We are excited to introduce the Empowerment in Motion Mentoring Program, a collaborative initiative between the Black Biomechanists Association (BBA), Latinx in Biomechanix (LiB), and International Women in Biomechanics (IWB).

Program Mission

To elevate and empower underrepresented scholars by providing pathways to opportunities in Biomechanics. 

EMMP Programming At a Glance 

• Fall mentor-mentee meet-and-greet (November 15th)
• BBA+LiB+IWB mentoring committee Spring workshop (April 2nd and 4th)
• Mentor of the Year and Mentee of the Year award recognition (Summer 2025)

Program Overview

Our program is designed to pair BBA, IWB, and LiB members (mentees) with senior biomechanists (mentors) from diverse backgrounds. Through regular interactions and a structured program, we seek to encourage meaningful exchanges between mentors and mentees within the biomechanics community to foster: 

• Networking
• Career advice and navigation
• Research collaboration 
• Increased awareness of resources
• Professional development opportunities

Program Structure

• Mentor-mentee pairs will meet monthly and report their interaction to our Match Coordinators in a short Google form.
• BBA-LiB-IWB will host virtual events for mentor-mentees to facilitate mentoring interactions on a semesterly basis. 

Program Expectations

Mentor expectations: 

• Must be a member of BBA, LiB, or IWB
• Must commit to participating in the mentoring program for the full academic year
• Must maintain monthly contact with their match via phone, email, video call, etc
• Must attend at least one professional development workshop related to mentorship (through our events or approved external events)

Mentee expectations: 

• Must be a member of BBA, LiB, or IWB
• Must commit to participating in the mentoring program for the entire academic year
• Must maintain monthly contact with their match via phone, email, video call, etc
• Must attend at least one professional development workshop related to academics (through our events or approved external events)

We will use a form to track interactions between mentors and mentees; encouraging accountability and allowing for:

• Tracking interactions and event attendance 
• Comments from both mentors and mentees to provide feedback
• Toggle options to distinguish between various types of events (workshop, contact, etc.)
• Mentor and Mentee of the Year Award designations

At the conclusion of the program year, mentors and mentees will be asked to provide feedback on their EMMP experience.