Finding Mentorship in Ann Arbor
Finding a mentor can be a game changer for anyone looking to grow, but finding the right one isn’t easy - especially for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals navigating today’s virtual work environment. Ann Arbor is known for its vibrant entrepreneurial scene, and being home to the University of Michigan, there’s no shortage of smart minds. But finding a mentor requires opportunities to create connections with the right people.
This is why Cahoots Coworking launched our Mentorship Circle: a bi-monthly event designed to curate conversations and help professionals learn from each other in a supportive environment.
The idea for our Mentorship Circle was inspired by Dunrie Greiling and Ayishwaria Menon, two members of our Community Committee who wanted to help people find mentorship opportunities. Finding the right mentor is such a nuanced process, and can often feel forced or transactional. Because it requires such a personal connection, we wanted to create an environment where mentorship could develop organically and people could connect through storytelling and shared experiences.
They started by hosting a lunch and learn with Cahoots founder Joe Malcoun where anyone could come and ask questions about his experiences, hoping to open up opportunities for professional support. Registrants submitted questions in advance, so Dunrie and Ayishwaria could categorize them and help shape the conversation around similar themes, but participants also chimed in throughout with questions or comments.
The responses were overwhelmingly positive as people who connected at the event made requests for connections and set up their own coffee dates. It was clear folks were interested in more, so we decided to take what had worked from that event and blend it with some of the elements of our other programs:
Hatch - A roundtable for entrepreneurs to bring ideas or problems they are working on
Cannonball- A speaker series where entrepreneurs share the story of how they got started
Our Mentorship Circle features professionals from diverse backgrounds who share their career journeys, challenges, and lessons learned. Each session also offers an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and seek advice. Our February Mentorship Circle featured Workit Health co-founder and former CEO Lisa McLaughlin. Lisa shared her professional backstory and gave advice on how to lean into your differences as an individual and harness your superpowers to a crowd of 20+.
As the time for questions came to an end, Dunrie asked all the participants to share what types of support they are looking for, and what support they can offer to others. More than one person offered to help others by talking them out of signing up for classes or certifications they didn’t need, and others offered connections or resources that had helped them.
Unlike a formal mentorship program, the Cahoots Mentorship Circle is designed to be organic and accessible - no application process, no forced matches, just genuine, open conversations. At the end of the day, it’s not just about finding a mentor - it’s about fostering a sense of community where professionals feel understood and comfortable asking for help and support.
How to Get Involved with Cahoots Mentorship Circle
Finding a mentor doesn’t have to be a formal process. Sometimes the most meaningful connections happen over genuine, vulnerable conversations about shared struggles and hopes. Here at Cahoots, we provide the framework for spontaneous interactions to occur and natural relationships to form.
If you’re interested in joining us and connecting with other professionals in Ann Arbor, consider attending our next Mentorship Circle on April 9 from 10-11:30 AM. Can’t make it? You can still fill out the form and we’ll add you to our professional development email list so you can stay up to date on other opportunities to exchange support.
Want to try a day out working in our community? Schedule a tour and we’ll set you up with a free trial day to get a feel for our space!
