Dear At-Large Staff and ALAC Appointee Selection Subcommittee, I am writing to express my interest in serving as a NextGen@ICANN Program Mentor for the ICANN85-87 cycle. My unique blend of technical expertise, engineering background, business acumen, and extensive non-profit sector experience positions me especially well to guide and support the next generation of ICANN community participants. My master’s degree in business, built on an engineering foundation and deep technology expertise, has given me a valuable skill: effectively translating between technical specialists and wider audiences. This capability is essential for NextGen participants who must navigate ICANN’s complex technical landscape while engaging with policy, governance, and community perspectives. With my non-profit sector background, I understand ICANN’s multistakeholder model and the significance of serving the public interest. I am committed to helping NextGen participants find meaningful ways to contribute within this unique ecosystem. My non-profit experience has instilled in me the value of patient mentorship, inclusive engagement, and capacity-building among emerging leaders—qualities that are fundamental to this role. As many are aware, I am a Seventh-day Adventist and observe Sabbath hours, during which I am unavailable for meetings. I see this as an opportunity for ICANN to further demonstrate its commitment to diversity and inclusion by accommodating religious observances. This commitment can set a positive example for NextGen participants, showing how ICANN values and respects individuals of all backgrounds and faiths. I would be honored to serve as an ALAC-appointed NextGen@ICANN Program Mentor and contribute to the growth and diversity of our community. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Adrian Schmidt, EcE, MBA Naralo Secretariat On Mon, Sep 29, 2025 at 4:22 PM Heidi Ullrich via NA-Discuss < na-discuss@icann.org> wrote:
Dear All,
On behalf of Jonathan Zuck, ALAC Chair, this is a call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for persons to apply for the position of NextGen Mentor.
The NextGen@ICANN Program seeks nominations to fill three (3) slots for the 2026 Mentor Program. These appointments will serve for the ICANN85-87 meetings. Please note that the ALAC will be able to fill *one slot. *.
*NextGen@ICANN Program Mentoring*
The NextGen@ICANN Program Mentoring process helps participants to prepare for the NextGen@ICANN experience and strengthens the relationship between NextGen and the ICANN community.
ICANN provides travel funding (including hotel accommodation and a stipend) for up to three SO/AC-appointed mentors to attend an ICANN Public Meeting <https://meetings.icann.org/en/> as a NextGen@ICANN Program mentor.
Mentors support up to four NextGen@ICANN participants per meeting. Mentors will assist newcomers to become actively involved in the ICANN community and its policy development processes, working groups, and regional work.
Mentors are expected to devote considerable time to pre-meeting preparation with their mentees, to offer advice and networking support and regular check-ins on-site, and to complete evaluations following the meeting. Based on previous estimates, mentors spend about 40 hours during the six-week period in advance of the meeting and about 10 hours on-site at the ICANN meeting. For more information about the role of a mentor, see ICANN NextGen Program Mentoring Guidelines <https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/nextgen-mentoring-guidelines-13s...> .
*Interested At-Large Members are requested to send their Expression of Interest (EOI) to At-Large Staff no later than Tuesday, 7 October 2025 by 23:59 UTC. *The ALAC Appointee Selection Subcommittee (AASC) will review the EOIs and notify the ALAC of their selections. *ALAC Nominations must be submitted to the NextGen Support Staff no later than Thursday, 7 November 2025.*
Kind regards,
At-Large staff
*Heidi Ullrich, PhD*
VP, Policy Development & At-Large Relations
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Mobile: +1 310 437 3956
Fax: +1 310 823 8649
Website: atlarge.icann.org
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