Introducing the Mentors4Future Leaders Network: your career, your mentor, your time

Are you a woman working—or aspiring to work—in the Blue Economy? Do you want to grow your career, boost your confidence, and build your network with the support of experienced professionals who’ve been there?

The Mentors4Future Leaders network is now live, and we’re looking for future ocean leaders like you!

Why mentorship?

We know that the path to leadership isn’t always clear, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors like marine energy, aquaculture, shipping, and ocean research. Many women are still missing out on the support, knowledge, and connections needed to advance in their careers.

Mentorship is a proven game-changer. It helps women clarify their goals, make informed decisions, and gain the confidence to step into leadership roles. With the right support, women can fix the “broken rung” in the career ladder—and climb with confidence.

That’s why WIN-BIG launched the Mentors4Future Leaders programme: a dynamic, EU-wide initiative connecting experienced professionals with women in Blue Economy fields who are ready to grow, lead, and inspire.

 

What is the Mentors4Future Leaders Network?

This is more than just a database. It’s a growing, diverse community of mentors and mentees, tailored to reflect the regional and sectoral diversity of the Blue Economy.

• Mentors include entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators, and leaders across all five EU sea basins and key Blue sectors.
• Mentees are early- and mid-career women eager to gain guidance, build skills, and grow professionally.

As a mentee, you’ll receive tailored support and gain access to a Europe-wide network of changemakers committed to gender equality, sustainability, and innovation in marine and maritime sectors.

 

Who is it for?

We welcome applications from women working or seeking to work in any Blue Economy field, including:

• Marine renewable energy

• Ocean tech and robotics

• Fisheries and aquaculture

• Coastal and sustainable tourism

• Marine policy and governance

• Maritime transport

• Marine research

• Blue biotechnology

Whether you're based in the Atlantic, Baltic, Mediterranean, Arctic or Black Sea, there’s a mentor ready to support your journey.

 

Ready to take the next step?

Applications are open until 31 August 2025.
This is your chance to get matched with an expert mentor who can help you navigate challenges, explore opportunities, and grow your leadership potential.

Apply now to become a mentee: winbigproject.eu/mentors4futureleaders