mentors
October is our Next Launch
Join GLEAM's signature, Industry-specific, 1:1 Mentor Program, a proven one-of-a-kind program, designed to empower and support professional and personal development through a structured, 6-month mentorship program. GLEAM Mentees, who are rising leaders and experienced leaders in the Restaurant, Foodservice, and Hospitality Industry, are custom-matched with Industry-experienced volunteer Mentors to provide guidance, foster growth, and enhance skill sets, empowering mentees to reach their full potential.
Discover how the GLEAM Network's Mentor Program can transform your career and equip you with the skills to succeed in the fast-paced, rewarding world of restaurants and foodservice. Our 6-month Mentor Program cohorts are kicked off bi-annually in mid-April and mid-October.
Program Tracks (for Restaurant, Foodservice & Hospitality Industry Professionals & Managers, incl. from Supplier/Partner Company/Organizations)
Rising Leaders: Field Professionals including General Managers and Above-Unit Leaders such as District / Area Managers, as well as HQ/RSC Professionals and Managers.
Experienced Leaders: Director Level to C-Suite.
What's in it for You?
1. Personalized Guidance and Feedback
Receive tailored mentorship, customized feedback and proven strategies from an experienced industry leader/executive who understands your unique career goals and challenges.
2. A Customized Development Plan
Collaborate with your mentor to create a personalized development plan to accelerate your growth, focused on your specific needs and career milestones.
3. Critical Skill Development
Enhance essential skills through access to proprietary development tools, incl. Behavioral SuperPowers Assessment, P.I.E Strategic Mentoring™, & leadership assessments
4. Expand Your Professional Network
Connect not only with your mentor but also with their broader industry contacts, expanding your network and access.
Become part of a thriving community of GLEAMers.
5. Boost Your Professional Visibility
Demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional development, standing out as a leader ready to take on new challenges.
Mentee Testimonial
"My GLEAM mentoring experience has been life-changing. I have newfound confidence knowing I have the support of a great mentor and a vast network of GLEAMers cheering me on."
- Claire T., Food Research & Development / Culinary Innovation Professional, Former Mentee and Mentor
Program Highlights Mentee Testimonial

Why Choose GLEAM?
The GLEAM Network's mission is to provide access to mentorship and leadership development, focused on under-served and underrepresented restaurant and foodservice professionals. This proven, one-of-a-kind, industry-specific program helps you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be, equipping you with tools and strategies proven to work in this industry.
Since our 1st Mentor Program cohort kicked off in July 2020, we have served over 500 Industry Professionals as Mentees!
Program Highlights
Personalized Mentor Matching: Custom matching with industry-experienced mentors based on your career goals and interests.
Structured Development Plan: Collaborate with your mentor on a 6-month goal-focused plan to achieve personal and professional growth.
Monthly Mentorship Sessions: A minimum of six one-hour sessions with your Mentor that include goal-setting, skill development, and career advice.
Behavioral SuperPowers Assessment: Identify personal strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles through a science-based assessment.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with over 500 GLEAMers in the growing mentorship network.
Accessible Resources: Access to kickoff/orientation, training webinars, online content, and wrap-up sessions featuring proprietary mentoring resources.
Cost:
Mentor Program Cost for Mentees: Rising Leaders (Above the Field Professional Level) $150, Experienced Leaders (Director Level and Above) $250. For opportunities for your team members that don't qualify for the Mentor Program, please visit our CAP Program (Career Advancement Program) CAP contact cap@support.com for more details.
No Cost for Mentors: We are grateful for your commitment as a volunteer to support the development of the next generation of Industry leaders!
Ready to Join?
For Mentees: Ready to invest in yourself and accelerate your career? Submit your Admin fee by selecting Other on PayPal and submitting your payment ($150 for Rising Leaders or $250 for Experienced Leaders) here: GLEAM PayPal
Next: Register on our Mentor Platform, Wisdom Share GLEAM Mentor Program Registration
For Mentors: Share your industry expertise and give back to the industry by volunteering as a Mentor and registering on our Mentor Platform, Wisdom Share GLEAM Mentor Program Registration
For Companies: Invest in your team to leverage GLEAM's Mentor Program, to enhance their leadership skills and drive operational excellence. Contact support@gleamnetwork.net for details and group pricing.
Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out to support@gleamnetwork.net
Make a Lasting Impact On The Industry,TO REGISTER FOR SPRING 2026, SIGNATURE, 6-MONTH MENTOR PROGRAM.
Join GLEAM's signature, Industry-specific, 1:1 Mentor Program, a proven one-of-a-kind program, designed to empower and support professional and personal development through a structured, 6-month mentorship program. GLEAM Mentees, who are emerging leaders and executives, are custom-matched with Industry-experienced volunteer Mentors to provide guidance, foster growth, and enhance skill sets, empowering mentees to reach their full potential.
As a mentor in the GLEAM Network's Mentorship Program, you have the opportunity to share your experience, give back to the industry, and help shape the careers of aspiring leaders in the restaurant and foodservice industry. By volunteering your time, you'll help mentees reach their full potential while enhancing your own skills and professional fulfillment. Our Mentor program cohorts are kicked off bi-annually in mid-April and mid-October.
Who Makes a Strong Mentor?
Our mentors range from management to CEO, offering access to their substantial Industry experience.
Why Choose GLEAM?
The GLEAM Network's mission is to provide access to mentorship and leadership development, focussed on underserved and underrepresented restaurant and foodservice professionals. As a mentor in this proven, one-of-a-kind, Industry-specific program, you will join a community of experienced leaders passionate about giving back and fostering growth within the industry.
By volunteering, you're not only supporting an aspiring professional but also contributing to the overall success and future of the foodservice industry. Join the growing GLEAM Network Mentor Program that has successfully matched over 400+ industry professionals with mentors since its inception.
Program Highlights
Personalized Matching Process: Be paired with a mentee whose career goals and aspirations align with your expertise and experience.
Structured Mentorship Framework: Collaborate with your mentee on a 6-month development plan focused on their personal and professional growth.
Monthly Mentorship Sessions: Commit to a minimum of six one-hour sessions over six months, covering career guidance, goal-setting, and key skills-building.
Resources and Support: Access mentorship training, proprietary resources, and ongoing support to enhance your experience as a mentor.
Behavioral SuperPowers Assessment: Leverage insights from your own and your mentee's personalized assessment to better guide their development journey.

What's in it for You?
1. Share Your Expertise and Make an Impact
Pass on your valuable industry knowledge, perspective and experience.
Guide emerging professionals toward achieving their career aspirations by sharing insights, strategies, and lessons learned.
2. Give Back to the Industry
Contribute to the growth and development of the next generation of restaurant and foodservice leaders.
3. Enhance Your Leadership Skills
Sharpen your coaching, communication, and mentoring abilities through meaningful interactions with Mentees.
Gain fresh perspectives that can also inspire your own professional growth.
4. Expand Your Professional Network
Connect with other Mentors and like-minded volunteers within the growing GLEAM community.
5. Find Personal Fulfillment
Experience the satisfaction of seeing your Mentee succeed and grow under your guidance while reinforcing your own passion for the restaurant and foodservice industry.
The GLEAM Network is a 501(c)(3), all-volunteer non-profit offering low-cost access to mentorship and leadership development programs. Mentees pay a small Admin Fee (depending on level) for the 6-month program. (See previous page).
No Cost for Mentors: We are grateful for your commitment as a volunteer to support the development of the next generation of Industry leaders!
Ready to Join?
Register on our Mentor Platform, Wisdom Share GLEAM Mentor Program registration
Contact Us: For inquiries, reach out to support@gleamnetwork.net.
Mentor Testimonial:
"The GLEAM mentoring program is beneficial on so many levels. Personally, agreeing to be a mentor was a great experience. I was able to give up on my 'imposter syndrome' and really make a difference in the life of my Mentee."
Sunny A., Multi-time Mentor and GLEAM Mentor Program Volunteer
HEAR FROM PREVIOUS MENTORS + MENTEES
Melissa Doolin-Koehne (Mentor)
"This was my chance to pay it forward and continue to mentor others...I believe GLEAM Network, by mentoring this next generation of leaders, is such a great way to do this."
Sunny Ashman (Mentor + Mentee)
"I learned so much from my mentor and she even helped me secure a VP, executive level role with Global Franchise Group."
Stevie Julien (Mentee)
"Through learning circles and connecting with my mentor through GLEAM Network I was able to gain insight and knowledge into the industry that I may not have gained through my single organization."
Sunny Ashman on Being a Mentor
"The GLEAM mentoring program is beneficial on so many levels. Personally, agreeing to be a mentor was a great experience. I was able to give up on my "imposter syndrome" thinking I "wasn't ready" and really make a difference in the life of my mentee. He was able to achieve his "1 Big Thing" in just 8 weeks AND we were able to follow the same networking practices and get new jobs at the same time."
Christie Cruz on Being a Mentee
"Mentorship and coaching from someone other then your boss is vital to career growth. Just like growing a muscle, you have to allow yourself to be put in situations that may feel uncomfortable, but only through the discomfort can we grow into our potential. We must then apply that feedback to our day to day behaviors. This coaching allows me to find ways to become the most valuable player for whatever project or role I am taking on."
Christopher Auterberry on GLEAM
I used to think mentorship was about giving advice. Now I know it's about giving belief.
Over time, I've realized that the most powerful moments in mentorship aren't when you have the perfect answer, they're when you create space for someone to see what they're capable of, often before they can see it themselves.
As a mentor, you get the privilege of watching someone find their voice, take a risk, or step into a room they didn't think they belonged in. And in those moments, you realize… you're not just helping them grow, you're growing too! You become a better listener. A more thoughtful leader. A more patient human.
And as a mentee, there is nothing quite like having someone in your corner who says, "You're ready," when you're not so sure. Someone who challenges you, supports you, and reminds you of your potential on the days you forget it.
The best mentorship relationships don't feel transactional. They feel human. Honest. Sometimes a little messy. Always meaningful.
I'm grateful to experience this firsthand as a mentor with GLEAM, and right now, we're looking for both mentors and mentees to join us.
If you've had a mentor who changed your trajectory, you know how lasting that impact is.
And if you have the opportunity to be that person for someone else—or you're looking for someone to walk alongside you—this is your sign.
You might be shaping a career.
But more importantly, you're shaping confidence. And that changes everything.
