The Power of the Comeback: Women Back to Work Conference 2025 Recap

The Women Back to Work (WBW) Conference 2025 was not just another event — it was a defining moment. Returners, employers, and allies came together to prove that career breaks are not endings but launchpads. Every packed session, every inspiring speaker, and every connection in the networking zone reinforced a truth we’ve championed for a decade: talent doesn’t fade, it transforms, and it is driving the future of work.

Opening with Purpose

The day began with a welcome from Mayor Lisa Gillmor of Santa Clara, who reminded us that when women return to work, entire communities thrive.

That spirit carried into the keynote from Sara Morales, SVP of People and Communities at Cisco. In “More Than a Comeback: Why Your Story and Skills Are the Future of Tech,” Sara reminded every returner in the room that their journey back isn’t just personal, it’s shaping the future of industries.

Conversations that Shifted Perspectives

The morning program unfolded as a series of moments that challenged assumptions and sparked new ways of thinking about talent and opportunity.

The panel on “Why Hiring Returners Is Good for Business,” moderated by WBW Founder Sonu Ratra, brought together leaders from Infoblox, Pfizer, Cisco, and Palo Alto Networks. Their message was unmistakable: returners are not a side initiative; they are a strategic advantage. Companies that embrace them are not just filling roles; they are fuelling innovation.

That theme of reimagining careers continued with Sangeeta Ramakrishnan of Cisco, who spoke about non-linear careers in an AI-transformed industry. Her perspective hit home: in a world where technology evolves daily, the ability to pivot and adapt is not a weakness, it is the new definition of expertise.

Then came the heart of the conference: How I Did It: Returners Share Their Journeys Back to Work. This panel featured women who had taken career breaks and successfully navigated their way back into the workforce. Hearing their stories offered the audience both inspiration and practical insight into what the return-to-work journey really looks like. The stories reminded us that returning is not about starting over, it is about moving forward with resilience and strength.

Finally, Bhaskar Jayakrishnan of Cisco closed the morning with a spotlight talk that echoed across the room: “Tech is evolving and so are we.” For every returner listening, those words were not just about the industry, they were about them.

Equipping Returners for What’s Next

If the morning was about inspiration, the afternoon was about action. Every session gave returners tools they could put to work immediately.

The panel on “Skills to Stand Out in a Competitive Market” brought together leaders from Google, LinkedIn, and Nutanix. They offered a candid look at what employers are prioritizing today and how returners can rise above the noise. The advice was clear: know your strengths, sharpen your expertise, and make them visible.

Next, Lisa Meadows of Pfizer delivered a lightning talk on “Communicating Your Value with Confidence.” Her message was a reminder that career growth does not rely on skills alone. It also requires the ability to tell your story with clarity and conviction.

The day closed with a panel on “How to Prepare for Interviews,” moderated by Pam Banerjee, featuring leaders from Infoblox, Lucid Motors, Netflix, and OpenAI. Their insights turned what is often the most intimidating part of the return-to-work journey into a structured, manageable process. For many in the room, it replaced uncertainty with a game plan.

Where Careers and Connections Took Shape

The energy of the day reached its peak in the Career Fair and Networking Zone. Returners stepped into conversations with hiring leaders, recruiters, and program managers from across industries. These were not passing introductions. They were meaningful exchanges that opened doors, redefined career paths, and sparked opportunities that will ripple far beyond the conference.

The Heroes Behind the Conference

This conference was not only powered by the voices at the podium but by the relentless commitment of those who ensured the lights came on, the panels ran seamlessly, and every returner felt welcomed. To our unsung heroes who poured time, energy, and heart into this event, we offer our deepest gratitude. This success belongs to you as much as it belongs to the returners we serve.

Looking Ahead

The WBW Conference 2025 was a single event. It was the beginning of countless comebacks. Returners left with renewed confidence, sharper skills, and valuable connections. Employers left with proof that the returner talent pool is not only strong but one of the most untapped sources of innovation in today’s workforce.

As we look forward, the mission remains clear. We will continue to create spaces where career breaks are not barriers but stepping stones to new opportunities. Because when returners thrive, companies grow stronger, industries innovate, and the future of work is transformed for everyone.