Empowering Careers Through Connection and Growth: WBW Power Hour 2024
For over a decade, Akraya’s Women Back to Work (WBW) has proudly hosted the Power Hour, a virtual event that bridges borders and inspires career comebacks. This signature program reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering returners through mentoring, knowledge-sharing, and skill-building. Participants worldwide—including the UK, India, Ukraine, Spain, and Iran—gather to gain the tools and confidence needed to restart fulfilling careers.
Why Power Hour Matters
The purpose of Power Hour is clear: to empower returners on their journey back to the workforce by providing essential support, mentoring, and career guidance at no cost. This program, created with an unwavering commitment to accessibility, allows returners to connect with industry experts and benefit from mentorship that enhances their skills, confidence, and career readiness. Power Hour or PH is more than just a weekly event —it’s a safe space where returners can explore growth opportunities, ask questions, and learn from those who have successfully navigated their professional paths. Each session is designed to provide tangible takeaways for career growth while offering a supportive community that champions their success.
Returners gain invaluable insights into their readiness to reenter the workforce through regular check-ins. By understanding their mindset and level of upskilling, we can tailor our support to ensure they are fully prepared to triumphantly return to their careers.
Here’s Why Your Organization Should Be Part of This Impact:
- Expand Your Talent Pool: Engage with skilled returners who are eager to re-enter the workforce and make a meaningful impact.
- Build Brand Equity: Showcase your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by supporting initiatives that empower career growth.
- Connect with Experts: Collaborate with leaders and innovators who share your vision of a more inclusive workforce.
Highlights from This Year’s Power Hour
This year’s Power Hour tackled critical skills and insights needed in today’s job market. From mastering job search strategies to industry-specific workshops, every session empowered participant to reimagine their career potential.
- The Job Hunt Masterclass with Meena Meyyappan
- WBW Leadership Workshop with Veronica Taylor
- From Data to Data Science with Amitha Krishnappa
- Santa Clara County Returnship Program
- Careers in UX: “Your Comeback Starts Here with Kelly Rader
- Cybersecurity Comeback featuring industry leader Ronit Polak
- WBW x JPMorgan Chase: Financial Literacy – Women as Wealth Creators
- Network & Shine: Networking Essentials with Nehal Mehta
- Mastering QA: A Special Session with Nandini Srinivasan
- Unlocking Product Success Secrets by Visa Product Leader, Nidhi Wadmark
- Ace Your Next Product Management Interview with Cisco’s Senior Product Manager, Amith Ronad
- Hiring Insights for Returners with Srikanth Ranganamyna, a seasoned Engineering Leader at Meta
- Ignite your Inner power, firing up Confidence from Within with Chuck Siu VP at Anaplan.
Additionally, we were thrilled to host insightful sessions like a LinkedIn Live and a Fireside Chat featuring Hannah Gordon and our very own Sonu Ratra. These discussions provided our returners with industry insights, inspiration, and a glimpse into the paths of successful professionals. Notably, our very own Akraya and WBW team members also took center stage as speakers and panelists, contributing invaluable perspectives and demonstrating our organization’s deep commitment to career empowerment.
A Special Thanks to Our Community
As we conclude another successful year, we thank our community of speakers, mentors, and returners. Your trust, commitment, and insights continue to drive the extraordinary impact of Power Hour.
If you’re looking to make a difference and connect with incredible talent, let’s explore how your organization can join WBW in empowering careers through connection and growth.
Looking Forward to the Next Chapter
We’re excited to wrap up this year’s Power Hour in the spirit of the holidays, ending on a reflective note with sessions on meditation and mindfulness. As we look to the future, WBW remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities, fostering growth, and building a supportive community for returners. The journey doesn’t stop here. As we plan for 2025, we invite you to collaborate, contribute, and make Power Hour an even greater success. Let’s continue to build a future where every returner can achieve their career goals with confidence.