NEW YORK, NY (September 24, 2007)—The redesigned Magazine Mentoring Exchange (MME), a self-service, web-based mentoring program developed for members of the magazine community, now features MySpace-like personalized profiles that encourage further self-expression, interaction and collaboration, it was announced today by Shaunice Hawkins, Vice President/Diversity & Multicultural Initiatives, Magazine Publishers of America (MPA).

As magazine brands extend deeper into the digital space, so do their workforces, said Ms. Hawkins. We revamped our Magazine Mentoring Exchange to reflect that new digital reality and to make the process of connecting with colleagues and potential mentors and mentees not only easier, but more enjoyable as well.

The new edition of MME, engineered by Mentor Scout, a division of Nobscot Corporation, gives users the ability to create both a mentoring and a networking profile with options that include linking to colleagues, adding listings to a Favorites page, inviting people to events and gatherings, and asking questions or posting notices to the community.  MME members can also perform simple and advanced searches to ensure that participants find the best mentoring match for individual needs and competencies.

MME was first launched in 2006 to facilitate developmental relationships between more experienced, senior-level magazine professionals and those who are less experienced but looking for guidance to advance their careers.  This form of networking was also established to help improve employee retention and reduce turnover as studies have shown that mentoring programs boost job satisfaction, productivity, connection to an organizations mission.

MME is available to members of MPA and the American Society of Magazine Editors. More information on MME is available on www.magazine.org/diversity.