Empowering Women to Reenter the Workforce

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed every facet of our lives, reshaping how we work and live. With children transitioning from classrooms to makeshift study areas at home, parents suddenly found themselves juggling multiple roles, including educator and caretaker. Companies across the nation had to adapt to remote work while also ensuring that mothers received the flexibility they required to manage these new responsibilities.

In the wake of the pandemic, many women have come to recognize their worth and have grown tired of being undervalued and underpaid. Over 3 million women have exited the workforce for various reasons, including caregiving obligations. However, as they consider returning to work, numerous organizations led by women are stepping up to assist them in this transition.

One such organization, The Mom Project, is dedicated to supporting women in their quest to rejoin the workforce by providing essential tools and resources. Other initiatives, like Path Forward, not only offer job opportunities but also foster a supportive community for women.

Tina Green, the founder and CEO of Path Forward, shared with us, “In 2021, we significantly increased our virtual events, allowing us to provide returners with vital information to effectively prepare, apply, and interview for return-to-work programs. While we strive to educate hiring managers about the need to eliminate bias against career gaps, such biases persist. Interview opportunities drop by approximately 50% after a two-year career gap — a milestone many women who left the job market during the pandemic are nearing. We must continue discussing career gaps to normalize them.”

Organizations Supporting Women’s Return to Work

In addition to Path Forward, here are three more companies that are making it easier for women to navigate their return to work, offering services from resume writing to coaching.

Apres

Apres is a network of mothers united by a common goal: to assist other moms in reentering the workforce. They collaborate with companies committed to hiring women, tailoring job opportunities to meet women’s specific needs. Recognizing the importance of community support, Apres provides coaching designed to enhance confidence. They offer coaching sessions at various price points, covering everything from resume writing to interview preparation. Their expert coaches help build confidence as women embark on their journeys back into the job market. Their website highlights two essential values: confidence and respect—qualities every woman deserves during her job search.

Power to Fly

Founded by Milena Berry and Katharine Zaleski, Power to Fly aims to connect underrepresented individuals with roles in prominent sectors to promote economic equality. Their virtual events empower and educate, and their mentorship and coaching opportunities cover various topics, such as cover letter writing and achieving work-life balance. With a focus on elevating diverse talent, Power to Fly offers a Diversity Reboot Summit aimed at uplifting Black leaders. Their tagline, “invest in yourself,” encapsulates their mission to provide distinctive opportunities for women seeking professional growth.

The Second Shift

The Second Shift employs a five-step process to connect women with job opportunities that align with their skills and interests. The journey begins with a membership application, followed by a personal description of interests and expertise. The company then provides tailored job matches based on individual preferences. As a woman-led organization, The Second Shift emphasizes the importance of feminine diversity in the workplace and aims to create an ecosystem that nurtures professional success.

As we emerge from the pandemic, these organizations are dedicated to supporting women in their return to the workforce. Work cultures are evolving to better accommodate those who need time off for family or caregiving responsibilities. Tina reminds us, “You can do it! Navigating the job search can be daunting, especially when facing rejection and self-doubt.” The workforce is shifting, and women are redefining what it means to be a caregiver, moving beyond traditional roles without defined job descriptions or salaries. If you’re ready to step back into the professional world, there are resources and support systems available to guide you.

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In summary, as women gather the strength to return to the workforce, these organizations and initiatives are providing essential resources and support, helping bridge the gap created by the pandemic and empowering women to reclaim their professional identities.