We are proud to have renewed our sponsorship of the Portuguese Women in Tech (PWIT) Mentorship Program, reinforcing our commitment to empowering women in this filed. By continuing this partnership, Celfocus remains dedicated to driving greater gender diversity and inclusion, ensuring more women have access to mentorship and opportunities that support their career growth.

This four-month program connects female tech students and recent graduates with experienced and accomplished tech professionals (as mentors) who provide career guidance, networking opportunities, and support in building confidence and communication skills within the tech industry. This year, we are excited to welcome five new mentors, further strengthening the program’s impact and expanding the support available to participants.

Being a mentor in this program is a rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to give back, support emerging talent, and contribute to a more diverse tech industry. Mentors guide mentees in navigating their careers, building confidence, and developing essential skills. They also gain new perspectives, expand their networks, and refine their leadership and coaching skills.

“I had the pleasure of being a mentor in two editions of the PWIT Women’s Mentorship program.

Throughout each edition, I mentored students finishing their master’s degrees. We met weekly to discuss job market topics such as resume writing, interview prep, identifying ideal companies, and exploring available opportunities.

I also arranged meetings with professionals from different roles and age groups, so mentees could ask questions and hear about various career paths. They practiced communication by presenting to the company and received constructive feedback.

At one point, I brought together mentees from both editions to share experiences and insights, helping the newer mentee feel more confident.

The program also allowed mentees to connect with peers from different backgrounds and exchange doubts and experiences in a safe space. During the four-month program - often overlapping with exams - they developed skills like planning, organization, stress and expectation management, and communication.

Being a mentor was incredibly rewarding. It helped the mentees grow their confidence, expand their networks, and gain practical tools to enter the job market. It’s fulfilling to support future professionals during such a pivotal moment in their lives.”

The PWIT Mentorship Program equips both mentors and mentees with essential tools to advance in their careers and develop personally:

• Career Guidance & Leadership Skills: Mentees gain valuable insights into navigating the tech industry, job search strategies, and career development. Mentors, in turn, refine their leadership and coaching skills by guiding mentees through real-world challenges and offering constructive feedback.

• Networking & Confidence Building: Mentees expand their professional network by connecting with mentors and peers, while mentors build a dynamic network of emerging talent. Both also develop stronger communication skills, with mentees learning to assert themselves confidently and mentors enhancing their ability to empower others.

• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: The program helps both mentors and mentees sharpen their problem-solving abilities, whether tackling technical challenges or making career decisions, fostering a deeper understanding of leadership styles and effective decision-making.

These programs bridge the gender gap in tech by providing women with access to mentors, resources, and opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to find. By renewing our partnership with PWIT, we continue to equip women with the skills, confidence, and network to thrive in a competitive industry, ultimately driving greater gender diversity in leadership and technical roles.