The authors explored the mentoring experiences of two women in higher education who are working at different levels within a research institution. Traditional mentoring relationships which pair graduate students or junior faculty with a single mentor matched by gender, race, research interest have not produced unilateral success for dedicated protégés. Alternatives to traditional mentoring have produced positive results for participants through supports which better match the needs of women and minority graduate students and junior faculty. Yet, few organized efforts to develop successful alternative approaches to traditional mentoring exist.