“My mentor, Joel Laudenslager, was no-nonsense and one hundred percent kind,” said Michael. “He gave me confidence without telling me to be confident.”
During the three mentoring sessions, Michael’s mentor helped refine his resume, discuss interview skills, and sort through job postings. “I recall during our third session, I had six jobs to apply for and there was one I looked at that I didn’t feel qualified for,” said Michael. “Joel told me to apply for it and that is my job today.” “It can feel daunting,” Michael remembers, “journeying through the job market without industry connections or support. It can leave job seekers with feelings of “strong unworthiness.” Michael was hired as the Lead Analyst in the Middle Office of BNY Mellon where he continues to challenge himself and further grow his career. “I am so thankful for the opportunity that 3 Cups of Coffee offered,” said Michael. “PA Women Work is there for you whether you're unemployed, underemployed, or looking for a career transition.” He stays connected with the PA Women Work community as an active 3 Cups of Coffee mentor, always eager to connect with other professionals and job seekers as they navigate career challenges and obstacles. If you are interested in learning more about the 3 Cups of Coffee program, please visit the program webpage. Thank you to our 3 Cups of Coffee funders for making stories like Michael’s possible: Arby’s Foundation | Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation | CNX Foundation | J. Jill Compassion Fund| Arconic Foundation | Aerie Real Foundation | United Way Community Impact Grants. After a successful start to her career, Jen made the tough decision to take a step back from work to raise her children and support her aging mother. Nearly 21 years later, Jen was ready to re-enter the workforce but was unsure where to begin. “I was really intimidated. It threw my confidence for a loop,” Jen said. She discovered PA Women Work’s 3 Cups of Coffee program and was connected with a volunteer mentor, Midori Vasquez. The two found common ground in their first meeting and built a relationship from there. “We initially started talking about our personal life. We have children about the same age. She explained to me she was out of the workforce for 18 years. And I’m thinking, okay, there are other people out there like me,” Jen remembered. Feeling uncertain of what her next step should be, Jen and Midori worked together to revise her resume, discuss opportunities she’d be qualified for, and set achievable goals. “She helped me understand that she couldn’t do it for me. I had to do it myself. But she gave me the tools and the encouragement,” Jen said. “She had the confidence in herself, I just helped her find it again,” Midori said. Shortly after beginning the program, Jen received a job offer from Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory and looks forward to continuing her career growth and achieving her goals. “Getting that acceptance letter was, do I say I felt whole again? I felt like I did this. I did this for myself. I have had a smile on my face ever since,” Jen said. To learn more about 3 Cups of Coffee, visit www.3cupsofcoffee.org. Jen was one of our 2023 Client Empowerment Award winners at Circle of Hope. Watch her full story below. While in the United States on a trip with her family, Serap learned about chaos and controversy happening in her home country, Turkey. She and her husband made the incredibly tough decision to stay in the United States to protect themselves and their two daughters. “It was a really big decision. We had everything in our home country. But we had to do what was needed to keep our kids safe,” Serap reflected. After starting their lives from scratch, Serap and her husband began to seek employment that was both meaningful and economically sustainable. With 18 years of teaching experience, Serap struggled to map out a career path without her credentials to pursue a teaching position. “I love teaching. To think I might never teach again or find a fulfilling job was very disappointing,” Serap said. She discovered PA Women Work where she participated in New Choices and RISE. She found a community of other job-seekers and received one-on-one career coaching to learn how she could use her teaching skills and background toward a new position. “I saw that I was not alone. PA Women Work helped me see other options and search for different opportunities,” Serap explained. Serap landed a job with Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh as a case worker and has found a passion for supporting new Americans as they get settled here. “I can say I am really proud. I have the opportunity to help others and touch lives in my job.” Serap was one of our 2023 Client Empowerment Award winners at Circle of Hope. Watch her full story below. |