Introducing Seedling

Seedling is Crown Affair’s annual mentorship program for women early in their careers or navigating a transition. By connecting mentees with women who have experience to share, Seedling creates space for guidance, connection, and meaningful growth at work and beyond.

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How It Started 

Seedling began in 2020, just after Crown Affair launched. As the pandemic disrupted internships, graduations, and early career opportunities, Dianna and Elaine heard from young women looking for guidance and a way forward.

What began as a way to connect early-career women with experienced female leaders has since grown into an annual mentorship program rooted in connection, community, and shared experience.

How It Works

Each fall, Seedling brings mentors and mentees together for six weeks of conversation and connection, including two group calls and six guided 1:1 sessions.
The Crown Affair team thoughtfully reviews applications and pairs each mentee with a mentor whose experience aligns with her interests and goals.

Be a mentor

  1. Commit to one hour weekly, for six weeks. 

Refer a mentor

  1. We’d love to expand our network. Referral perks are coming soon. 

Who can be a mentor?

  1. Any woman with 2+ years working experience—mentors will be matched with age and experience-appropriate mentees. 

Be a mentee

Commit to one hour weekly, for six weeks.

Seedling has been one of the best unexpected delights I've taken on outside of work these last few years—I never miss a season, and I've met (and hired!) so many amazing folks who are starting their careers through the community, whether as my mentees or through the awesome closed LinkedIn group we're all in. It's truly a very special cohort of people, and I look forward to signing up again.”

— Azora Zoe Paknad, Five-time Seedling Mentor

“Participating in Seedling was an incredibly rewarding experience that provided a unique opportunity for personal growth and professional development. The ideal candidate for the program is someone who is driven, curious, and committed to making a positive impact—eager to connect with mentors and mentees who are passionate about their industries and dedicated to sharing their knowledge in support of the next generation of emerging talent and leaders. I most enjoyed the creative programming and networking opportunities that Crown Affair facilitated, which allowed for meaningful connections and valuable self-reflection.”

— Arielle Tylim, Seedling Season 6 Mentee