Not Just a Profile—Your LinkedIn Is Your Professional First Impression

 

Power Up Your LinkedIn: Returner-Friendly Tips to Get Noticed Before the Conference

If you’re attending the Women Back to Work Conference this August, chances are you’ve already dusted off your resume. That’s a strong start. But there’s another tool that speaks for you—sometimes even before you’ve said a word.

 

Your LinkedIn profile.

 

For returners, especially those who’ve taken a career break, LinkedIn can feel intimidating. Maybe it’s been a while. Maybe you’re not sure what to say about the gap. But here’s the truth: your story deserves to be out there. And the right updates can make a real difference—before, during, and after the conference.

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Start With Your Headline (Yes, You Can Write Your Own)

Your headline doesn’t have to be your most recent job title—especially if that title was from several years ago. Instead, think of your headline as a short sentence that tells recruiters what you do or want to do next.

Examples:

Product Manager | Skilled in Agile, Stakeholder Communication, and Data-Driven Decision-Making

Talent Acquisition Professional | Passionate About People, Process, and Purpose

Marketing Returner | Ready to Reenter with Skills in Branding, Campaign Strategy & Content

Tip: Avoid “Seeking Opportunities” in the headline—focus on what you bring, not what you’re asking for.

Step 2: Use Your Summary to Tell Your Story

This section is where you connect the dots—your experience, your break, and where you’re headed next. Keep it conversational but clear.

A simple framework:

What are you great at?

What kind of roles are you excited about?

What did you do during your break that reflects your values, skills, or growth?

Example:

I’m a communications professional with 10+ years of experience in brand storytelling, public relations, and content strategy. After a fulfilling career break focused on caregiving and personal development, I’m ready to return to work. During my time away, I stayed active through volunteer work, took courses in digital marketing, and continued freelance writing. I’m excited to bring my skills—and fresh perspective—to a mission-driven team.

Step 3: Complete the Experience Section (Yes, You Can Include a Career Break)

Leaving a gap is more confusing than addressing it. Here’s how to do it professionally and confidently.

Example Entry:

Career Break | 2019–2024

Focused on caregiving, skill-building, and volunteer leadership. During this time, I completed coursework in project management and led a PTA fundraising campaign that raised over $10,000.

If you’ve volunteered, freelanced, consulted, or taken courses during your break—list them! These are experiences. They count.

Step 4: Skills, Courses & Certifications—This Is Where You Shine

LinkedIn allows you to add up to 50 skills. Start with 10–15 that align with the roles you’re targeting. Add any courses or certifications you’ve completed—even if they were free or self-paced.

Some ideas to get you started:

Project Management

Salesforce CRM

Google Analytics

DEI Awareness

Conflict Resolution

Event Planning

Copywriting

Team Leadership

Time Management (yes, it’s a real skill—especially for parents)

Step 5: Add a Professional Photo and Custom URL

Your profile photo doesn’t have to be professionally shot—just clear, friendly, and recent. A simple headshot with good lighting and a plain background works perfectly.

Bonus tip: Customize your profile link (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname) to look polished and be easier to share.

Step 6: Start Showing Up—Before the Conference

Your profile is your foundation, but your presence matters too. As the WBW Conference approaches:

Connect with other returners you meet in Power Hour sessions.

Follow companies attending the conference.

React to or comment on posts in your industry.

Share a short post about your return-to-work journey if you’re comfortable.

Being active helps employers find you. It also helps you feel part of the conversation again.

 

You don’t need a perfect profile. You need a real one—one that reflects where you’ve been, what you’ve learned, and where you’re ready to go next. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

 

Want more support building your professional presence before August?

Join us for Power Hour Tuesdays and don’t forget to register for the Women Back to Work Conference on August 21, 2025—your next opportunity might be waiting there.

 

Your Return-to-Work Resume: How to Showcase Skills That Matter

Build a Resume That Opens Doors—Even After a Career Break

If you’re reading this, you’re likely preparing for something big- returning to the workforce after a career break. Maybe you stepped away for caregiving, personal growth, or life circumstances that required your full attention. Whatever your path, you bring value. And your resume? It should reflect that.

This isn’t about “filling a gap.” It’s about showing up with your full story—skills, experience, and all the ways you’ve stayed sharp, capable, and ready to contribute again.

At Women Back to Work (WBW), we’ve supported hundreds of professionals on their reentry journey. With our upcoming Conference and returner-focused programming, including Power Hour Tuesdays and specialized Returnships, it’s the perfect time to make your resume work as hard as you do.

 

How to Build a Conference-Ready Resume (Even After a Career Break)

1. Start with a Strong Summary Statement

Your summary is your headline—make it count. In 2–3 concise sentences, speak directly to who you are now and what you bring. Focus on strengths, experience, and readiness for your next role.

📌 Example:
“Project manager with 10+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams. Recently completed professional development courses in Agile and stakeholder communication. Eager to return to the workforce and contribute immediately in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.”

 

2. Add a “Career Break” Section with Intention

Don’t hide the gap—own it. A dedicated section allows you to explain your time away in a professional, positive light.

📌 Example:
Career Break | 2020–2024
Focused on caregiving, professional development, and volunteer leadership. Completed online coursework in data analytics. Led school fundraising events and community programs requiring project planning, budgeting, and public speaking.

 

3. Translate All Experience—Paid or Unpaid

If you managed a household, led a PTA committee, organized a fundraiser, or mentored peers—you developed valuable, transferable skills. Employers care less about where you gained your experience and more about what you can do with it.

Try to pull out skills like:

• Project Management
• Budgeting
• Stakeholder Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Event Coordination
• Digital Tools (Google Workspace, CRM platforms, etc.)

 

4. Use a Hybrid Resume Format

Returners benefit from a skills-based or hybrid resume format, which highlights what you can do before diving into where you’ve worked.

Resume Structure:

• Professional Summary
• Key Skills
• Career Highlights or Volunteer Work
• Career Break
• Education & Certifications

This structure helps you lead with your strengths, not your timeline.

 

5. Tailor Your Resume for Every Role

Your resume isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a tool to show why you’re right for a specific job. Study job descriptions. Pull out key skills. Use industry-specific keywords to help your resume pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

✏️ Pro tip: Save different versions of your resume for different roles. Use WBW’s Power Hour sessions to get real-time feedback on how to do this effectively.

 

Need Extra Motivation?

Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or getting conference-ready, now’s the time to get your resume in shape.

Your resume is your re-entry tool. Make it honest, confident, and tailored to your goals. Include everything that shows your growth, not just your job titles. Let it tell the story of where you’ve been and where you’re headed.

 

Don’t just read about change—be part of it.

Come to the Women Back to Work Conference and meet returner-friendly employers, attend hands-on sessions, and take one step closer to your comeback

Register today and take the next step in your career journey.
📍 August 21, 2025 | Santa Clara, CA

 

Pre-Conference 101

You’ve signed up—or you’re close.
You’ve circled August 21, 2025, on your calendar.
Now you’re wondering: What should I be doing between now and then?

The Women Back to Work Conference isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a full-circle comeback experience. And the best way to make the most of it is to start preparing now, with support every step of the way.

This is Pre-Conference 101—your roadmap to showing up strong, clear, and confident.

 

Step 1: Make the Time—For You

You’re investing in your return. Treat it like the priority it is.
Carve out time each week—30 minutes, maybe an hour—to start preparing. It doesn’t have to be perfect. But it does have to be yours.

 

Step 2: Your Goal? Get Interviews.

Let’s be clear: You’re attending this conference to land interviews.

Yes, the confidence boost matters. Yes, the inspiration is real.
But the ultimate goal? To meet returner-friendly employers and walk away with actual interview opportunities.

This isn’t just a feel-good event. It’s a strategic opportunity to:

• Get your name in front of hiring teams
• Make real connections with companies that value your experience
• Turn conversations into callbacks

So, as you prep, keep asking yourself:
Will this help me land interviews?
That question should shape every choice you make—from how you show up at Power Hour to which sessions you attend.

You’re not here to browse. You’re here to get back in.
And interviews are the bridge.

 

Step 3: Commit to the Weekly Power Hours

Every Tuesday, we host a Power Hour: a virtual, supportive, and insight-packed session designed to get you conference-ready.

These aren’t webinars. They’re workshops—with returners, coaches, and real talk about:

• Telling your story with confidence (yes, including the career break)
• What returner-friendly employers want
• Building a strong resume and LinkedIn presence
• Asking hard questions in a no-judgment zone
• Hearing directly from those who’ve walked this path

Each session builds on the last.
Some focus on mindset, others on strategy. All of them matter.

Make Tuesdays your comeback day.
And yes—our July Power Hours will go deeper to help you walk into the conference fully prepared. But the entire series leading up to August matters. Don’t wait for the last one—start now, build momentum, and show up ready.

 

Step 4: Start Updating Your Resume & LinkedIn—Progress Over Perfection

This is the part many women hesitate about. It’s okay.

You don’t have to have it all figured out—but taking small, steady steps now helps you build confidence for later.

Our Power Hours will help you:

• Clarify your headline and positioning
• Translate volunteer and unpaid work into relevant experience
• Identify your strengths—even if they feel hidden
• Reflect where you’re headed, not just where you’ve been

You don’t need a gap-free story. You need a true one, told with strength.

 

Step 5: Start Engaging—Early and Often

The conference is where everything comes together—but the return starts before you walk into the room.

• Attend Power Hours
• Reply to WBW emails
• Ask questions
• Use LinkedIn to follow speakers and returners

Every little step now makes the bigger step easier later. You’re not just showing up—you’re building your runway.

You’ve decided to reenter. Let us help you do it with intention.

 

 

Take Your First Step Now

✅ Register for the WBW Conference 2025
📍 Santa Clara, CA | 🗓 August 21, 2025
Workshops. Job Fair. Real Talk. Real Returners.

You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting strong.
And you don’t have to do it alone.

 

How Returners Bring Transferable Skills That Boost Team Performance

Hiring today is all about speed: fast sourcing, fast onboarding, fast results. But in that rush, many companies overlook one of the most strategic hires they could make—professionals returning to the workforce after a career break.

Returners aren’t a “maybe.” They’re a missed opportunity. And their biggest strength? Transferable skills that elevate teams in ways few new hires can.

 

These Aren’t Just Soft Skills — They’re Real-World Superpowers

Returners bring more than just previous job titles—they bring real skills forged by experience and adaptability you won’t find in textbooks.

Here’s what they bring to the table:

• Leading projects and teams, even if not officially “management”
• Staying adaptable and focused through life’s curveballs (like a career break)
• Navigating complex relationships and communicating across teams
• Resolving conflicts and collaborating at every level
• Leading with empathy that makes a real impact

If you want teammates who thrive under pressure and juggle multiple priorities without drama, returners have already been there.

 

The Team Glue You Didn’t Know You Needed

What happens when you embed a returner into a team?

They listen. They observe. And then, they integrate—fast.

They don’t need handholding or ego boosts. Most have already navigated multiple life transitions, industries, or roles. That makes them incredibly easy to work with—and often the quiet coaches helping less experienced teammates find their voice.

We’ve seen it time and again: returners become the unofficial mentors, the reliable teammates, the ones who ask the smart questions that get overlooked. They raise the bar for everyone around them.

 

Transferable Skills That Pay Off from Day One

Hiring returners is a smart business move that pays off immediately:

• Quick to contribute: They already know the ropes and get up to speed fast.
• Team boosters: Their mix of experience and fresh perspective fuels smarter collaboration.
• Loyal and invested: Returners tend to stay longer and grow with your company.
• Innovators with perspective: Many returners come with updated skills on top of their solid real-world foundation.

In short, hiring a returner is not just filling a role—it’s adding someone who delivers real results and strengthens your whole team.

 

Don’t Call It a Comeback—Call It a Competitive Edge

The returner talent pool is packed with experienced professionals ready to contribute from day one. All they need is a foot in the door.

Returners don’t just fit in. They lift.

If your company wants to build stronger, smarter teams that grow and thrive, it’s time to rethink who you’re bringing back to work.

If you haven’t tapped into the returner talent pool yet, the Women Back to Work Conference is where you start.

It’s where motivated, performance-ready professionals meet companies ready to think beyond traditional hiring and build smarter, more inclusive teams for the future.

Don’t miss your chance to connect with top-tier returners. Sponsor, support, or show up. Your future talent is waiting.

 

Register today and take the next step in your career comeback.
📍 August 21, 2025 | Santa Clara, CA

 

The Power of Networking—and Why the WBW Conference Is the Right Place to Start

For many professionals returning to the workforce after a career break, the biggest challenge isn’t always the gap on the résumé. It’s the gap in connections.

Careers are often built not just on skills, but on relationships—conversations that lead to referrals, introductions that open doors, and mentors who offer timely advice. In today’s job market, networking remains one of the most effective ways to discover opportunities, gain insights, and rebuild professional confidence.

 

Why Networking Matters More Than Ever

While job boards and online applications have their place, many roles—especially at competitive companies—are never posted publicly. Instead, they’re filled through referrals or internal connections. Building a strong professional network can help you access these “hidden” opportunities, while also giving you valuable context about what different companies are looking for.

For returners, networking is also a chance to re-establish your professional identity. Whether it’s catching up with former colleagues or meeting new peers, these conversations help shift the focus from your time away to what you’re ready to do next.

But effective networking isn’t just about asking for help. It’s about exchanging ideas, offering your perspective, and being part of a larger professional community again. And the good news? You don’t have to figure it out on your own.

There’s no shortage of networking advice out there—but not all of it speaks to the unique experience of returning to work after a career break. That’s why we’ve put together a networking guide tailored specifically for returners.

These are the tips and strategies that resonate with our returner community—practical, relatable, and proven to work. From conversation starters to making the most of networking events like the WBW Conference, it’s a resource worth bookmarking.

Read the full guide here: How to Network – WBW Returner Guide

 

A Conference Designed for Returners

The Women Back to Work 2025 Conference—happening on August 21st in Santa Clara, CA—is built around the idea that returners deserve dedicated spaces to connect, learn, and grow.

At the event, you’ll meet:

• Talent acquisition professionals and hiring managers from leading companies are actively looking to hire returners
• Fellow professionals who understand the return-to-work journey firsthand
• Mentors, speakers, and coaches offering guidance through practical career comeback sessions

Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to start interviewing, this conference is a chance to build relationships that could shape your next step—and the one after that.

 

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Showing Up

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need a perfect elevator pitch. You just need to show up and be open to conversations.

The Women Back to Work Conference offers a supportive, focused environment to do just that—surrounded by people who want to see you succeed.

 

Register today and take the next step in your career comeback.
📍 August 21, 2025 | Santa Clara, CA

Let’s make your return to work a shared success.

Mother’s Day Special

 

A Mother’s Gift of Grit and Conviction Lasts a Lifetime

 

Anand Oswal reflects on lessons he learned from his mother, that made him who he is today.
May 10, 2019

Guest post by: Anand Oswal, Senior Vice President and GM at Palo Alto Networks

It’s a story arc you expect to see in an inspirational movie. Open on a scene of a loving family, husband, wife, and six children, living a modest but comfortable life in a bustling city in India. Dad is an accomplished company accountant with a solid but modest income. Mom is devoted to raising her children, providing a safe home, and cooking as much food as they need to grow and prosper—which is a lot. Continuous education is a central theme for the family, as the mother, having attained a high school-level degree, knows higher education is the key to intellectual and financial growth for decades to come for the children.

The year is 1980 and the youngest son is 5, the oldest daughter is 15. As frequently happens in movies, tragedy tests the family. The father suffers a stroke and soon dies, leaving behind memories and love but not too much more for a family of seven to live on.

 

 

In one storyline, you might expect the father’s extended family in a distant village to rally around the bereaved and provide support. But that would entail leaving the city, the children’s schools and friends, and the opportunities of city life. Trading all that for village life would compromise the siblings’ quality of education and thereafter make them dependent on the benevolence of the husband’s extended family. The decision is thrust solely on the mother, who must decide between relying on family support in a small village or striving for independence for herself and her children. Would the children be able to attend the universities of their choice should they move from the city? Would they be able to afford a higher education if they stayed? Could she care for the family while providing financial stability? You can imagine the scene: it’s evening, the mother finishing cleaning up after dinner, the children doing schoolwork, an empty chair, and an unknown future. So many worries now, so much to do for one adult.

 

Grit and Conviction

 

Many widows might take the easiest path, even if it meant fewer options for their children in the future. Why struggle when there are relatives to rely on? But the easy path is not necessarily the best. Looking into the future, the mother has the conviction that they all need to stay in the city with its many potential opportunities as well as challenges. Keeping the children in their familiar schools to not interrupt their education is a primary consideration. She impresses on her young family that education is the one thing that no one can take away from them. Once learned, knowledge is their path to a better life.

 

 

To be able to continue the education of the six children beyond public schools and into university is the mother’s greatest challenge. While working opportunities are abundant in the city, none are assured for a single parent with only a high school degree. What she needs is grit and conviction to make a new life blossom for her family. After a few stints at various short-term jobs, the matriarch finds an opportunity to start up a chemical supply company to serve local businesses.

The mother’s days overflow with running the new business, shopping for food and cooking meals, guiding the children through classes as they grow into adults in high school, and then the arduous task of applying to universities for each of the six in turn. A healthy dose of grit keeps the family together and focused on learning while chores are done and the supply business grows. Overall, it’s the conviction that the mother has in her children’s future that results in each of the six young adults not only obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a local university but continuing to earn master’s degrees from institutions in the U.S. and around the world.

If this were a movie, the camera might fade out on a festive family reunion, honoring the matriarch for all the sacrifices she made, the long days she endured for the benefit of her children, and the love she shared with each of them.

But this is not a movie.

The determined matriarch is my mother. My degree of success today is due to her conviction that a quest for knowledge through education, risk-taking, and entrepreneurship is the key to a fulfilling life. She taught me determination, focus, conviction of my beliefs, and the need to persevere against the obstacles life inevitably throws in the way. Most importantly, she taught all of us, my siblings, about making sacrifices for the good of the family. It’s an attitude that I strive to continue to follow today with my wife and children. I would not be the person I am today, if not for the sacrifices my mother made for her children.

 

In my daily work as an engineering leader, I apply the lessons learned from my mother to working with my fellow engineers and business leaders to tackle technical and organizational challenges that often seem insurmountable at first, as no one else has yet solved them. We plan we take risks, we make mistakes, and we move ahead with the conviction that there is a way to create a new technology, build a new business, and find better ways of working together for the good of the company and our customers.

 

On this Mother’s Day and every day, I am thankful for the love and fortitude that mothers provide to their families, no matter how difficult their challenges are. 

This article was originally published on Cisco’s official blog. It has been thoughtfully republished here to honor the original author’s story and perspective.

Anand Oswal has been a steadfast ally to Women Back to Work, championing returner careers and showing up time and again to share his voice. From sponsoring second chances to advocating for Women Back to Work, Anand truly embodies what it means to “Be Her Ally”. We’re honored to feature him in our special Mother’s Day edition of the #BeHerAlly Power Hour on May 13, 2025. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation—join us!

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

📢 Join us at the Women Back to Work 10-Year Anniversary Returner Conference!
Be part of the movement to unlock untapped tech talent and celebrate a decade of empowering returners.
📅 August 21, 2025

 

The Leaders We Call “Mom” — A Mother’s Day Tribute from Akraya

At Akraya and Women Back to Work (WBW), Mother’s Day isn’t just a holiday—it’s a moment to reflect on the everyday impact of the women who lead with both strength and care.

Behind every great team meeting, client pitch, or program launch, there’s often a woman answering emails with one hand and packing a school lunch with the other. At Akraya, we don’t just acknowledge that reality—we celebrate it.

 

Moms Make Akraya Stronger

Nearly 80% of Akraya’s leadership team are moms.

They’re not just balancing work and life—they’re shaping the culture that enables others to do the same. Thanks to their influence, flexible work isn’t just a policy—it’s a core principle. Support for parents isn’t an afterthought—it’s foundational to how we operate.

Our working moms have helped build a workplace where empathy is valued and people show up as their full selves—not just their job titles.

 

A Virtual Culture Rooted in Connection

We may be a fully remote team, but that hasn’t stopped us from staying connected. If anything, it’s made us more intentional—about creativity, compassion, and culture.

This Mother’s Day, we surprised Akraya moms with care packages—small reminders that they’re seen, appreciated, and valued. We also brought our moms together at HQ on Friday to swap stories, share laughs, and enjoy lunch. It was relaxed, real, and memorable—just like motherhood.

We also invited our moms to share photos with their children. The response? A wall of warmth, resilience, and joy—a reminder that the skills they bring to motherhood show up in their leadership too: grace under pressure, clear intuition, and unwavering commitment.

 

 

The Unseen Superpower in Our Success

Look closely at the engine behind WBW’s mission, and you’ll find it’s powered by moms—mothers returning to work, mothers leading teams, and mothers who know how challenging the pause can be—and how powerful the comeback truly is.

Motherhood has taught us time management, emotional intelligence, and decision-making amid chaos. But more than anything, it’s taught us how to show up for others. That’s leadership in its most authentic form.

 

Join Us at the WBW 10-Year Conference

This Mother’s Day is especially meaningful as we mark a major milestone: 10 years of Women Back to Work.

This August, we’ll gather to honor the women who paused their careers and came back stronger. The mothers redefining what success looks like. And the leaders shaping what’s next.

We’d love for you to be part of the celebration.

👉 Honor the journey. Empower the comeback.

Join us at the WBW 10-Year Conference this August.

From all of us at Akraya and WBW—Happy Mother’s Day.

Here’s to the women who lead at home, at work, and everywhere in between. 💐

 

 

Tami Forman Joins Women Back to Work, Marking a Powerful New Chapter in Workforce Reentry Advocacy

 

[Santa Clara, CA] – April 29, 2025 — Women Back to Work (WBW) is proud to announce that Tami Forman, a nationally recognized leader in gender equity and workforce development, has joined the organization in a key strategic leadership role.

Forman brings to WBW an unmatched legacy of championing women’s full participation in the labor market. As the founder and former CEO of Path Forward, she pioneered the concept of “returnships,” helping caregivers—especially mothers—successfully re-enter the workforce. Under her leadership, more than 100 companies, including Amazon, Apple, Comcast NBCUniversal, Netflix, SAP, Walmart, and Pepsi, launched or scaled return-to-work programs that transformed the career trajectories of hundreds of individuals.

“For over 10 years, Women Back to Work has stayed steadfast in our mission to create pathways to facilitate the re-entry of women back into the workforce. Tami has been at the forefront of reshaping how companies view career breaks and caregiver talent,” said Sonu Ratra. “Her deep understanding of the returner journey, combined with her fierce advocacy for systemic change, aligns perfectly with our mission. I am beyond excited that Tami will lead our nationwide initiative and help us write our next chapter.”

Forman is a sought-after speaker and thought leader whose insights have been featured in Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, BBC, Harvard Business Review, Good Morning America, and many more. She has spoken at leading events such as the Grace Hopper Celebration, Tech Inclusion, DisruptHR, and the Conference Board’s Women’s Leadership Conference. Her Substack newsletter, How We Do It, continues to spark bold conversations on caregiving, equity, and career reinvention.

“I’ve admired Women Back to Work for years—not just for what they do, but for how they do it,” said Tami Forman. “Powered by Akraya’s award-winning staffing platform, this team has long been a leader in making returnships a mainstream hiring practice. I’m thrilled to build on that legacy and work alongside the amazing WBW team to expand opportunities for returners everywhere. I’m especially excited to be getting back to the kind of work I love—helping talented people restart and thrive in their careers. I’m grateful to Sonu for her vision and leadership, and I’m excited to bring my energy and experience to this next chapter.”

Forman’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for WBW as it continues its mission of connecting high-caliber returners with employers who understand the value of life experience and non-linear career paths. With her leadership, the organization is poised to drive even greater innovation and transformation in the workforce reentry space.

 

About Women Back to Work (WBW)
Women Back to Work (WBW), an Akraya initiative, is a mission-driven organization committed to advancing career reentry for women and caregivers who have taken a break from the workforce. Powered by Akraya’s expertise in staffing and workforce solutions, WBW leverages curated returnship programs, employer partnerships, and advocacy efforts to empower highly qualified professionals to reconnect with their careers and thrive in the modern workplace.

About Akraya
Akraya Inc. is a global leader specializing in Contingent Workforce Solutions, Managed Services, and SOW projects. Since our founding in 2001 in San Francisco, we have partnered with organizations across industries to deliver tailored solutions that adapt to evolving technology needs.

Backed by a team of 500+ professionals across three continents, we are dedicated to driving excellence and measurable results. Our commitment to quality has earned us many industry accolades, including Inc.’s Best Workplaces 2024 and Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work 2023. Beyond business, we take pride in our responsibility towards the community, empowering teams to make meaningful impacts.

How Returners Will Future-Proof Your Workforce

What if your future-ready workforce isn’t being built through campus hiring or cold LinkedIn outreach, but from a powerful and overlooked talent pool—career returners?

That’s not a “what if”—that’s reality. And the Women Back to Work Conference 2025 is where the smart employers are heading to find them.

 

Rethink “Future-Ready”

Returners are experienced professionals who’ve taken a break and are ready to dive back in. They aren’t just “willing to learn”—they already know. They’ve worked in fast-paced industries, held leadership roles, and now bring clarity, perspective, and resilience that only comes from life experience.

Hiring returners isn’t just inclusive—it’s strategic.

Innovation Needs Different Minds

• Returners fuel innovation. Diverse life experiences create fresh problem-solving approaches—an edge most orgs claim to want but rarely pursue intentionally.
• They close skills gaps. Many returners come from engineering, product, finance, and STEM roles—fields where demand still outpaces supply.
• They future-proof your pipeline. While others chase the same over-fished talent pools, you gain access to a community eager to re-engage.

Why It Matters Now

We’re living through a talent revolution. Candidates want more purpose. Employers want flexibility, creativity, and ROI. Returners meet this moment perfectly.

With economic pressures, high attrition, and growing insclusivity expectations, hiring professionals who’ve already been tested by life might just be the smartest move you can make.

 

WBW Conference = The Smart Employer’s Edge

Join us August 21, 2025, at the WBW Conference and gain:

• Strategic access to a highly motivated, skilled returner talent pool
• First-mover advantage—engage before competitors catch on
• Thought leadership visibility—position your company as a champion of progressive hiring

 

Don’t Let Traditional Hiring Blind Spots Cost You the Future

While everyone else is stuck chasing trends, you’ll be building a workforce that’s ready for whatever comes next.

Returners, register now on Eventbrite: https://zurl.co/GwSdp

For clients interested in participating and sponsoring, please reach us at: wbw@akraya.com

Let’s empower professionals to return to work!

Note: This is an in-person event held in Santa Clara, CA

Beyond the Gap: Rethinking Career Breaks and Rediscovering Talent

When reviewing a resume, it’s natural to focus on a candidate’s skills, experience, and career progression. However, for many hiring managers, a noticeable pause in employment history can raise concerns. Historically, career gaps have been viewed as potential red flags—suggesting a decline in skills, commitment, or readiness. But in today’s evolving workforce, that perception is not only outdated—it’s a missed opportunity.

At the heart of the Women Back to Work (WBW) Conference 2025 lies a truth too often ignored in hiring conversations: a career break isn’t a weakness. It’s a chapter—and sometimes, the most valuable one.

 

Career Breaks Are Not Career Endings

People—especially women—step away from work for real, important reasons: caregiving, health, military moves, personal growth, or simply life throwing curveballs. But stepping away from a 9-to-5 doesn’t mean stepping away from leadership, resilience, learning, or adaptability.

In fact, it often enhances them.

Many returners spend their “off” time volunteering, upskilling, managing households, or consulting. The mindset, maturity, and resourcefulness they develop during that time? You can’t teach that in a bootcamp.

 

Breaking the Myth: A Gap Isn’t a Setback

Let’s talk brass tacks:

Returners are ready. They’ve taken intentional steps to re-enter the workforce, often retraining themselves to meet current market needs.

They bring perspective. Career breaks create self-awareness and clarity about what they want—and how they work best.

They’re proven performers. Most returners come with a track record of success. They’ve done the job before, and now they’re more motivated than ever.

So why are they still being passed over?

 

Time to Challenge Hiring Assumptions

Unconscious bias isn’t always obvious.
It doesn’t always show up as outright exclusion—it can be subtle.
Like questioning someone’s readiness simply because they’ve taken a career break.

Here’s the truth:
A gap in employment doesn’t equal a gap in capability.
In many cases, it reflects resilience, growth, and sharpened perspective.

 

The 2025 WBW Conference is your chance to meet returners face-to-face, hear their stories, understand their drive, and rethink what a “qualified” candidate looks like.

This is your invitation to:

Engage with vetted, job-ready professionals

Hear directly from returners who’ve made successful comebacks

See beyond the break—and discover the brilliance

 

Break the bias. Find your next high impact hire at the Women Back to Work Conference 2025.

Returners, register now on Eventbrite: https://zurl.co/GwSdp

For clients interested in participating and sponsoring, please reach us at: wbw@akraya.com

Let’s empower professionals to return to work!

Note: This is an in-person event held in Santa Clara, CA