The Symphony of Inclusion

By Pamela Banerjee, PMP, CCWP, CCWP-SOW

Head of Diversity Solution, Vice President, Strategic Relations – External Workforce Solutions Expert

December 13, 2024

It begins, as all great stories do, in silence.

Nine years ago, when we first envisioned Women Back to Work, we stepped into a space fraught with hesitation and unspoken doubts. Society was quick to file certain people away—brilliant minds reduced to the shadow of “what once was.” Women who had pressed pause on their careers for family, caregiving, or personal battles, were told the world had moved on without them. Their skills were outdated, their relevance questioned.

The silence was deafening.

But then came the whispers. A woman nervously dialed into her first interview in years. A hiring manager hesitated but chose to take a chance. A team, skeptical at first, began to see the spark of brilliance reigniting before their very eyes. The whispers grew louder, and they carried with them the sound of something extraordinary: possibility.

The First Notes of Change

When we launched our mission, we didn’t know if the world was ready for it. We only knew that it was necessary. Over the years, we’ve been the unseen conductors of an orchestra of second chances. And what a symphony it has been.

Imagine a woman who spent years managing the chaos of a household, reentering a boardroom with confidence she’d long forgotten. Picture the mother, once told she was “just a stay-at-home mom,” now engineering solutions for a Fortune 500 company. Consider the manager who doubted the value of returners but found his team’s most innovative idea came from the woman he almost didn’t hire.

These stories weren’t just inspiring—they were seismic. They changed everything we thought we knew about talent, inclusion, and innovation.

The Quiet Courage of the Overlooked

There’s a peculiar beauty in the overlooked. It’s a beauty borne of resilience, of strength honed in silence. These women—returners—have carried the weight of their dreams quietly. Their courage isn’t loud or boastful. It’s the kind that shows up day after day, whether the world notices or not.

I remember one returner telling me, “I don’t want special treatment. I just want to prove I’m worth it.” That’s the thing about returners—they don’t ask for handouts. They bring value that often goes unnoticed until it lights up a room.

For nine years, we’ve had the privilege of watching these sparks catch fire. They’ve not only reignited careers—they’ve ignited innovation. Companies have shifted from asking “Why her?” to “How can we find more like her?”

The Crescendo

And now, here we stand, on the edge of something extraordinary. As we embark on our 10th year, the air is electric with anticipation.

This milestone is more than a marker of time—it’s a testament to the lives we’ve touched and the lives yet to be changed. The world is beginning to listen. Slowly, but surely, the whispers have become a crescendo.

But there’s still work to do.

Inclusion isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about choices. It’s the decision to see potential where others see gaps. It’s the courage to bet on people whose stories don’t fit the mold. It’s the belief that diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the lifeblood of innovation.

The Call to Action

And so, dear reader, I ask you: What role will you play in this symphony?

Perhaps you’re a hiring manager who could take a chance on someone who doesn’t fit the usual script. Perhaps you’re a leader who could champion a returner program within your organization. Or perhaps you’re someone who can simply tell a story—a story of inclusion, of innovation, of second chances.

Whatever your role, know this: The smallest actions create the biggest ripples. One returner hired. One door opened. One voice amplified.

The Dawn of a New Era

As we step into our 10th year, we’re not just celebrating what’s been achieved. We’re lighting the path forward.

This next chapter isn’t just about us—it’s about you. It’s about the companies ready to lead with courage, the leaders ready to embrace new perspectives, and the returners waiting for their chance to shine.

Together, we’ve shown what’s possible. Now, let’s make the impossible inevitable.

The symphony is playing, louder and more beautiful than ever. Will you join us for the next movement?

With gratitude and hope,

Head of Diversity Solution

Women Back to Work