Carla Tonzo, 2020 Woman of Courage Awardee

Ten years ago, as Carla Tonzo was looking to get back into the workforce, she learned about Pennsylvania Women Work. After participating in several of the organization’s services, she embarked on a decade-long career as a medical receptionist with a hands-on approach and a love for helping people.

Carla had recently started a new job after her previous employer had retired, when her position was downsized due to COVID-19. “I was only there a few months. When I got the news, I felt a whole range of emotions – shock, disappointment and anger,” Carla reflected. 

Carla dove into a challenging and unsuccessful job search, getting calls for interviews but not landing a single one.

Carla was struggling. “I was down. I had no idea what to do next,” she explained. Then, she remembered the skills she learned years ago from Pennsylvania Women Work. She discovered the organization was now offering its New Choices career development program virtually and decided to sign up.

Carla found she was surrounded by others experiencing the same challenges. “It helped knowing I had company," she remembered. “I realized that I wasn’t going through this alone, and it made all the difference.”

During New Choices, Carla learned to articulate her skills, revised her resume, discovered new job opportunities and connected with her classmates. After New Choices, Carla participated in a virtual mock interview and joined an Employer Meet & Greet session, which helped refine her networking and interview skills.

“Programs like this are valuable, helping job-seekers regain their confidence and learn to network,” she shared.

She was recently hired as a receptionist at UPMC and started her new job in October.
​
“I am so thankful for the help and support,” Carla said. “The guidance I received helped me to make lasting
professional connections and find a career I can be proud of.”

---