Formation Mentorship 2025-26 Program Launch Party

Join us at a launch party for the 2025-26 season of the Formation Mentorship program!

Organized by Diversity in Design, Architecture Foundation of Oregon, and COMMA

It is often said that it’s not about what you know but who you know…so join us for a fun evening getting to know the students and professionals of Portland’s vibrant design community! Mix, mingle, and build your network across the design fields from graphic design to architecture to product design to experiential design, and many more…all while helping us kick off our second year of Formation.

Formation is a local mentorship program supporting the next generation of designers of color in the transition from student to professional. The program matches BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color) college design students with BIPOC design professionals who will provide guidance on next steps from portfolio review to interview support to career trajectory.

All are welcome for this exciting kick-off event: Black, Indigenous, people of color, and our White allies. Begin, build, and reconnect with your network—students and professionals alike!

APPLY: Applications to become a Formation mentor or mentee are currently open through November 16, 2025. Learn more and apply, here!

SPONSOR: Interested in sponsoring our 2025-26 program? Explore sponsorship opportunites, here! 

DONATE: Want to make a donation to our 2025-26 program? Click here to make a contribution—every bit counts!

The Evening’s Agenda

5:30-6:00pm: Arrival, food and drinks, mingle
6:00-6:15pm: Opening remarks, program overview
6:15-7:15pm: Networking games
7:15-7:30pm: Closing remarks, prize give-away

There are many things competing for your time, so why attend this event?

• Students will meet professionals in various design fields and have the opportunity to gain insight on potential career paths, connect with prospective mentors, and meet fellow design students.
• Professionals will meet top talent from local design schools, learn new ideas and perspectives from students, meet prospective mentees, and mingle with fellow professionals across design industries.
• Participate in fun networking games for a chance to win a grand prize!

Site Accessibility, Transportation, and Parking

MWA Architects is located in at 501 SE 14th Ave, Suite 103, Portland, OR 97214, on the 1st floor of Revolution Hall. The entrance is on the corner of 14th and Stark, across from Sunee Thai. The space and entry are fully ADA accessible.

We recommend taking public transit! Visit Trimet’s Trip Planner to help you get there. If you’re driving, street parking is available on surrounding blocks.

Photo Release Consent

By reserving a ticket, I understand that photos will be taken during the event and that they will be used by DiD, AFO, and COMMA for marketing purposes. If I do not want my photo taken, I will notify the InFormation Team via email: formationmentorship@gmail.com

We can’t wait to meet you/see you again! Please reach out to the InFormation Team with any questions or special requests: formationmentorship@gmail.com 

Register Now

Wednesday, November 12
5:30-7:30pm
MWA Architects, 501 SE 14th Ave, Suite 103, Portland, OR 97214

Apply by November 16 to participate as a mentor or mentee in our 2025-26  program.

2025-26 Program Sponsors