Mentor Academy

A mentoring program for ambitious women in the cocoa and chocolate sector who want to grow with clarity, confidence and intent.

Powered by the independent WINCC network, active since 2016, the Mentor Academy connects you with experienced world class mentors at moments when guidance, expertise and personal connection really matter. It offers a safe, practical way to learn fast from senior voices in the industry.

Is this programme right for you?

The WINCC Mentor Academy is designed for moments when you want to better understand the dynamics, pathways and unwritten rules of the cocoa and chocolate sector.

It's particularly relevant if you:

Understand how the sector really works, and clarify your role, positioning and next steps within it
Build sector-specific capabilities, such as public speaking, governance or representing your organisation in industry settings
Move into a different part of the value chain, including trading, agtech, finance or chocolate making
Explore or prepare for starting a company in cocoa, technology or related fields, guided by people who know the sector from the inside

What sets this programme apart?

What sets the WINCC Mentor Academy apart is its strong anchoring in the cocoa and chocolate world. You learn directly from senior professionals with long-standing experience in the sector and grow within a trusted WINCC community that offers a safe space to connect, exchange and build meaningful relationships.

You do not need to have all the answers. You do need curiosity, openness and a willingness to invest in yourself and your career.

What you will get

As a mentee, you purchase a one-year membership to the WINCC network and Mentor Academy.

This includes:

Defining a clear learning objective
Careful mentor matchmaking based on your goal and experience
Four focused one-hour mentoring sessions, to be scheduled within six months for maximum impact
Optional themed group sessions on topics such as trading, leadership or entrepreneurship
Access to the closed WINCC community: a trusted space to connect and grow your network
Simple tools and free or discounted access to selected WINCC and partner events

The Academy is designed to fit alongside your work and life.
After completing the four mentoring sessions within the six-month period, you can continue with your mentor or book additional sessions at a reduced rate, either with the same mentor or around a new learning objective.

Our Mentors

WINCC mentors are senior professionals, mostly from across the cocoa and chocolate sector. They come from different roles, organisations and countries, and include both women and men. Some bring deep commercial or trading experience. Others work in sustainability, finance, agtech, policy or certification, are closely connected to farming communities, or are known for skills such as strategy, public speaking or thought leadership.

Want to become a mentor yourself? Sign up. We're happy to hear from you.

Yes, I'm interested!

Curious to learn more about our mentors? Explore their profiles here.

Practical details

If you’re interested in joining the Mentor Academy, you can apply as an individual participant or through company sponsorship. As part of the application, we’ll ask a few short questions about your background, goals and expectations.

We then schedule a short introductory call to better understand your learning objectives and ensure a good mutual fit. If we move forward, we’ll share the Mentor Service Agreement for signature, followed by the invoice.

The first cohort starts in July 2026. A second cohort is planned for later in the year. Places are limited to allow for careful matching, and applications close on 1 March 2026.

Individual participation

€599,-

You register yourself and complete the application form individually. The invoice is sent to you directly and payment is handled personally.

If cost is a barrier, you can indicate this during registration. Where possible, participation can be supported through sponsorship.

Company-sponsored participation

€1.000,-

Your participation is sponsored by your employer or organisation. Registration can be completed by you or by your company. The invoice is issued to the organisation.

Why mentorship matters

“Women in our sector are highly capable, but often lack access to the relevant networks and guidance. Mentoring helps level the playing field and gives women the confidence and space to grow their voice and influence, fast- tracked.”
— Beatrice Moulianitaki (Founder WINCC, Board member)