StateraArts, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing women into equal representation in the arts, has added a sixteenth chapter to its ranks by establishing a Dallas-Fort Worth Mentorship program.

Statera derives from the Latin word for “balance,” which symbolizes a holistic creative environment that’s normalized and nourishes innovation. Statera has a number of methods to fulfill its mission to “uplift, amplify, and advance,” like regional mentorship opportunities, research assessments, training programs, and international conferences.

Statera Mentorship’s national kick off was in January of 2016, and the program has quickly grown since. The goal is to help women in the arts cultivate their ideas and tackle any obstacles they are facing in their professional careers.

Created in the winter of 2019, the Dallas-Fort Worth Statera Mentorship plans to run from July 1 to Dec. 31. Women are able to sign up as a mentor or mentee through June 1.

The local chapter will be led by the DFW Regional Coordinators: Vanessa DeSilvo, Alle Mims, Natalie Young, Emily Scott Banks, Christie Vela, and Olivia de Guzman. Among them are local teachers, playwrights, and dancers, all who have rich histories in the Lone Star State.

The Coordinators are tasked with encouraging women in Dallas to pursue their creative careers with confidence.

Cheering each other on

All six of the coordinators believe mentorship is essential for success. In a Statera blog post introducing the local coordinators, Mims said she feels welcome in the art world after finding a mentor who resembled her in appearance and experiences. “Having a mentor you know personally, in your area, who is walking a similar path to you is invaluable,” she said. “It has made a huge difference in how I see my future in Dallas.”

DeSilvo also attributed encouragement as a catalyst for self-confidence. “Artists who feel that they have been out of the game for too long, or feel that they simply aren’t booking work, or who just need that boost of encouragement, will find that mentorship can help uplift them and give them a gentle nudge towards their goals,” she said.

Those interested in participating can submit an application that will be reviewed by the coordinators. After the review process is complete, the coordinators will pair women that share similar professional aspirations and needs.

The mentorship program will also include sponsored events, newsletters, and social media communities for participants to connect with each other.