After a decade in the United States, Jenny couldn’t seem to find her footing in a career she loved. A trained chemical engineer with years of experience in the oil and gas industry, she found it challenging to get back into the field where she could put her talents and skills to use.
“When I moved to the U.S., I became ‘a housewife,’ which was something I had never wanted,” she shared.
Over the years, Jenny worked hard, exploring different roles, while raising her daughter and supporting her family through multiple positions, set-backs and layoffs. During COVID, she launched a catering business rooted in her Colombian heritage. But when health challenges forced her to close it, she was heartbroken and stuck.
“I was overwhelmed, sad, mad… it felt like I was losing,” she said.
Jenny refused to quit. She invested in herself by taking English classes, earning Google certifications, and exploring new career paths. Through her involvement at Literacy Pittsburgh, she ultimately discovered PA Women Work.
Through PWW programs like New Choices and 3 Cups of Coffee, and with one-on-one coaching from her career coach, Hilda, Jenny began to regain her confidence. “Hilda wanted me to shine, she never stopped rooting for me. When you have that person next to you, you feel like you can do it.”
With PA Women Work’s support, Jenny refined her resume, strengthened her networking skills, and prepared for new opportunities. With her rediscovered confidence, she attended a national engineering conference where an unexpected connection led to a job offer.
Today, Jenny works as a Quality Control employee at AECOM. While the transition hasn’t been easy, she embraces the challenge: “It’s challenging—but in a good way.”
Looking back, Jenny reflects on her journey with pride: “I showed myself I can do this… it’s incredible.”
Thank you to the generous funders who make stories like Jenny’s possible, including those who fund our 3 Cups of Coffee Program – The Pittsburgh Foundation, The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Aerie Real Foundation, Inspire Brands, and Eaton.