The NKBA Student Mentor Program, supported by KOHLER, finished its seven‑week pilot on May 1, pairing 83 design students with mentors from 49 chapters across the United States and Canada. The initiative was a formal mentorship program launched by NKBA|KBIS to nurture emerging designers, and the accompanying photo captures participants interacting both in person and online.
Participants met both online and in person to discuss professional development, earned a certificate of completion, and mentors collected continuing education units. These sessions focused on a range of professional development topics, creating a win‑win dynamic where mentees gained practical insights and mentors earned continuing education credits.
“As a mentor, sometimes I feel like I get more than I give,” said Paula Kennedy, CMKBD. “The framework that NKBA put together to help guide us through this made it hard to say no!”
Her mentee, Marlene Hainer, a former pharmacist, was encouraged by learning that Kennedy also entered design through a non‑traditional route, gaining confidence to shape her own career path.
The pairings were flexible. For example, Heather Dae, AKBD, mentored Nate Sito on layered lighting, creating a PowerPoint titled “Let There Be Good Light.” In return, Sito assisted Dae with tile selections for a client project.
Certificates were awarded.
Mentor Andrea Mulkey reflected that the experience prompted her to ask better questions of herself, highlighting an unexpected benefit for seasoned professionals.
Other discussion topics spanned self-care, burnout avoidance, résumé and portfolio building, branding, scheduling, and client‑file management.
Planning for the Spring 2027 cohort is already under way. Prospective mentees must be at least 18, reside in the U.S. or Canada, and be enrolled in a post‑secondary kitchen and bath design program. Mentors should hold NKBA certification or possess extensive industry experience. Applications are accepted at nkba.org/nkba-kbis-student-mentor-program.
