Employees at A&L Goodbody are mentoring women looking to re-enter the workforce as part of a partnership with Dress for Success Dublin.

Participants in the Dress for Success ‘Steps to Success’ mentoring programme met their A&L Goodbody mentors for the first time this week.

The mentors will provide ongoing advice and support to the Steps to Success programme participants over the coming year, drawing on what they’ve learned from their own careers.

One of the participants is South African native Rayna Arnoldi, who will be mentored by A&L Goodbody partner Marie O’Brien.

Speaking after meeting Ms Arnoldi for the first time, Ms O’Brien said: “Over the course of my own career, I have benefited hugely from advice and support from many people including female colleagues.

“Women who have been out of the workforce for a period of time can face various challenges when they decide to return to work. Mentoring can play an important role in helping them to address their concerns, build up their confidence and set future goals.”

Sonya Lennon, founder of Dress for Success Dublin, said: “We developed the Steps to Success programme to give women who are at a somewhat vulnerable stage extra supports to develop their careers.

“Some of the participants are quite new to living in Ireland; others have moved sectors after various temporary roles, or are returning to work after being unemployed.

“It is exciting to see the programme participants paired with their mentors from A&L Goodbody this week. I know the women on both sides of this partnership will benefit hugely from this experience.”

Other mentoring participants include: