Mentorship Program
Bridging Academia and Industry.
Building Future Leaders.
The A3 NextGen Mentorship Program connects students and emerging professionals with leaders shaping the future of automation. Together, we’re creating pathways for learning, growth, and innovation across robotics, AI, and industrial automation industries.
Program Overview
About the A3 NextGen Mentorship Program
The A3 NextGen Mentorship Program is designed to help students and early-career professionals explore and grow within the automation industry. By pairing mentees with experienced mentors from leading companies and research institutions, this program provides a direct link between education and real-world applications.
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Get Matched
We pair mentees and mentors based on interests, background, and career goals.
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Meet Regularly
Mentors and mentees connect at least once a month to talk careers, skills, and next steps.
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Grow Your Network
Participants gain exposure to real projects, people, and opportunities in the automation industry.
12 months
Monthly (minimum)
Virtual or in-person
Program Expectations
The A3 NextGen Mentorship Program is built on mutual respect, curiosity, and commitment to growth. To ensure a valuable experience for everyone involved, both mentors and mentees agree to the following expectations.
Scheduling & Participation
- Meet for at least one hour per month for a period of 12 months.
- Participate in at least two check-ins with an A3 NextGen representative during the program year.
Engagement & Conduct
- Meet for at least one hour per month for a period of 12 months.
- Participate in at least two check-ins with an A3 NextGen representative during the program year.
Shared Commitment
- This shared commitment helps foster meaningful connections and ensures a productive, impactful experience for both mentors and mentees.
2026 Mentors
The A3 NextGen Mentors are hand-selected, established leaders in the automation industry who bring a wealth of experience across technical, business, and leadership disciplines.
Dawn Gonzalez
Director, Marketing & Communications
Magswitch Automation
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Technical/Trade Certification
Functional Roles:
- Marketing/Communications
Leadership Roles:
- Department/Functional Leadership
Brenda Courim
Director, Marketing & Communications
Gudel Inc.
Education:
- Master’s Degree
Functional Roles:
- Engineering
- Sales/Business Development
- Marketing/Communications
- Product/Project/Program Management
Leadership Roles:
- People Management
- Department / Functional Leadership
Sami Birch
Director, Marketing & Communications
Mission Design & Automation
Education:
- Bachelor's
Functional Roles:
- Sales
- Marketing
- Project Management
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
- Department Lead
Mandy Dwight
Founder and CEO
Dwight & Company
Education:
- Master's
Functional Roles:
- Sales / Business Development
- Marketing / Communications
Leadership Roles:
- People Management
- Department Lead
- C-Suite
- Founder
Jake Hall
Industry Advocate
The Manufacturing Millennial
Education:
- Bachelor's
Functional Roles:
- Sales
- Marketing
Leadership Roles:
- Department Lead
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Jane Heffner
Vice President Channel Partner Management
Teradyne Robotics
Education:
- Associate's
Functional Roles:
- Sales
- Marketing
- Product Management
- Project Management
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
- Department Lead
- Board Member
Jason Lund
President, Robotics and Automation Group
Novanta (ATI)
Education:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Functional Roles:
- Operations
- Sales
- Product Management
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Finance
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
- Department Lead
- C-Suite
Nick Malewicki
General Manager, Autonomous Division
Big Joe Forklifts
Education:
- Bachelor's
Functional Roles:
- Engineering
- Operations
- Sales
- Product Management
- Project Management
- Finance
- Manufacturing
Leadership Roles:
- C-Suite
Travis Miller
President
Miller Resource Group
Education:
- Bachelor's
Functional Roles:
- Sales
- Human Resources
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
- Department Lead
- C-Suite
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Josh Pawley
VP, Co-Founder, Co-Owner
Vectis Automation
Education:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Technical/Trade Certification
Functional Roles:
- Engineering
- Operations
- Sales
- Marketing
- Product Management
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Finance
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
- Department Lead
- C-Suite
- Founder
Jean Rabatin
Business Development
Yaskawa Motoman
Education:
- Bachelor's
Functional Roles:
- Sales
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
Gemma Ross
VP of Operations
OSARO
Education:
- Bachelor's
Functional Roles:
- Engineering
- Operations
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Manufacturing
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
- Department Lead
Jacob Sanchez
Automation Solutions and Community Development
igus inc
Education:
- Associate's
- Technical Certification
Functional Roles:
- Engineering
- Sales
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Manufacturing
Leadership Roles:
- Department Lead
- Board Member
Nick Sischka
Director of Imaging
Edmund Optics
Education:
- Bachelor's
Functional Roles:
- Engineering
- Sales
- Project Management
- Research & Development
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
- Department Lead
- Board Member
Michael Tanguay
VP of Growth
Simplexity Product Development
Education:
- Associate's
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Functional Roles:
- Engineering
- Sales
- Product Management
- R&D
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
- Department Lead
- C-Suite
Suzy Teele
Chief Strategy Officer
ARM Institute
Education:
- Bachelor's
Functional Roles:
- Marketing
- Sales
- Product Management
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Finance
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
- Department Lead
- C-Suite
- Entrepreneur
- Board Member
Perry West
President
Automated Vision Systems, Inc.
Education:
- Bachelor's
Functional Roles:
- Engineering
- Product Management
- Manufacturing
- R&D
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
- Department Lead
- Entrepreneur
- Board Member
Zarren Zafiro
Sales Engineer
LinMot USA
Education:
- Bachelor's
Functional Roles:
- Engineering
- Sales
- Project Management
Leadership Roles:
- Team Lead
Resources for Getting Started in the Automation Industry
Explore these resources to jumpstart your career, connect with automation experts, and gain valuable insight into the technologies shaping the future of work.
Ask the Experts
Join the A3 NextGen Forum to connect with automation professionals and get personalized career guidance.
Workforce Development
Discover training programs and initiatives designed to close the skills gab in automation.
Career Center
Find job listens, internships, and career advancement opportunities across the automation industry.
Video: Solving the Skills Gap
Watch how industry and education are collaborating to prepare the next generation of automation talent.
AI Degrees & Universities
Explore programs shaping the future of artificial intelligence and automation innovation.
Contact A3 NextGen
Have questions? Reach out to our team to learn more about mentorship opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to connect within the automation community.