Lorah Macharia moved to the United States from Kenya in July 2023. “You cannot imagine what it’s like to uproot your life, packing everything into two suitcases. I didn’t have any family here, everything was different for me,” she explained. 

With a background in nursing, Lorah hoped to get her nursing accreditation but experienced delay after delay with her paperwork. In the meantime, she was struggling financially in jobs that were not paying enough and had a long commute. A friend told her about PA Women Work’s RISE program, and she decided to reach out. 

Kristen, PA Women Work’s RISE program manager, supported Lorah with the nursing accreditation process and helped her look for more stable positions in the meantime. “When I got connected with Kristen, I was really struggling. She just kept checking in and encouraging me. She didn’t lose hope in me,” Lorah remembered. 

Lorah finally received her Pennsylvania nursing license in December 2024! Her job search had officially begun. “At this point, I said, it’s time for us to step in and support you. I’m going to connect you with a mentor who can help build your connections,” Kristen said. 

Lorah met Jamie Scarano, Senior Director, Human Resources, UPMC Children’s Hospital, and 3 Cups of Coffee Mentor. “My initial impression was just how organized, professional and driven Lorah was. Her biggest challenge was just navigating the application system, so I was happy to help her understand the job search process for UPMC and the healthcare industry and build her connections within the system,” Jamie said. 

By their second meeting, Lorah already had three job interviews, and in just a few short weeks, she was hired at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. “I am so excited and looking forward to actually starting my career here. I know I’m going to thrive,” she said. “The positive reinforcement I received from Jamie and Kristen, and everyone at PA Women Work, was really huge for me.”

Lorah’s story, and so many others, are made possible by the following funders.

3 Cups of Coffee: Arconic Foundation, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Aerie Real Foundation, Arby’s Foundation, Eaton

RISE: Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundation, FedEx, PNC Foundation, Howard and Nell E. Miller Foundation, Jefferson Regional Foundation, Jack Buncher Foundation

“In 2020, I lost my job of 19 years due to downsizing. In the midst of the pandemic, I decided to work part-time while also caring for my parents out of state. After they settled into a retirement community three years later, I was fully ready to re-enter the workforce, but I felt like I was starting over again. 

A friend encouraged me to reach out to Pennsylvania Women Work. I was hesitant – I didn’t think I was someone who needed help. But I am so glad I decided to give it a try. 

After meeting with my career coach, I was connected to a mentor through the 3 Cups of Coffee program. She helped me revise my resume, expand my network and rediscover my goals. More than anything, she was a cheerleader and a guide during a time when I felt a little lost.

By our third meeting, I had a job offer and am now happily employed. My involvement with PA Women Work was the spark I needed to pursue and obtain full-time work again. 

PA Women Work is for women at any level in their career. It’s a place where women are empowered to achieve their goals and lift each other up. It’s a community of caring, kind people who are there to support you on your path to success.”

Victoria found a successful career after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002.

When she had her second child, she decided to step back from full-time work and move into a part-time position. However, when the pandemic hit, her work came to a halt and Victoria took on the challenge of educating her two young children at home.

“Literally overnight, we pivoted in a new direction,” remembers Victoria. 

Once her children were back in school and workplaces were open again, Victoria was ready for a new opportunity.

“I had never really been to a formal job interview; I had no idea where to start or what to do,” said Victoria. “An internet search led me to PA Women Work.”

Victoria participated in New Choices, where she refreshed her resume and learned new tools for navigating the job market.

She explored new industries and positions and is now happily employed with a local nonprofit.

“I was prepared for a lot of rejection during this time in my life, but what I found was a lot of support,” said Victoria.

After starting her new job, Victoria wanted to continue her professional growth, so she connected with a volunteer mentor through 3 Cups of Coffee. With her mentor, she is now mapping out a path to succeed and achieve in her new industry. Victoria continues to stay involved with PA Women Work to further support her career growth!

The 3 Cups of Coffee program is generously funded by Arby’s Foundation | Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation | Eaton | J. Jill Compassion Fund | Arconic Foundation | Aerie Real Foundation | United Way Community Impact Grants. 

After recovering from Covid, Charis faced health complications that led to her needing to leave her job of 18 years as a math teacher. As a single mom, she began her job search and landed a new position rather quickly. However, although Charis liked the new job, she wasn’t making enough money to support her family’s needs. 

“I worked hard to keep things going for my daughter, but I was really struggling. We have a great support system, but at the end of the day, it’s just her and me, and I knew something needed to change,” Charis said. 

Charis learned about Pennsylvania Women Work, where her Career Coach recommended 3 Cups of Coffee. Prior to her first meeting with her mentor, Charis actually landed a job interview that excited her, so she and her mentor worked together to strengthen her interview skills and prepare. After receiving a job offer, Charis’s mentor coached her on negotiation tactics that increased her confidence. 

“I wouldn’t have had the confidence to ask for what I needed without my mentor. I didn’t back down when it came to that job offer, thanks to her support,” Charis said.

Charis is now in a job she loves that meets her financial and personal needs. Charis and her mentor used their third meeting to celebrate her new position and discuss the next steps for her career. 

When Dija, her husband and their two children moved to the United States from Morocco, Dija was forced to give up a career she loved. As they settled into their new home, Dija struggled to find a job that utilized her skills. She got started by earning a degree, strengthening her English skills, and searching for jobs. But she still came up short. She discovered PA Women Work and was connected to a mentor who supported her career journey. By their third meeting, Dija had landed a new position that she could be proud of. 

As a single parent, Shana was struggling with her work-life balance. She was feeling burned out and stressed. She attended PA Women Work’s New Choices program where she learned critical career development skills and built her confidence. Shana’s career coach sent her a job posting with the Pittsburgh Technology Council, and with her coach’s reassurance, Shana applied and got the job. In this position, she gained the work environment she needed to thrive and increased her salary. 

After Vanessa’s husband passed away in 2012, she needed to support herself and her four daughters. She put herself through college, earning a B.A in Government Affairs, while working full-time and caring for her children. 

As Vanessa was about to graduate, she came across an ad for PA Women Work’s 3 Cups of Coffee program, and decided to enroll. “My mentor helped me focus on where I wanted to go and helped me work through the issues I was having applying for jobs,” Vanessa shared. 

During her mentorship, Vanessa landed a job as a city manager and was able to provide for her family. However, in 2022 she was laid off and again found herself uncertain about her next steps. 

Vanessa came back to PA Women Work, this time enrolling in New Choices. With the help of her class facilitator, Vanessa explored the many career possibilities her degree and experience afforded her. “New Choices helped me evaluate who I was. The class gave me the confidence to apply for a job that I previously would have thought was out of reach,” she said.

Vanessa is now employed at Olympus Energy in a job she loves. Her experience with PA Women Work has come full circle. Vanessa recently represented her company at our Power Up Connections networking event, and she gives back to help others as a monthly giver through our Coffee Club. “I am where I am today because of PA Women Work. I’m so happy to be able to give back.” 

After 20 years living as refugees in Uganda, Celestin Lukalo and his family were notified they would be moving to the United States.
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“When we found out we were going to America, we were so excited,” said Celestin. “We thought ‘everything is easy in America’…but that wasn’t the case.”

Once in Pittsburgh, Celestin struggled to find meaningful work that met his financial needs.“I was really stressed,” said Celestin. “I didn’t know what to do, but then we met Ms. Kristen and PA Women Work.”

Working with Kristen Tsapis, RISE Program Manager, Celestin defined his career goals and applied for the Service Tech Apprentice Program, a paid training program through UPMC. 

“PA Women Work helped me get my driver’s license, and Ms. Kristen worked with me and UPMC to get my school school certificate from Uganda in time to begin the program,” explained Celestin.

Celestin started the four-year paid program in January 2024 and is thriving. He is excited to continue his education with an engineering certificate after he completes the program. 

PA Women Work continues to stay connected with Celestin and his family.

“Ms. Kristen helped my sister get a job at Mercy Hospital, and my cousin a job at Shadyside,” said Celestin. “Without PA Women Work and Ms. Kristen, we don’t know where we’d be. PA Women Work has been our guardian angel in Pittsburgh.”

“I don’t think I’m your typical PA Women Work participant,” said Danelle Connor. “I have a doctorate and all this experience, but I needed to reach out for help.” When Danelle’s employer closed their doors, she was left in a unique position to shift her career trajectory. 
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​With two decades of experience and a doctorate in education, Danelle was eager to have a fresh start and seek new opportunities within the nonprofit sector. In her 40s, it had been over a decade since Danelle navigated the job market. Knowing she wanted to expand her career to new areas, she sought out resources that could help. When an internet search landed Danelle on PA Women Work’s website, she immediately signed up to meet with a career coach, who encouraged her to participate in New Choices.

​“I left New Choices feeling like I could write an effective resume, and I learned that you need to personalize your resume based on the position you are applying for,” Danelle said.

​Next, Danelle connected with a professional mentor through 3 Cups of Coffee. During their three meetings, Danelle and her mentor, Sarah, focused on strengthening her resume even more.

“My mentor was hugely helpful,” said Danelle. “She took the time to review my resume and help me pair down all my experience to the most relevant skills for the positions I was applying for. ”

Shortly after, Danelle accepted a position as the Lead Strategic Implementation Consultant for The Learning Loft where she evaluates the curriculum and instruction to students.

“Up until my employer closed, I had a very successful and impactful career, working with vulnerable communities,” said Danelle. “It’s really important to me that my skills are benefiting communities in need, and I feel like I am getting that from my work at The Learning Loft.”

Danelle remains eager to share the resources that supported her career change with organizations and friends.

“I feel like there are a lot of women in their 40s, a lot of women like me, that are asking ‘what’s next for me?’” said Danelle. “In my moment of chaos it was nice to be able to have an organization to reach out to.”

“I left New Choices feeling like I could write an effective resume, and I learned that you need to personalize your resume based on the position you are applying for,” Danelle said.

​Next, Danelle connected with a professional mentor through 3 Cups of Coffee. During their three meetings, Danelle and her mentor, Sarah, focused on strengthening her resume even more.

“My mentor was hugely helpful,” said Danelle. “She took the time to review my resume and help me pair down all my experience to the most relevant skills for the positions I was applying for. ”

Shortly after, Danelle accepted a position as the Lead Strategic Implementation Consultant for The Learning Loft where she evaluates the curriculum and instruction to students.

“Up until my employer closed, I had a very successful and impactful career, working with vulnerable communities,” said Danelle. “It’s really important to me that my skills are benefiting communities in need, and I feel like I am getting that from my work at The Learning Loft.”

Danelle remains eager to share the resources that supported her career change with organizations and friends.

“I feel like there are a lot of women in their 40s, a lot of women like me, that are asking ‘what’s next for me?’” said Danelle. “In my moment of chaos it was nice to be able to have an organization to reach out to.”

“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. 
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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.