I LIKE NETWORKING: a new solution for the creative industry

A networking and mentoring initiative devised for women and non-binary people to tackle the lack of diversity in the creative industry.

Mentees will have sessions to develop their resumes, skills and personal brand, but will also be connected to the mentors’ network, who will personally introduce them to other key players in the industry, opening doors and building connections. Mentees will also be interconnected to encourage peer-to-peer support.

Unlike other mentoring schemes, I LIKE NETWORKING has an international network and will aim to assist people in a three-month period. The international scheme also means that this is not just a London- centric proposition. By connecting mentees with top class mentors worldwide, I LIKE NETWORKING aims to expand the pool of talent.

Founded by Isabel Sachs, who has worked in the culture industry for over twelve years across Brazil and the UK, when she noticed how hard it was to build a network in a new country. Six years later, she noticed how few diverse teams she had worked with and once COVID hit and many lost their jobs, she decided it was time to do something about it.

The mentoring scheme will be free for those elected through an online application form. I LIKE NETWORKING aims to create a movement where mentees will eventually become mentors and have a huge community of members supporting each other throughout the career paths. Mentees will be able to advise on who would be their favourite mentors on the application. An advisory board will shortlist candidates.

The I LIKE NETWORKING applications launch in July and the programme starts in September. There will be four virtual encounters between the mentors and the mentees, going over skills, how to sell yourself, how to rebrand your resume and more.

Confirmed mentors include:
Anne Helwing, VIP Manager, Art Basel
Beki Bateson, Consultant, Arts & Festivals
Burcu Yuksel, Director, Gaia Foundation
Carol Almiron, Communications Manager, FIFA
Cassi Young, Specialist, Head of Sale – Modern & Contemporary Art, Bonhams
Claudel Goy, Managing Director, arebyte
Edmund Connoly, Partnerships, Google Arts & Culture
Farooq Chaudhry OBE, Producer, Akram Khan Company
Fernanda Moraes, Art Advisor
Francesca Gavin, Writer, Editor and Curator
Ifeoma Dike, Art Adviser and Curator
Jade Coles, Events Curator, The Wing
Jennifer O’Reilly, Head of Commercial Strategy & Cross-Category Athletes, Nike
João Paulo Testa, Creative Director
Jonathan May, Arts Programmer
Isabella Coraça, Fashion Curator & Lecturer
Manuela Rahall, Director, Rahall Agency
Marine Tanguy, Director, MTart Agency
Marta Gut, Global PR Manager, Rapha
Nicky van Breugel, Head of Membership and Volunteer Engagement, CASE
Philippine Vernes, Co-founder of Time Philanthropy
Salma Tuqan, Deputy Director, Delfina Foundation
Sophie Busby, Corporate Partnerships, Tate
Tobi Kyeremateng, Cultural Producer
Veronica Pessoa, Music Manager, Pessoa Productions