Formation Mentorship Program Launch Party

Join us at a launch party for Formation, the Design Mentorship Collaborative!

It is often said that it’s not what you know but who you know…so get ready for a fun evening of meeting and mingling with our community, while showing your support for the future of design!

Formation is a mentorship program designed with the purpose of supporting design students of color in their transition from school into the profession. The program matches BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color) college design students with BIPOC design professionals who will provide guidance on career trajectory and navigating next steps. Join us in celebration of the kick-off of our first year of the program while you begin, build, and reconnect with your network, students and professionals alike!

The Evening’s Agenda

5:30pm-6:00pm: Arrival, food and drinks, mingle
6:00pm-6:15pm: Opening remarks, activities and program overview
6:15pm-7:15pm: Networking games
7:15pm-7:45pm: Share-out
7:45pm-8:00pm: Closing remarks and prize give-away

There are many things competing for your time, so why attend this event?

• Students will meet with professionals in various design fields and have the opportunity to gain insight on potential career paths, connect with prospective mentors, and meet fellow design students.
• Professionals will meet top talent from local design schools, learn new ideas and perspectives from students and meet prospective mentees, and mingle with fellow professionals across design industries.
• All are welcome: Black, Indigenous, people of color, and our White allies!
• Eat great food from locally owned Lebanese restaurant, Ya Hala.
• Learn more about the partner organizations that are making this event possible: Diversity in Design, AFO, and COMMA.
• Win a fun prize from participating in the networking games!
• Check out the fabulous event venue, the Wacom Experience Center.

Site Accessibility, Transportation, and Parking

The Wacom Experience Center is located at 1455 NW Irving St, Portland, OR 97209. It is on the ground floor of the Pearl West building and accessed off of the plaza adjacent to the building. The space and entry are fully wheelchair friendly.

We recommend taking public transit! The 77 bus and the N/S streetcar both stop near the venue. Visit Trimet’s Trip Planner to help you get there.

If you’re driving, parking typically is available on 15th Ave, just west of the venue.

We can’t wait to meet you and see you again! Please reach out to the Formation Team with any questions or special accommodations requests: formationmentorship@gmail.com

Register Now

Wednesday, November 13
5:30-8:00pm
Wacom Experience Center, 1455 NW Irving St, Portland

Learn more and sign up as student or mentor in our 2024-25 Formation program.