A Decade of Impact: A Founder’s Reflections and Vision Ahead
As I sit here today, contemplating the past decade of Women Back to Work (WBW), I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of pride and gratitude. Although it was several years ago, it seems just like yesterday when I made the fulfilling decision to pause my career to raise my daughter. Time has a way of blurring the lines between past and present, reminding us how pivotal certain moments can be.
What I hadn’t anticipated was the challenges I would encounter when I was ready to return to the professional world. The process was daunting, isolating, and often felt like an uphill battle.
I discovered a stark reality: many capable, talented women face similar obstacles when attempting to re-enter the workforce. This personal experience became the driving force behind the creation of Women Back to Work. It ignited a deeply personal mission: to challenge the notion that a career break diminishes a woman’s value and create a world where all women are given equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of their career breaks.
What began as a simple idea – a belief that women returning to the workforce deserve support and opportunities to rebuild their careers – has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined. It’s not just a program; it’s a movement that has impacted thousands of lives, created career paths, and planted seeds of hope for a future generation of women to weave in and out of the workforce as life happens.
These ten years have been a journey filled with ups and downs. From navigating economic upheavals, adapting through a global pandemic and embracing the ever-shifting dynamics of the workplace. Through it all – WBW has stayed true to our mission – to help women land back on their feet, restore their confidence, gain financial independence and take ownership of their professional narratives once again.
Every job for our returner represents a powerful story, the woman who dared to dream again, the family overjoyed by her return to work, the community uplifted by her success. These stories are the heart and soul of WBW, fueling our unwavering resolve to empower women and create a brighter future for all.
As we commemorate this milestone, we also acknowledge that there is so much more to be done.
2025 isn’t just another year for us -it’s the beginning of a bold new chapter.
- 10th Year Conference – mark Thursday August 21st on your calendar for our Return-to-Work Conference that will bring Returners and companies together.
- Establishing an Industry Advisory Board to guide our strategies and amplify our impact.
- Introducing cutting-edge tools, including AI-powered interview assessments, to better equip returners for the challenges of today’s competitive job market.
- Deepening partnerships – with leading companies to create pathways for those returning to work. Elevating our Power Hours that have set the industry trend.
To our Corporate Partners: Thank you for believing in this mission. Your support goes far beyond hiring – it transforms lives, reshapes futures, and helps build organizations that thrive through equitable and inclusive workplaces.
To Friends, Advocates, Allies, Mentors and Champions: Thank you for your confidence, the immense inspiration and believing in what we do. There are so many of you who made a positive difference.
To our Returners: You are the heart of this journey. Your courage to take that first step, your resilience to rise above challenges, and your determination to rebuild your careers inspire us every single day. We are committed to standing by you every step of the way, helping you reclaim your rightful place in the workforce.
To Akraya and WBW Team: Thank you for continuing to deliver 3X Karma and for your care, compassion and confidence in our Returner communities.
As I reflect on these 10 years, I can’t help but think about the legacy we’re building—not just for today’s returners, but for the young women watching us. Our daughters, the next generation of dreamers, and changemakers. Together, we are shaping a world where career breaks are seen not as barriers, but as opportunities to grow and come back stronger.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to celebrating a decade of impact—and to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.