For many young women, the hardest part about starting a career isn’t ambition, but rather, awareness and access. If you don’t know what job opportunities exist, don’t have connections to professionals in corporate fields, or lack a mentor to guide you, how can  you know what’s possible — or even where to begin?

The Future Leaders program was designed to address these questions. Launched as a mentorship program for high school girls, Future Leaders is a  collaboration between Rakuten International, the Golden State Warriors, and Girls Inc. of Alameda County. 

Now in its eighth year, Future Leaders gives participants a year-long mentorship experience that helps them understand professional pathways and take their first steps toward them. The program pairs high school girls with mentors from the Golden State Warriors and Rakuten to expand exposure, build confidence, and strengthen professional skills. Through hands-on workshops, professional development sessions, career panels, and one-on-one mentorship, participants gain insight into industries spanning sports, technology, marketing, and business.

“Connecting these young women to mentorship and career paths is a powerful way to help them move confidently into the next part of their journey,” said Rhea Wadia, Director of Sports and Entertainment at Rakuten Rewards.

Let’s take a look back at our  2025-2026 Future Leaders and look forward to the 2026-2027 cohort! 

The Future Leaders Experience

The eighth edition of the Future Leaders program kicked off in March 2025 with an immersive two-day mentorship experience.

The day began with a shopping experience, equipping these young women with professional attire for interviews, presentations, and any other important milestone where they want to look and feel their best. participants had the opportunity to take professional headshots, a crucial first step for building a personal brand. The experience ended with a behind-the-scenes look at the Warriors corporate operations, offering a firsthand look at the range of careers that power a global sports organization.

After the day ended, one participant reflected, “Learning from professionals in different roles helped me visualize the type of professional I want to be.”

The Importance of Your Personal Brand

The second session focused on helping participants reflect on elements that are central to their growth: their unique identity, their skills, and who they are as individuals. 

Through interactive workshops and mentorship discussions, participants explored the concept of personal branding. With guidance from Rakuten mentors, participants started to craft personal elevator pitches and identify their  personal growth goals.

From Pitch to Paper

The third session of the year focused on resumes and personal elevator pitches. 

During this session, participants worked with mentors to learn the fundamentals of crafting one-page resumes and telling their story with confidence and clarity. 

 Passing of the Torch

The year-long program culminated in a graduation ceremony in February 2026 to celebrate all the young women who spent the year with us. 

Designed as a “Passing of the Torch,” the event honored the graduating cohort while empowering them to serve as early guides and role models for the next incoming class of Future Leaders.

The program opened with a welcome reception, bringing together mentors, mentees, and partners from Rakuten and the Golden State Warriors. Velena Jones, an Emmy Award-winning reporter at NBC Bay Area (KNTV), emceed the night and reflected on the program’s legacy, “After a year of mentorship, these young women are stepping into leadership with confidence and purpose.”

Later, participants showcased their personal profiles, demonstrating how their elevator pitches, resumes, and leadership reflections had evolved over the year.

Looking Ahead to 2026-2027 Future Leaders 

Every year, the partnership deepens and reinforces the Warriors, Girl’s Inc., and Rakuten International’s shared long-term commitment to uplift our community. This year, the Future Leaders program continues as part of the Warriors’ Women’s Empowerment Month celebrations. Women’s Empowerment Month, and Women’s Month in general, is a meaningful moment to celebrate progress, elevate voices, and create greater opportunity for the next generation. 

At Rakuten International, we’re dedicated to building a more equitable future by empowering underrepresented talent through career development, mentorship, and strategic partnerships like with the Warriors. As we look ahead to the 2026 cohort, we are committed, energized, and excited for what’s to come. 

Learn more about how Rakuten International supports career advancement and community equity here.

‍