FASEB LEAD FAQs

Bidirectional mentoring is a collaborative relationship in which both participants contribute knowledge, experiences, and perspectives while identifying areas in which they would like to learn and grow. 

Rather than assigning fixed mentor and mentee roles, LEAD recognizes both participants as learners and contributors throughout the partnership. 
 

Applicants must meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements: 

• Be a member in good standing of one or more FASEB full member societies
• Be employed by FASEB or a FASEB full member society 

Visit the FASEB Member Societies webpage to review the current list of full member societies.
 

Applications will be accepted from August 17 through September 28, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the online application form by the deadline.
 

Applicants will be asked about their: 

• Professional background and experiences
• Learning and professional-development goals
• Topics and areas of interest
• Knowledge, experiences, and perspectives they hope to share
• Availability and scheduling preferences
• Preferences that may help inform the matching process

 The application takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
 

Yes. FASEB will host two virtual information sessions: 

• Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 12 pm ET
• Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 4:30 pm ET 

The sessions will cover LEAD’s bidirectional mentoring approach, eligibility requirements, the application and matching processes, program expectations, and participant support. Each session will include time for questions. Visit the FASEB LEAD webpage for registration information. 
 

No. The information sessions are intended to help prospective applicants learn more about LEAD and ask questions. Individuals who cannot attend may still apply.
 

Applications are accepted only during the open application period. For questions about future opportunities, contact CJ Neely at CJNeely@faseb.org.
 

The LEAD matching team will review the applicant pool and identify partnerships with strong potential for meaningful, mutually beneficial learning.

Matching considerations include: 

• What each participant hopes to learn or explore
• The knowledge, experiences, and perspectives each participant hopes to share
• Professional and leadership-development goals
• Topics and areas of interest
• Opportunities to learn across different roles, disciplines, organizations, backgrounds, or experiences
• Availability, scheduling needs, and time zones
• Potential conflicts of interest 

Matches are developed around participants’ needs, goals, interests, experiences, and potential contributions to the partnership. They are not based solely on age, title, position, or career stage.
 

No. The quality and compatibility of each partnership are central to the program. A match will depend on the applicant pool and the availability of a participant whose goals, experiences, interests, and scheduling needs offer strong potential for a mutually beneficial partnership. 
 

Applicants will be notified by email after the review and matching process is completed in late October 2026.

Individuals who are matched will receive: 

• Their mentoring partner’s name and contact information 
• A partnership agreement 
• Orientation details 
• Program expectations and next steps

Participants commit to a 12-month mentoring partnership from December 2026 through November 2027.

Participants are expected to: 

• Attend the LEAD orientation 
• Complete a partnership agreement 
• Meet with their mentoring partner approximately once each month 
• Establish shared goals and expectations 
• Engage openly and respectfully in bidirectional learning 
• Maintain the confidentiality of mentoring conversations 
• Participate in quarterly cohort engagement opportunities 
• Complete program assessments and provide feedback

Participants are expected to meet approximately once each month during the 12-month program. Partners may meet more frequently if mutually agreed upon. 
 
Partners will work directly with each other to determine the meeting format and schedule that work best for them. 
 

Before the mentoring partnership begins, participants will take part in a virtual orientation in November 2026. 
 
Orientation will address: 

• Program expectations 
• The shared responsibilities of both participants 
• Establishing goals and communication preferences 
• Building trust and maintaining confidentiality 
• Preparing for the first mentoring conversation 
• Available program resources and support 

The formal mentoring partnership begins in December 2026. 
 

Partners are encouraged to use their first meeting to discuss their backgrounds, interests, goals, communication preferences, availability, and expectations for the partnership. 

Each person should also discuss what they hope to learn and what knowledge, experiences, or perspectives they hope to contribute. Participants will receive resources and suggested conversation topics to support these discussions. 
 

Participants are expected to respect the privacy of their mentoring partner and maintain the confidentiality of their conversations. 
 
Partners should discuss confidentiality during their first meeting and agree on expectations for what may or may not be shared outside the partnership. 
 

Partnerships may encounter challenges related to communication, expectations, availability, compatibility, confidentiality, and other concerns. 
 
Participants are encouraged to contact CJ Neely at CJNeely@faseb.org for confidential program support and assistance in identifying appropriate next steps. A new match may be considered when appropriate and feasible, but cannot be guaranteed.
 

Participants will be asked to complete an exit assessment and reflect on their experience. After the formal program concludes, participants may: 

• Continue the relationship independently 
• Apply for a future LEAD cycle and be considered for a new match 
• Conclude the mentoring relationship

Participants interested in a future match must submit an updated application during a future application period. A new match will depend on the applicant pool and the compatibility of potential partners.

Visit the FASEB LEAD webpage to learn more about participants from the 2024 cohort and their mentoring partnerships.
 

For additional questions about FASEB LEAD, contact CJ Neely at CJNeely@faseb.org.