What is Mosaic?[top]

The Mosaic Multicultural Program offers a unique opportunity for sophomore and junior students of color to be matched with alumnae of color who will provide career and life mentoring through advising and job shadowing. The Mosaic program matches sophomore and junior undergraduate students of color with alumnae of color for mentoring and job-shadowing. The purpose of the program is for Simmons women to share their professional insights, promote confidence, and encourage an understanding of career growth and personal potential among Simmons students.

Mentors in the Mosaic program are Simmons women of color from various professional, cultural, and geographic backgrounds, also many mentors live and work in the northeast. As a participant in the Mosaic program, you will you will shadow your mentor in action in her professional environment. Mentors are excited to advance the career and professional development of Simmons students. If applicable, student travel expenses are paid for by Simmons.

Who can apply to Mosaic?[top]

Mosaic is open to traditional, full-time sophomores and juniors in the undergraduate program with good academic standing, who are from an ethnically diverse background, such as Black or African American, Asian American, Latina, or Native American.

What is the application process?[top]

In order to be considered for the Mosaic program, please complete the following steps. Note that the deadline for submitting your application and résumé is Sunday, November 2, 2008.

Step 1: Complete and submit the online application form no later than Sunday, November 2, 2008.

Step 2: Make sure an updated résumé is on your CareerLink profile. If you have not yet received a user name and ID via email from the Career Education Center (CEC), please call the CEC at (617) 521-2488 or stop by the CEC at One Palace Road, Suite 304. CEC staff members are ready to assist you with any CareerLink-related questions.

If you prefer, you may send an electronic copy of your résumé to alumnet@simmons.edu with the subject line: Mosaic Student Resume.

Step 3: If selected as a semi-finalist, you will be interviewed one time in mid-November by representatives from the Office of Alumnae/i Relations, The Office of Student Life, and the Office of Leadership and Student Activities. The interview will take around 20 to 25 minutes. Promptness and professional attire are important.

What is the timeline for Mosaic 2008-2009?[top]

The timeline for Mosaic Program 2008-2009 is:

• November 2: Applications Due
• November 12-18: Interviews
• Week of November 24: Students Notified of selection
• December 5: Information Session
• January 31: Student and Mentor Kick-Off
• February 1 - April 30: Student Job-Shadow / Mentorship Experience
  

What happens next if I'm selected for the Mosaic Multicultural Mentoring Program?[top]

Each Mosaic student receives two orientations, both as part of a group meeting and individually. Further, a full-day kick-off event on Saturday, January 31, 2009 is required for all Mosaic student mentees, and provides an early introduction to their alumnae mentors. Full details and suggestions about contacting your mentor, researching her company/profession, preparing for your visit, travel arrangements, safety tips, etc. are provided. Mosaic students arrange to visit their mentor between February and April 30, 2009. Following their visit, students submit an essay about their experience.

Can you give some examples of Mosaic Program experiences?[top]

Here are some recent examples:

Hannah Morrow '09 and mentor Koren Nelson '94, Freelance Designer, Owner and Creative Director Koren Nelson Design, Los Angeles, California.
"I was extremely happy with my trip and the exciting things that Koren showed me in LA. She went out of her way to provide me with a selection of things we could do that fit with my interests. I really appreciate the opportunity I received and going to visit her. I definitely took advantage of everything both she and LA had to offer during my short stay. I hope to visit her again in the future and maintain the connection we made through the Mosaic Mentoring Program."

Alicia Ziegler '08 and mentor Christine Key '77, Occupational Therapist, Concentra Maryland.
"I met Christine at the Mosaic Kick-Off event, and we really connected there. [She] works as an occupational physical therapist for individuals who may have been injured on the job. I could tell that she genuinely cared about each of her patients' well-being. She knew their names, where they worked, how they might have been injured, and exercises to help them. This trip was a learning experience for me in that I had a chance to participate in a business trip. I also had a glimpse in what to expect on business trips and working in a professional setting. I believe participating in the Mosaic Multicultural Program will benefit me in future interviews for jobs or internships."

Irene Tumuna '09 and mentor Dr. Amanda Houston-Hamilton '71, Research Psychotherapist, San Francisco, California.
"I learned a lot on this visit and still got to enjoy myself. On my first day, Amanda took me around San Francisco to some tourist places and to see the view. She made sure I really got to see the place while I was there. I had a great time and Amanda is an amazing mentor. I learned about pharmacy and a whole lot more about myself, which is not surprising seeing as Amanda is a psychotherapist. This is a great program and I really hope it keeps going for a long time. It's a great way to get real life experience on what everyday in your life will be like. Thank you."

Darcel Hunt '08 and mentor Dr. Lorena Passarelli '82, Professor, Kansas State University.
"I looked forward to the job shadow experience because I would get a glimpse into what life is like after Simmons. I know that my Simmons education is preparing me for my professional goals but I wanted to see it in practice. Dr. Lorena Passarelli was a perfect match and gave me that opportunity. Her hard work and determination reminds me of the passion I see in Simmons women today. She was very passionate about her research and explicit about the details of her work. The energy and excitement she put into explaining her research left me in awe. My job shadowing experience was gratifying. I was able to meet with a lot of people and make new connections and memories."

Sergina Cadet '10 and mentor Donna Gilton '72, '75LS, Professor, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island.
"On the day of my job shadow, I was nervous, not only because of anticipation, but I had never traveled by myself before. When I met my mentor at the train station, I did not know what to expect. My mentor started our day off by giving me a tour around the University of Rhode Island. She then took me to her office and explained to me what professors do, and the steps to get there. She also set up an appointment with the dean of the nursing at URI. I learned a lot of information about the nursing field in particular. We then had lunch and spoke more about what professors do. Our day ended soon after, and on my way home I was excited to tell everyone what I learned that day."

Mariam Jalalzada '08 and mentor Diane Dickerson '75 '84SM, Director for the Emergency Food Resources and Walk for Hunger, Boston, MA.
"My meeting with Diane Dickerson and the Project Bread was a very insightful and eye-opening experience. Ms. Dickerson guided me through her office and introduced me to staff during my visit early March 2007. She explained the projects that Project Bread implements and the challenges they face on a daily basis. It was amazing to learn that so many community volunteers are eager to run food pantries in different locations such as churches, community centers, and health centers. Some community members provide their houses or garages for the food pantries. Overall, my experience with Project Bread and Diane Dickerson was an experience of lifetime."

Who can I contact with additional questions?[top]

Feel free to contact Sarah Zengo anytime. Her email address is sarah.zengo@simmons.edu and her telephone number is 617-521-2112.