Get to know: The Zalando Women's Network Mentorship Program
Our Zalando Women’s Network Mentorship Program supports colleagues with group mentoring sessions. Driven by our employee volunteers, the initiative doubled in size this year. The Zalando Women's Network now connects 50 mentors with nearly 300 mentees, scaling a simple idea into building a stronger culture. Find out how they do it.
by Christina Wollin, Zalando Women's Network Mentorship Project Manager, Diane Sicsic, Zalando Women's Network Pillar Lead, Natalia Andrievskaya, Mentorship Program Founder and Sponsor
Who are the team behind the Zalando Women's Network Mentorship Program?
What starts as a small idea rooted in passion can transform into an initiative that shapes an entire company culture.
When the Zalando Women’s Network Mentorship Program launched, it started with two mentors and two small teams. Today, it’s doubled in size year-on-year – connecting nearly 300 mentees with 50 mentors across Zalando. This is all thanks to our passionate employee volunteers.
Inclusive workplaces give everyone access to guidance, sponsorship and career opportunities. Get to know more about the program through Diane Sicsic, Christina Wollin and Natalia Andrievskaya, who are building a lasting legacy of growth and support.
What are the experiences of mentees and mentors in the Zalando Women's Network Mentorship Program?
When mentoring moves beyond 1-on-1, it becomes a space where everyone grows together.
In the Zalando Women’s Network group mentorship program, leaders and mentees meet monthly to share insights, tackle career challenges and support each other. Christina and Diane run the programme while taking part as mentees. For Christina, seeing a mentor’s vulnerability from day one set the tone for open, honest conversations.
Mentors benefit too – Natalia is gaining fresh perspectives and strong connections that traditional formats can’t match.
How could I build a mentorship program?
Building a great mentorship programme doesn’t happen overnight – it takes clear direction, dedicated sponsors and a focus on people first.
As Head of Strategy & PMO at Zalando Marketing Services (ZMS), Natalia Andrievskaya sponsors the Zalando Women’s Network Mentorship Program. To bring busy senior leaders on board, she used personal outreach to highlight the value of giving back to our community.
Christina and Diane's top tip? Start small, put the community first and build simple processes early so you can scale as engagement grows.