Navigating Career Change with Confidence: A YWCA Employment Navigator Success Story

The journey to employment is not always linear. For mothers who are parenting alone, balancing education, caregiving and job searching, the path can be especially complex. For Liz, who recently participated in the YWCA Employment Navigator program, the journey has been one of transformation and growth. 

After more than a decade in project management, Liz made a bold pivot into the world of policy and governance. She has been working toward her master’s degree at the University of British Columbia and is set to graduate in May 2025. As she transitions back into the workforce, she’s facing a new and challenging labour market—one that’s fast-moving, competitive and sometimes discouraging. 

“I haven’t been active on the job market yet,” she says, “but I hope to have a better experience when I try again. However, right now, I believe the demand is higher than the supply, so in the process of selection, the minority gets filtered out easily. Unfortunately, in this case, I belong to the minority.” 

Despite the challenges, Liz continues to seek out resources that provide both practical guidance and personal empowerment. That’s what brought her to the YWCA Employment Navigator program. 

“The YWCA has been an organization dear to my heart,” she shares. “Their services are geared toward women's empowerment. I’ve benefited from them greatly—Survive to Thrive, the Single Moms group, workshops—and I keep coming back. I’m grateful.” 

Through the Employment Navigator program, Liz accessed tools to help her prepare for re-entering the job market, along with individualized support and connection to a community of women who uplift one another. 

“The YWCA provided resources and boosted my confidence,” she explains. “They also provide a community of women who are prepared and ready to support other women to thrive in their field.” 

Beyond employment support, the program helped Liz in more personal ways, too. “Prior to participating in YWCA programs, I suffered from self-diagnosed high-functioning depression,” she says. “The program gave me clarity, tools and the community I needed. I also received mentorship and direction in the process.” 

Now, with graduation around the corner, Liz is preparing for the next chapter. She plans to actively apply for jobs daily and give back to the community through volunteering for organizations that align with her values. 

The YWCA Employment Navigator program is proud to walk alongside women like Liz as they chart their paths to career success—and thrive on their own terms. 

This story is made possible in part by Scotiabank and Coast Capital. To learn more about the program, visit the YWCA Employment Navigator page.