How ReMA’s Mentorship Program Helps Leaders Build and Develop Their Confidence

Since it launched in 2019, ReMA's Women in Recycling Council's (WIR) Mentorship Program, in partnership with the ReMA Young Executives Council (ReMAYE), has connected emerging and established professionals across the recycled materials industry for meaningful mentorship, professional growth, and industry connection.

WIR leadership matches participants together through thorough evaluation and a review of questionnaires answered by mentors and mentees. Partnered together for one year, mentors and mentees meet once per month to discuss important issues for them and their business.

The application period for the sixth annual ReMA Mentorship Program opened July 1, 2026, and closes August 15, 2026. Mentor and mentee pairings will be finalized prior to the program kickoff in September 2026.

Whether you are looking to gain guidance, share experience, build confidence, or expand your network, this program offers a valuable opportunity to learn from others and grow alongside peers who are invested in the future of the industry.

"None of us got to where we are alone," said Nina Grimes, WIR Council Co-Chair and Mentorship Program Lead. "Every successful person can point to someone who opened a door, answered a question, or believed in them before they believed in themselves."

Participants will have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with their mentorship partner and engage in virtual event programming focused on leadership, operations, and professional development.

"I didn't grow up in a generational recycling business, so there wasn't a playbook waiting for me when I became a yard owner," said Paige Bauman, who co-leads the mentorship program with Grimes. "Much of what I've learned has come from mentors, industry peers, and leaders who generously shared their experiences and advice. Their guidance has been instrumental in helping me gain traction, make better decisions, and develop confidence as a business owner. The mentorship program creates those same opportunities for others."

Mentorship pairs will be notified on Friday, September 4, 2026. This year, the program will run from September 14, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The featured virtual event topics will be Lead Where You Stand, held in November 2026 and Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Operations, which will be held February 2027.

"You don't have to have all the answers you just have to be willing to walk beside someone who is asking the questions," Grimes added. "Mentorship is one of the few investments that gets more valuable every time you give it away. So don't wait until you think you are ready. Someone is praying for the knowledge you already have."

If you're interested in participating in this year's program, please complete this form. For more information or questions, contact Rachel Bookman, ReMA's Assistant Vice President of Communications and staff liaison for WIR, at [email protected].