When Monica, a Sociologist from Colombia, with a background in Marketing and Social Service Program Coordination, came to Upwardly Global in 2009, she had nearly given up on her professional job search. In Colombia, she had demonstrated her talent and determination by building from scratch, a rare after-school program for children. But her determination was running out. Out of her professional field for more than five years, she was working as a sales associate at a large department store to pay the bills.
When an Upwardly Global contact helped her secure an informational interview with a well-known Chicago-based nonprofit, Monica never imagined it would help her find her way back to the career she loved. But four months later, when the organization posted a position appropriate for her skills and experience, Monica re-connected with her contact and was promptly called for an interview. Immediately recognizing Monica’s value, the HR representative hired her for a position more senior to the one for which she applied. Monica now proudly serves as a Youth Center Coordinator for the organization, helping to more effectively serve the Spanish-speaking Chicago community.