsibilities can differ across disciplines and sectors. In order to get a greater understanding of the day-to-day requirements of those roles, mentees will shadow and/or interview at least two technical or management professionals in any discipline of their choosing.
CHECK-IN MEETINGS
Mentees will attend two brief one-on-one meetings with a member of the Mentorship Committee to celebrate progress or request additional support.
NETWORKING
Networking is fundamental to any professional career, however even the most outgoing person can find it intimidating. Networking etiquette such as introductions, speaking to strangers, appropriate follow up, etc. will be applied in a real-world scenario.
PERSONAL PROJECT
Mentees will complete and submit a personal project which will exercise the tactics and knowledge learned over the course of the program. Mentees can choose from the following options:
- “Mock” award nomination submission
- Present an idea, innovation or recommendation
TIME COMMITTMENT
Expected time commitment is four hours per month for mentees and three hours per month for mentors.
PARTICIPATION IN THE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
A final meeting, celebration, and recognition of each program participant.
