Abstract
She Designed That is a mentorship program that seeks to provide girls of color ages 14–18 with the tools, resources, and access necessary to explore career interests in the graphic design industry. While the number of mentorship programs for racially and ethnically diverse women have grown over time, mentoring is especially effective for girls of color when the mentor is of similar racial or ethnic background.
With the help of practicing graphic designers, creative directors, illustrators, web designers and other creative women, the program facilitates this support by: paying attention to cultural accommodations and systematic barriers to entry; fostering caring mentorships built on trust and commitment; maintaining an affirmative environment on- and off-line for mentees and mentors; and providing skill-building workshops and assistance with professional and portfolio development. In doing so, we create new and alternative opportunities for the next generation of talented female creatives to connect with women of color who design and build long-term, sustainable careers in the graphic design industry.