FAQ

+ What is CSweetener?

CSweetener is a mentoring program and network for mid-senior level women and non-binary professionals in healthcare. The program provides mentees with access to a network of mentors who are leading experts in healthcare, medicine, healthtech and medical science Our aim is to help people of underrepresented genders and identities advance and succeed in topmost leadership roles. CSweetener offers mentees access to counsel on managing intersectionality in the workplace and to develop professional skills or build careers in diversity, equity and inclusion. CSweetener offers sponsorships to healthcare organizations to help them prepare employees or recruits for leadership, achieve and drive business results through diversity. The program is free to all eligible mentees. CSweetener is owned by the HLTH Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity that promotes equity, inclusion and opportunity in healthcare, focusing on underrepresented healthcare professionals, patients and entrepreneurs.

+ Who Owns CSweetener?

CSweetener is run by the HLTH Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity affiliated with HLTH, Inc. HLTH Foundation promotes equity, inclusion and opportunity in healthcare, focusing on underrepresented healthcare professionals, patients and entrepreneurs.These are essential elements of ethical healthcare and crucial pressure points for sparking radical, effective change in human health.

+ Is CSweetener gender inclusive?

CSweetener is focused on advancing women and non-binary leaders in healthcare, including those with intersectional identities. Anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary, holds at least a mid- level role in healthcare (typically within 3 levels of the top of their organization) and has at least ten years of experience in healthcare is eligible as a mentee. We have many first-time C-suite leaders as mentees. And, we invite all c-level, tenured healthcare leaders (20+ years in healthcare) to apply as volunteer mentors.

+ What about women and non-binary healthcare professionals in underrepresented groups?

We welcome all women and non-binary people occupying a mid/senior level role in healthcare to apply as mentees, and any c-level, tenured healthcare expert can apply as a mentor. We additionally support intersectional women and non-binary people by enabling them to access counsel on managing intersectionality in the workplace, developing professional skills as inclusive leaders, or building careers in diversity and inclusion. auto;margin-right: auto;"/>

+ How does CSweetener work?

Mentors and mentees fill out an application, which is reviewed for eligibility. If accepted, they fill out a profile indicating their skills, experience, goals and other characteristics. This helps us recommend matches. Mentees are accepted for a one-year term, with 12 session credits granted expiring at one per month. If a mentee would like to extend their term, they mentor should send an email to info@hlthfoundation.org. Mentors are asked to commit at least one year to the program, but remain in the CSweetener program unless they request to be put on hold or to be removed.

+ What is the CSweetener platform?

The CSweetener platform centralizes matching, scheduling, notifications, video conference sessions and other communications for mentors and mentees, with personal contact information remaining private unless participants choose to share. We encourage engagement through the CSweetener platform although participants may certainly choose to connect outside the platform.

+ Does CSweetner offer networking opportunities?

As part of the HLTH Foundation, CSweetener takes part in the annual HLTH conference, hosting a meetup for participants and alumni as well as the Women at HLTH initiative, which includes content on gender in the workforce and in aspects of healthcare, and networking. CSweetener is also present at the ViVE event and hosts a meetup, networking for women and gender equity allies, as well as other affinity meetups with partners.

+ Does CSweetener participate in social media?

Yes. The best way to stay in touch with us outside the platform is via @C_Sweetener on Twitter. You can also find us on LinkedIn.

+ Does CSweetener offer a speakers bureau?

CSweetener does not offer a speakers bureau.

+ Is CSweetener free for individuals?

Yes. CSweetener is free to all eligible mentees, through support from the HLTH Foundation and via mentorship packages in which companies fund mentees (employees, new recruits or others) to come into the program.

+ Is CSweetener free for organizations?

CSweetener offers two kinds of sponsorships: General program sponsorship, which helps us keep the program running; and mentorship packages for healthcare organizations interested in offering mentorship to their employees, candidates or others. Sponsorships are tax deductible. We appreciate corporate support of our mission...DE&I is a collaborative undertaking, and equitable representation of all identities is especially important in healthcare to help address outcomes disparities and ensure innovations are truly accessible and useful to marginalized populations.

+ Does CSweetener partner with other organizations?

Yes. For organizations interested in offering mentorship to women or non-binary employees, recruits or others, such as first-time startup founders, CSweetener offers Mentorship Packages. Program sponsorships are offered at two levels with benefits attached. Both mentorship and sponsorship packages are tax deductible.

Additionally, we are interested in partnerships centered on content and research. We appreciate partner support of our mission! To learn more, email info@hlthfoundation.org

+ Can I donate directly to CSweetener?

Yes! We welcome donations, which are tax deductible. We are a lean organization, so you can be sure your donation will be effective. Thank you for supporting our mission! Click here or mail your donation to: HLTH Foundation, 155 East 44th Street, Suite 701 New York, NY 10017

+ Who are the CSweetener mentors?

CSweetener mentors are experts with a minimum of twenty years in healthcare. All genders are welcome. Mentors are volunteers and many of them are names you know -- they lead some of the most innovative and well-known companies in the industry.

+ Who are the CSweetener mentees?

CSweetener mentees are senior-level leaders in healthcare who identify as women or non-binary, and aspire to a c-level role. Typically, mentees occupy a position within 3 levels of the c-suite and have 10+ years of healthcare experience, though we consider a combination of role level and years in the industry.

+ Who can see the goal I defined in my mentee profile?

Once you book a session, your goal is shared with the mentor you selected, however, you can also send a link to your profile, which includes your Goal, to anyone with a CSweetener account. Further, you can change your Goal at any time, and we encourage you to do so as you accomplish one and set another during your mentorship.

+ How many mentors/mentees can I have in one year?

It’s up to you! You may choose to have one mentor/mentee for the year, a different one every month, or any combination that works for you, but please review the mentor’s profile before booking a session so that you’re selecting one whose experience, skills and style align with your needs. CSweetener provides a suggested list of mentors based on your input, but it’s up to you to find your optimal match.

Please be aware that mentees are prohibited from soliciting mentors for funding or otherwise pitching their product, service or company. Mentees who violate this rule may be removed from the program.

+ What are the rules guiding mentor/mentee relationships?

  • Mentees have 12 credits, each representing one 30-minute video conference or phone session with a mentor, to expend during their year-long mentorship.
  • One credit expires each month if unused. Mentees can use as many credits as desired in a month. Please use them!
  • Be punctual. Mentors are volunteering their time to help you and they have a lot to offer.
  • Prepare for meetings by bringing a specific question or issue to your mentor and taking proposed steps between meetings.
  • Information exchanged in mentorship sessions is private.
  • Please ask your mentor/mentee if you would like permission to publicly (ie, on social media, in a public talk) share any information discussed.
  • Mentees are prohibited from soliciting mentors for funding or otherwise pitching their product, service or company.

+ What if CSweetener matches me with a mentor/mentee I don’t like?

  • Mentees: If you’re matched with someone who’s not a fit, you may select and book with a different mentor the next time you log in.
  • Mentors: If you are matched with someone who’s not a fit, please email info@hlthfoundation.org.

+ Can I provide feedback on a mentor/mentee?

Yes. Reviews are sent to mentees and mentors after each session, and we welcome feedback via email to info@hlthfoundation.org.

+ How do I book a session with a mentor?

  1. Log in and fill out your profile.
  2. Browse through our list of mentors.
    • Based on your profile, your Mentor page will offer the best matches from the top down.
  3. To review in depth profile information for a mentor, click “Learn More”.
  4. To schedule a session, click “Book Now” at the top of the mentor’s profile page.
  5. You will now be able to view availability, select a date and time, and book a session to take place via video conference or phone. The CSweetener platform automatically notifies you and your mentor of the scheduled session via email at the time it is scheduled and 24 hours before.
  6. If you opted into text reminders when you set up your profile, you will receive reminders 24 hours and/or 1 hour before a session. If you would like to change your selections, you can make changes within the Contact Details section of your Profile.

    + How much times does a Mentor need to commit to meetings?

    We ask CSweetener mentors to take two meetings per month, (two 30-minute sessions monthly), and to devote a full year to mentoring; but mentors are not limited in their tenure and are only removed from the program on request. In order to facilitate scheduling, we ask mentors to offer at 3-4 time slots per month when they’re available to meet, from which mentees can choose. Mentors set a schedule of recurring weekly availability in the system as well as the maximum number of meetings they will accept each month. This can be changed at any time. For mentors who are not able to offer recurring available slots, we recommend syncing their online calendar to the network.

    + I’ve booked a mentor session. Now what?

    You'll receive a confirmation email with a calendar invite and link for your upcoming live session. When it's time for your 1:1 session, click the button "Go to Live Session" in the email to launch the video chat (don’t worry, we’ll send you a reminder the day before). You may also receive an email prior to your live session with a few questions from your mentor that will help prepare for your conversation.

    + What happens if I need to reschedule a mentoring session?

    If you need to reschedule a session, email your mentor/mentee via the CSweetener platform. Once a new time has been agreed upon, choose the “reschedule” option on the original meeting invitation and update the time in your profile.

    + What are the tech requirements to use the CSweetener platform?

    All you need is a desktop or laptop computer and the Google Chrome or Firefox browser. You can download Chrome for free here. Firefox is available for download here

    + Are my mentoring sessions private?

    Yes.

    + Is my information secure?

    Yes. Please see our Privacy Policy here.

    + Can I renew my mentorship beyond a year?

    CSweetener aims to provide mentorship to as many people as possible. A year-long term allows us to offer mentorship to the maximum number of applicants. However, we do grant extensions and mentees should contact us if they’re interested. We will also consider appeals from mentors on behalf of a mentee. To appeal, please contact Janna Guinen, Executive Director of HLTH Foundation, at info@hlthfoundation.org.

+ I have questions not answered here. Whom should I contact?

Please email info@hlthfoundation.org.