Building Skills, Shaping Policies, Driving Global Impact
Mentoring Ecosystems for Learning and Development (MELD) is a strategic partnership formed by the International Mentoring Association (IMA), the University of New Mexico Mentoring Institute, and the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER).
Founded in 2025 by Dr. Nora Dominguez (Director, UNM Mentoring Institute), Lisa Fain (President, International Mentoring Association, 2024–2026), Dr. Melissa McDaniels (Associate Director, CIMER), and Dr. Christine Pfund (Director, CIMER), MELD unites three internationally respected institutions committed to advancing high-quality, research-informed mentoring.
MELD integrates IMA’s global leadership in mentoring best practices, community-building, and accreditation, CIMER’s evidence-based mentor and mentee training, grounded in rigorous research, and UNM Mentoring Institute’s work in building mentoring cultures across higher education and communities.
Together, these strengths create a connected mentoring ecosystem designed to expand access to mentoring, elevate standards of excellence, and support practitioners, researchers, and programs around the world.
In 2026, MELD will launch a dynamic three-phase series of Learning Forums, bringing together leading mentoring scholars and practitioners from around the globe. Across Phase 1: Skill Development, Phase 2: Organizational Policies, and Phase 3: Practical Applications, you’ll gain foundational skills, explore structures that sustain mentoring, and apply real-world strategies that elevate impact.
With the combined networks of IMA, the UNM Mentoring Institute, and CIMER, these forums will feature experts, cutting-edge insights, and practical tools you can use in your mentoring programs and research.
Register today to be among the first to engage with the world’s foremost voices in mentoring.
Case Studies in Mentoring Ecosystems
Lessons from Real Programs You Can Apply Immediately
Wednesday September 9, 2026 — 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern
Learning comes alive through real-world practice. In this first Practical Applications forum, participants examine real mentoring ecosystems across sectors to see how theory translates into action. Participants analyze real-world mentoring models, compare different ecosystem approaches, and apply key lessons to their own organizational or program context.
Building Your Network for Career Advancement
Strategic Networking to Expand Opportunity and Influence
Wednesday October 14, 2026 — 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern
Intentional networks accelerate career growth. In this second Practical Applications forum, participants explore how to strategically build and activate personal and professional networks. Participants map their existing networks, practice effective networking strategies, and create a practical action plan to support ongoing career development and advancement.
Mentoring Across Boundaries
Emerging Ideas Shaping the Next Era of Mentoring
Wednesday November 11, 2026 — 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern
Effective mentoring extends beyond traditional boundaries. In this third Practical Applications forum, participants explore mentoring across functions, roles, and locations. Participants identify cross-functional mentoring opportunities, develop strategies for effective virtual mentoring, and evaluate what success looks like in boundary-spanning mentoring relationships.
Future Trends in Mentoring Ecosystems
Emerging Ideas Shaping the Next Era of Mentoring
Wednesday December 9, 2026 — 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern
Preparing for the future keeps mentoring relevant and resilient. In this fourth and final Practical Applications forum, participants explore emerging trends shaping mentoring ecosystems. Participants examine the evolving role of technology, anticipate future directions in mentoring, and design adaptive strategies to ensure mentoring ecosystems remain responsive, innovative, and impactful.
Past Event
Sustaining Mentoring Programs
Wednesday August 12, 2026 — 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern
Invited Guests: Dr. Clint Patterson, Dr. Donna Augustine-Shaw, Terrence “Terry” McCarron
Sustainability turns mentoring into a long-term organizational asset. In this fourth and final Organizational Policies forum, participants examine what it takes to maintain mentoring momentum over time. Participants identify common sustainability challenges, develop strategies to support participant retention, and formulate long-term engagement plans that keep mentoring programs relevant, resilient, and impactful.
Past Event
Integrating Mentoring with Leadership Development
Wednesday July 8, 2026 — 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern
Mentoring becomes transformational when aligned with leadership strategy. In this third Organizational Policies forum, participants explore how mentoring can intentionally support leadership pipelines and succession planning. Participants explain the link between mentoring and leadership development, design integrated development frameworks, and evaluate the organizational benefits of aligning mentoring with broader leadership goals.
Past Event
Creating Organizational Support for Mentoring:
Wednesday June 10, 2026 — 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern
Invited Guests: Dr. Benjamin Kutsyuruba, Dr. Laura Lunsford, Jean Rhodes, Tamara Thorpe
Strong mentoring programs are built on supportive policies. In this first Organizational Policies forum, participants examine how organizational structures, policies, and practices shape mentoring success. Participants identify key policy elements that strengthen mentoring programs, analyze common organizational barriers, and recommend strategies for aligning policies with mentoring goals to support sustainability and impact.
Notice: This MELD Learning Forum is moved to June 10, 2026 due to the IMA Conference, with registrations transferred automatically.
Past Event
Creating Organizational Support for Mentoring
Wednesday May 20, 2026 — 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern
Facilitated By: Tamara Thorpe
Invited Guests: TBD
Strong mentoring programs are built on supportive policies. In this first Organizational Policies forum, participants examine how organizational structures, policies, and practices shape mentoring success. Participants identify key policy elements that strengthen mentoring programs, analyze common organizational barriers, and recommend strategies for aligning policies with mentoring goals to support sustainability and impact.
Past Event
Coaching Skills for Mentors:
Wednesday April 8, 2026 — 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern
Invited Guests: Karen Benoy Preston and David Clutterbuck
Coaching skills elevate mentoring conversations. In this fourth and final Skill Development forum, participants explore how mentoring and coaching intersect—and where they differ. Participants differentiate mentoring from coaching, practice effective goal-setting techniques, and apply powerful coaching questions to real-world mentoring scenarios to support growth, clarity, and accountability.
Past Event
Building Inclusive Mentoring Practices
Wednesday March 11, 2026 — 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern
Invited Guests: Stacy Blake-Beard, Angela Byars-Winston, Brad Johnson
Inclusive mentoring strengthens learning and belonging. In this third Skill Development forum, participants explore how diversity in experiences, identities, and needs shapes mentoring relationships. Participants will recognize varied mentoring needs, design inclusive approaches, and assess how bias—both conscious and unconscious—can influence mentoring outcomes and effectiveness.
Past Event
Effective Communication in Developmental Relationships
Wednesday February 11, 2026 — 8am Pacific / 11am Eastern
Invited Guests: Nora Dominguez, Lisa Fain, Melissa McDaniels, Christine Pfund
Explore the foundations of mentoring ecosystems in this skill-building learning forum. You’ll learn the
core components, clarify the roles of mentors, sponsors, coaches, and allies, and understand the benefits
of interconnected support systems.
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