About the Program

Root & Rise KC runs August through December 2026 and it is free to participate. This pilot will match 10–20 participants (5–10 mentor/mentee pairs). If demand is strong, we plan to grow the program in future years.

The program has three key goals:

1. Meaningful Mentor–Mentee Connections Participants will be matched with a mentor or mentee through a thoughtful pairing process that accounts for professional goals, industry background, and personal context. Pairs will create a mentorship agreement based on the mentee's goals and meet regularly over the course of the program. Program directors will be available for questions and support throughout.

2. In-Person Community Gatherings Root & Rise KC will host two in-person events for the full cohort — a kickoff in mid-August and a closing celebration in December. These gatherings are designed to build connection beyond individual pairs, giving participants the chance to meet peers, share experiences, and form a professional network that extends well beyond the program.

3. Continuous Improvement At the close of the pilot, we will gather feedback from all participants to assess what worked, what didn't, and how to make the program even stronger next year.

Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• Be a current member of NAAAP-KC
• Attend the in-person kickoff event (Monday, August 24th, 6:30 pm) — you will meet your match and finalize your mentorship agreement
• Attend the in-person closing event (Thursday, December 3rd, 6:30 pm) — you will reflect on the program experience and help shape future cohorts
• Attend at least one additional professional development event hosted by NAAAP-KC or a partner organization, such as:
  • Financial health program — Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 PM
  • Mental health & wellness discussion (date TBA)
  • Monthly NAAAP-KC happy hour (dates TBA)
  • Other events organized by NAAAP-KC or our affiliates (TBA)
• Be available for at least three 1-on-1 meetings with your mentor or mentee between August and December (ideally once per month). Meeting times and locations will be set with your mentor or mentee in your mentorship agreement, and may be virtual.

Please note:  To foster a strong sense of community and belonging, virtual attendance is not an option for the kickoff or closing events.

How to Apply

If you meet the eligibility requirements above, please complete the application form by 11:55 PM CST on July 19, 2026.

You will be asked about your professional background, motivation for joining the program, mentor/mentee preferences, skills and experience, and prior experience with mentorship. This information will be kept confidential among the organizing team and is used solely to make thoughtful, well-informed pairings.

A note on matching: To ensure the highest-quality matches, we cannot guarantee that every applicant will be paired. If we are unable to find the right match for you this year, we warmly encourage you to apply again next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are matches decided? A dedicated matching committee will review all applications and make pairings based on professional goals, industry background, personal context, and stated preferences. The committee will prioritize the needs of the mentee when assigning mentors.
2. How many participants are you accepting? This pilot aims to match 5–10 pairs (10–20 participants total). If there is strong demand, we hope to grow the program in future cohorts.
3. I'd like to participate, but I can't attend the kickoff or closing events in person. Is there a virtual option?Unfortunately, no. In-person attendance at the kickoff and closing events is required. These gatherings are central to the community-building goals of the program.
4. Who is organizing this program? Root & Rise KC is born out of the NAAAP-KC vision to cultivate professional excellence, connect accomplished professionals for mutual success, and engage with the community at large. This program is led by Coral Zhou, a board member of NAAAP-KC. Coral has lived in the KC area since January 2025 and is an Assistant Professor in the Molecular Biosciences department at the University of Kansas. Coral is passionate about using mentorship to cultivate a sense of belonging and professional success. She created and led a similar mentorship program at UC-Berkeley, where she trained before moving to Kansas. Coral is very excited to work with her colleagues at NAAAP-KC to bring this program to light!

5. What if I don’t feel the suggested mentor-mentee match is the right fit?                                          Our mentor-mentee suggestions are intended to be a thoughtful starting point, not a permanent assignment. We recognize that the best mentoring relationships are built on mutual trust, shared goals, and authentic connection, and sometimes that takes more than one introduction. We encourage you to give the relationship an opportunity to develop by having an initial conversation or two to explore your interests, expectations, and mentoring goals. If, after those conversations, you feel the match is not the right fit, you are welcome to request a new connection.  We will try our best to re-match you.

6. Is this program open to non-AANHPI-identifying members of NAAAP-KC? Yes. While the program is designed with the experiences of AANHPI professionals in mind, it is open to all NAAAP-KC members.
7. My friend or family member is interested but isn't a member of NAAAP-KC. Are they eligible? Yes, they are eligible as long as they become a member of NAAAP-KC upon being accepted into the program. 
8. How do I join NAAAP-KC? Join using this link. A small membership fee is required.
9. Is there a fee to participate? No. Root & Rise KC is completely free.
10. Will there be food and drinks at the in-person events? Yes! 

Questions?

Reach out to our program contacts:

• Coral Zhou (Lead) — [email protected]
• Hao Quach (Alternative) — [email protected]

We are so excited to build something meaningful with this community. We hope you'll join us.

With warmth, 

The Root & Rise KC Team NAAAP-KC