“I left New Choices feeling like I could write an effective resume, and I learned that you need to personalize your resume based on the position you are applying for,” Danelle said.
Next, Danelle connected with a professional mentor through 3 Cups of Coffee. During their three meetings, Danelle and her mentor, Sarah, focused on strengthening her resume even more. “My mentor was hugely helpful,” said Danelle. “She took the time to review my resume and help me pair down all my experience to the most relevant skills for the positions I was applying for. ” Shortly after, Danelle accepted a position as the Lead Strategic Implementation Consultant for The Learning Loft where she evaluates the curriculum and instruction to students. “Up until my employer closed, I had a very successful and impactful career, working with vulnerable communities,” said Danelle. “It’s really important to me that my skills are benefiting communities in need, and I feel like I am getting that from my work at The Learning Loft.” Danelle remains eager to share the resources that supported her career change with organizations and friends. “I feel like there are a lot of women in their 40s, a lot of women like me, that are asking ‘what’s next for me?’” said Danelle. “In my moment of chaos it was nice to be able to have an organization to reach out to.”
“My mentor, Joel Laudenslager, was no-nonsense and one hundred percent kind,” said Michael. “He gave me confidence without telling me to be confident.”
During the three mentoring sessions, Michael’s mentor helped refine his resume, discuss interview skills, and sort through job postings. “I recall during our third session, I had six jobs to apply for and there was one I looked at that I didn’t feel qualified for,” said Michael. “Joel told me to apply for it and that is my job today.” “It can feel daunting,” Michael remembers, “journeying through the job market without industry connections or support. It can leave job seekers with feelings of “strong unworthiness.” Michael was hired as the Lead Analyst in the Middle Office of BNY Mellon where he continues to challenge himself and further grow his career. “I am so thankful for the opportunity that 3 Cups of Coffee offered,” said Michael. “PA Women Work is there for you whether you're unemployed, underemployed, or looking for a career transition.” He stays connected with the PA Women Work community as an active 3 Cups of Coffee mentor, always eager to connect with other professionals and job seekers as they navigate career challenges and obstacles. If you are interested in learning more about the 3 Cups of Coffee program, please visit the program webpage. Thank you to our 3 Cups of Coffee funders for making stories like Michael’s possible: Arby’s Foundation | Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation | CNX Foundation | J. Jill Compassion Fund| Arconic Foundation | Aerie Real Foundation | United Way Community Impact Grants. ![]() After a successful start to her career, Jen made the tough decision to take a step back from work to raise her children and support her aging mother. Nearly 21 years later, Jen was ready to re-enter the workforce but was unsure where to begin. “I was really intimidated. It threw my confidence for a loop,” Jen said. She discovered PA Women Work’s 3 Cups of Coffee program and was connected with a volunteer mentor, Midori Vasquez. The two found common ground in their first meeting and built a relationship from there. “We initially started talking about our personal life. We have children about the same age. She explained to me she was out of the workforce for 18 years. And I’m thinking, okay, there are other people out there like me,” Jen remembered. Feeling uncertain of what her next step should be, Jen and Midori worked together to revise her resume, discuss opportunities she’d be qualified for, and set achievable goals. “She helped me understand that she couldn’t do it for me. I had to do it myself. But she gave me the tools and the encouragement,” Jen said. “She had the confidence in herself, I just helped her find it again,” Midori said. Shortly after beginning the program, Jen received a job offer from Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory and looks forward to continuing her career growth and achieving her goals. “Getting that acceptance letter was, do I say I felt whole again? I felt like I did this. I did this for myself. I have had a smile on my face ever since,” Jen said. To learn more about 3 Cups of Coffee, visit www.3cupsofcoffee.org. Jen was one of our 2023 Client Empowerment Award winners at Circle of Hope. Watch her full story below. |