The Two Ten Footwear Foundation is aiming to help more people across the industry with the launch of a new mentorship program next year.
Designed to help foster the next generation of footwear professionals and leaders, Two Ten noted that the initiative, developed in partnership with career coaching and mentorship company CoLabL, will bring together employees at various career levels and industry sectors for a three-month program.
Two Ten said that mentees will have the opportunity to gain perspective from experienced industry leaders, work towards specific career goals, and develop relationships that can support their continued growth. Mentors will be able to share their expertise and strengthen their coaching and leadership skills, while giving back to the industry, the organization noted.
While Two Ten previously offered a mentorship program for its Women in the Footwear Industry (WIFI) community, the organization confirmed the initiative ended in 2020.
However, Two Ten reiterated that this latest mentorship program is open to all industry professionals and will aim to facilitate relationships between people at all levels and stages in their footwear careers.
“We have long heard from our community that they want ways to make deeper connections and build relationships within the industry,” Shawn Osborne, president and chief executive officer of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, said in a statement on Wednesday. “This initiative taps into footwear’s most valuable resource: its people. By bringing individuals together for shared moments of learning and growth, we hope to open doors for new career pathways and create a stronger, more unified footwear community.”
Two Ten said it’s currently accepting applications for mentors and mentees through Dec. 23. Once selected, participants will engage in a series of touchpoints with their match and the broader participant group from February through April.
The launch of this new initiative comes ja few months after Two Ten raised nearly $650,000 to fund relief and education programs at its annual gala in June. At the event, Nordstrom executive vice president and general merchandise manager of shoes, accessories, home and kids Tacey Powers received the 2026 WIFI Impact Award.
The gala also honored Mark Lardie, former president and chief executive officer of Rack Room Shoes, with the A.A. Bloom Memorial Award in recognition of his service to Two Ten — and the industry — for three decades.