Rebuilding Careers Podcast: Recent Episodes
Bonni Pomush
Working Wardrobes is Rebuilding Careers. We serve thousands of people each year, including single mothers, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and seniors reentering the job market due to life circumstances. They have overcome difficult challenges to find jobs and achieve the Power of a Paycheck.
Join Working Wardrobes CEO, Bonni Pomush, as she sits down with industry partners who share this passion to get others back to work, as well as those directly touched by Working Wardrobes’ mission.
What does it take to start over—and keep moving forward with purpose?
In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Working Wardrobes alumna, educator, veteran, and longtime volunteer Lisa Diggs. Lisa shares her inspiring journey of resilience, from serving in the military and navigating career transitions to rebuilding during the pandemic with the support of the Working Wardrobes community. Along the way, she reflects on the power of mentorship, embracing change, and staying true to yourself.
Whether you're facing a career pivot, overcoming setbacks, or simply looking for encouragement to take the next step, Lisa's story is a reminder that reinvention is always possible—and that no one has to do it alone.
In this inspiring episode of Real Talk Real Growth, Bonni Pomush sits down with Diego Martinez to discuss his remarkable journey of rebuilding his life after 13 years of incarceration. Diego shares how determination, community support, and a clear sense of purpose helped him overcome barriers to employment, earn his degree from San Diego State University, launch his own tree care business, and give back to others walking a similar path.
From the importance of asking for help to embracing lifelong growth, Diego offers powerful insights on resilience, second chances, and what it truly means to create a future filled with opportunity. His story is a reminder that while the path may not always be easy, purpose and perseverance can lead to extraordinary new beginnings.
In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Charlene Reynolds, Director of John Wayne Airport, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and finding purpose through life's unexpected twists and turns. From her first paycheck as a teenage intern at the IRS to leading one of Orange County's most important public institutions, Charlene shares the lessons that shaped her journey. She reflects on navigating personal loss, overcoming professional setbacks, mentoring future leaders, and the importance of showing up with grace, integrity, and confidence.
Anne Tammel joins Real Talk Real Growth to talk about leadership, innovation, and building meaningful community. From her early career in Silicon Valley to founding the OC CEO Collective and SoCal Women in Business, Anne shares how the advice to do what scares you shaped her path and continues to inspire the way she leads. She also gives insight into the vision behind the Global Women in Innovation Summit on April 16, 2026, at UCI Paul Merage School of Business. At the heart of this episode is a powerful reminder that courage can open doors and help you create the room you want to see.
Register for the summit here: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/globalwomen
In this heartfelt episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with author, speaker, facilitator of Sam's Salons, founding member of Impact Giving, and one of Jerri's dearest friends, Sam Dawson, to honor the life and legacy of Jerri Rosen, founder of Working Wardrobes. Together, they reflect on Jerri's resilience, leadership, and unwavering belief in possibility—and the journey of completing her memoir, Skirts & Pants on Fire.
Buy Jerri's book here!
CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Bianca Herrera, Director of Client Services, and Amy Rodriguez, Manager of Client Services, to reflect on the first half of 2025—a milestone year marking 35 years of service and 135,000 clients served. Whether you're a longtime supporter, a new listener, or someone simply curious about how real impact happens—this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take action.
In this episode of Real Talk, Real Growth, Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with career and success coach Matt Kimble—affectionately known as “Coach Matt.” From his first paycheck to a 26-year career in HR and operations, Coach Matt shares powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, and the importance of empathy in the workplace. Together, they explore practical strategies for job seekers, including resume customization, networking, and interview preparation. With inspiring client stories and actionable advice, this conversation is a masterclass in turning grit into growth and preparedness into opportunity.
When Lindsay Oglesby’s dad told her to get a job the day after her 16th birthday, she had no idea the experience would shape her approach to life, leadership, and service.
In this episode, she joins Bonni Pomush for an honest conversation about the journey from her first paycheck to founding a company grounded in clarity, compassion, and impact. Lindsay reflects on navigating complexity—for herself and others—and shares candid insights on balancing mindset, motherhood, and meaningful work.
If you’ve ever questioned your path, this episode is your reminder: start where you are, ask for help, and keep going.
In this episode of Rebuilding Careers, CEO Bonni Pomush is joined by former Working Wardrobes Board Member Chris Forsena for a powerful and personal conversation about ambition, identity, and what it really means to start over. After becoming the youngest person to make partner at Accenture—and the fastest to reach senior partner, all before age 40—Chris is now in the midst of rebuilding his career with renewed purpose. He shares reflections on growing up in Haiti, navigating cultural shifts, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of financial literacy and community. Whether you're reimagining your own path or searching for the courage to pivot, this episode is a compelling reminder that success isn’t linear—and you don’t have to go it alone.
In this powerful episode of Rebuilding Careers, CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Melvin Price—musician, worship leader, and former Working Wardrobes client—for an unforgettable conversation about transformation, faith, and the true meaning of success. Melvin shares how a chance encounter on Pine Avenue led to his first job—and how decades later, after experiencing profound loss, incarceration, and healing, he’s redefining success on his own terms. His story is a testament to resilience and the ripple effect of kindness.
CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with EOS Implementer and lifelong leader Will Crist, to explore the transformative power of mindset. From sweeping floors for 25 cents an hour to empowering business owners and navigating spiritual leadership, Will shares how embracing life’s challenges as “issues, not obstacles” has fueled his journey. Discover powerful insights on integration, purpose, and redefining what’s possible—plus the unforgettable story of an intern who proved that even with the odds stacked against you, there are truly no limitations.
Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein, and Working Wardrobes CEO, Bonni Pomush discuss the many roles women embrace on the daily, the importance of each skill set, and remembering to care for one’s self during the process of changing from fedora to fascinator to fez in an instant.
This #WomensHistoryMonth, join us for a special episode of the Rebuilding Careers Podcast. Bonni Pomush of Working Wardrobes sits down with Annette Walker, President of City of Hope Orange County. Annette shares her incredible journey—from her first paycheck at KFC to leading a world-class healthcare institution. Through honest reflections and personal insights, Annette discusses overcoming obstacles, embracing challenges with courage and faith, and the profound strength found in taking life's journey one step at a time.
Kicking off the 35th year of Working Wardrobes is this insightful podcast featuring our CEO, Bonni Pomush, and Goodwill CEO, Nicole Suydam. These powerhouses of strength and compassion discuss cultivating the value and potential within clients, staff and volunteers. Reflecting back to 2020’s catastrophic fire that devastated both the Donation Center and Career Success Center, our organization had its own obstacles to overcome. Thanks to Nicole’s immediate generosity of spirit and resources, Working Wardrobes was allowed to continue, prosper, and thrive.
In this Rebuilding Careers and Pepp Talks collaboration, Working Wardrobes CEO, Bonni Pomush, and Jeanne Pepper, attorney turned philanthropist by way of motherhood, bring their missions together. As humans who care about other humans on their life journeys, they treasure the growth and strength that stems from vulnerabilities. They also discuss the importance of soft skills and their transferability across all occupations.
Love abounds in this warm and inspiring episode of Rebuilding Careers as our CEO, Bonni Pomush, talks shop with her dad, Jim Pomush. Celebrating his octogenarian status, the Marine Veteran / retired Police Officer shares what meant everything to him during his job searches and employment history. He also shares a little about Bonni.
In addition to being CEO of an oil distribution company, self-made Don Harper serves as a Councilmember in Costa Mesa.Tune in as he and our CEO, Bonni Pomush, discuss leading with honesty, integrity, and fairness, and pursuing opportunities that result in generational change.
Join Don at Working Wardrobes on Veteran's Day 11/11 to hear his call to action! http://weblink.donorperfect.com/veterans-day
Tune in to this heartfelt episode of Rebuilding Careers as our CEO, Bonni Pomush, chats with a special guest—her mom, Lee Pomush! Lee shares her inspiring career journey and the power of kindness, mentorship, and perseverance. Listen now!
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Cyndi Karapogosian, District President at Robert Half, and Janelle Metzger, VP of Human Resources at Optum. In this episode, we explore their unique experiences leading the organization as board members, the challenges and successes of navigating a leadership transition, and how both Cyndi and Janelle have used their roles to create meaningful impact in the community. Discover the passion and dedication behind their work and learn about the bright future they envision for Working Wardrobes and beyond.
Working Wardrobes’ CEO, Bonni Pomush, Whitney LaMonda, Founder / CEO of Thread Vision, and Jenny Dinnen, Family Business Owner / Entrepreneur discuss the power of self and its impact on careers. Self-worth. Self-discovery. There’s only one you who can bring your personal talents to the table. Embrace it! Situations may change. Interests may change. Be prepared to pivot while remaining authentic to your sense of self.
Where style meets social impact! CEO of Working Wardrobes Bonni Pomush and Social Enterprise Director Johnny DeFrange share Working Wardrobes' recent social enterprise highlights. Learn how you can help local jobseekers find gainful employment by shopping for a cause!
Our commitment to the community and the environment is reflected in our upcycling, re-donating, and recycling efforts at our Donation Center. When you drop off donations, you're contributing to these sustainable practices. Learn more by listening to this exclusive webinar!
“Beyond Barriers” delves deep into the significant personal hurdles that our own Derek, Client Services Manager, and Cris, Lead Veteran Behavioral Health Peer Navigator, have faced. Their parallel yet individual journeys toward resilience inspired them both to support fellow Veterans in overcoming challenges. They share how they positively impact the lives of many Veterans and contribute to their success, particularly through community initiatives like Working Wardrobes.
CEO of Working Wardrobes Bonni Pomush, Client Services Director Bianca Herrera, and Client Services Manager Derek Mendes will share Working Wardrobes' 2023 and 2024 client services highlights and ways to engage to help clients find gainful employment.
"Adversity to Advocacy" delves into Tanya Doby's life, from her early years to her impactful role as a councilwoman. She recounts pivotal moments, like quitting her first job in solidarity with her mother who faced discrimination due to her mixed racial background, highlighting her unwavering commitment to her values. Throughout her narrative, Tanya emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-worth, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance, advocacy, and believing in oneself, even in the face of adversity.
From familial struggles to professional success, Writer, Filmmaker, Investor, and Philanthropist Pam Roy's story embodies the power of embracing vulnerability and forging one's own path. Join the CEO of Working Wardrobes Bonni Pomush as we delve into an inspiring journey of self-discovery and growth.
CEOs from some of Orange County's best nonprofits came together to talk business with Leadership Tomorrow's 2024 cohort. Anne Olin (Charitable Ventures), Claudia Bonilla Keller, MPA (Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County), Brateil Aghasi (WISEPlace), and Working Wardrobes' very own Bonni Pomush shared varying perspectives and insights about the business of nonprofits, and important issues they're addressing locally to help individuals and communities thrive.
CEO of Working Wardrobes Bonni Pomush, Chief People Officer Derek Benson, and Operations Consultant Lynne Wands sat down to share Working Wardrobes' 2023 highlights, 2024 outlook, and new ways to engage!
Chairman of Orange County Board of Supervisors and CEO of Working Wardrobes Bonni Pomush sat down together to explore the significance of diligence, a strong work ethic, and the value of seeking support in the pursuit of your professional goals.
City of Tustin Chair Member Letitia Clark and CEO of Working Wardrobes Bonni Pomush sat down together to discuss the importance of diligence and work ethic when it comes to trying to achieve your work goals.
CEO of Main Street Marketing Partners Lisa Thomas and CEO of Working Wardrobes Bonni Pomush sat down together to discuss the importance of taking initiative when it comes to trying to achieve your work goals.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sat down with the Vice Mayor of Irvine Tammy Kim to discuss the hiring process, ways to ace your interviews, and how to ask the right questions!
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sat down with the Mayor of Irvine Farrah Khan to discuss Khan's journey to becoming Mayor and how to overcome barriers to gainful employment.
Our Social Enterprise helps our clients find their "Success Suits," powers The Hanger Outlets and Boutiques, saves hundreds of thousands of garments from the landfill annually, and funds our Rebuilding Careers Program! Your clothing donations, shopping, and volunteerism make it all possible. Hear from Working Wardrobes' CEO Bonni Pomush and key leaders on our Social Enterprise team Johnny DeFrange and Janel Cottone about how your support translates to a life-changing impact for our clients!
Working Wardrobes' Client Services team works hard to fulfill the Working Wardrobes mission every day. They have the privilege of offering crucial support to job seekers in our community. Without YOUR generosity, none of it would be possible! We are eager to express our gratitude and share exciting updates in our second Impact Webinar of 2023. Hear from Working Wardrobes' CEO Bonni Pomush and key leaders on our Client Services team Bianca Herrera and Michael Barrett about how your support translates to a life-changing impact for our clients!
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sat down with Working Wardrobes’ board member and Vice President, Market Leader at Invesco US Chris Collie to discuss how to control self and overcome challenges when we don't have control over our circumstances.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sat down with Working Wardrobes’ board member and Vice President, Market Leader at Invesco US Chris Collie to discuss how to control self and overcome challenges when we don't have control over our circumstances.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Chief Financial Officer Alan Silkes, Senior Director of Client Services Ashley Vlcan, and Chief People Officer Derek Benson to discuss 2022 successes, strategic priorities for the year ahead, and 2023 commitments to Working Wardrobes' supporters.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Chief Revenue Officer Stefaan Poortman, Retail Manager Paola Escobedo, and Director of Social Enterprise Johnny De Frange to discuss how social enterprise supports the organization's mission to empower Orange County job seekers.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sat down with Working Wardrobes' board member and Chief Excellence Officer at Leaderology Marissa Waldman and Chief People Officer Derek Benson to discuss HR professionals and what 2023 looks like for job seekers.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Cyndi Karapagosian, District President for Robert Half and Working Wardrobes Board Chair to reflect on the impact of career empowerment in their own lives and the lives of those around them.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Legacy Fund Donors Richard Ward and Carolyn Beaver to discuss the power of legacy giving.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Legacy Fund Donors Richard Ward and Carolyn Beaver to discuss the power of legacy giving.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush joined board members, Janelle Metzger, VP of Human Capital at Optum, and Laurie Grijalva, Chief Merchandising Officer at Boot Barn to discuss how to unlock potential in your team.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush joined board members, Janelle Metzger, VP of Human Capital at Optum, and Laurie Grijalva, Chief Merchandising Officer at Boot Barn to discuss how to unlock potential in your team.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Justine Rocha, Safety Engineer at Hensel Phelps and Teresa Miller, Co-Founder and CEO of 365 Events San Diego to discuss The Power of Human Connection.
CEO Bonni Pomush, Client Services DirectorAshley VIcan, and VetNet Director Michael Barrett host an exclusive conversation about how community support of makes a transformational impact possible.
CEO Bonni Pomush, Chief Program Officer Mary Ann Profeta, and Chief Revenue Officer Stefaan Poortman review highlights from 2021 and a look forward at what Working Wardrobes will focus on in 2022!
CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Working Wardrobes leadership team members, Chief People Officer Derek Benson, Chief Program Officer Mary Ann Profeta, Chief Financial Officer Alan Silkes, and Chief Revenue Officer Stefaan Poortman.
Working Wardrobes CEO Bonni Pomush sat down with Working Wardrobes retail managers to discuss how retail supports the overall mission of the organization.
Working Wardrobes' CEO Bonni Pomush sat down with Orange County Museum of Art CEO & Director Heidi Zuckerman to get an inside like at their organizations and leadership.
Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes and Stefaan Poortman, Working Wardrobes Chief Revenue Officer with longtime donors and supporters Toni & Terry McDonald on the impact of recurring giving.
Working Wardrobes CEO, Bonni Pomush sits down with several Working Wardrobes Clients to talk about their experience with the organizations programs.
In this episode, CEO Bonni Pomush sits down with Working Wardrobes Chief Revenue Officer Stefaan Poortman, Chief Financial Officer Alan Silkes, Chief Program Officer Mary Ann Profeta, and Chief People Officer Derek Benson to discuss the relationships that helped grow their careers and why investing in others is important.
In the episode, Working Wardrobes Bonni Pomush sits down with board members Bart Asner, M.D., former President of OptumCare Southern California and Rockette Ewell, Community Affairs Manager, U.S. Bank Southern California to discuss the power of receiving your first paycheck.
Jerri sits down with incoming CEO of Working Wardrobes Bonni Pomush to discuss their shared love of the mission and to provide insight to the transition of leadership, following Jerri’s retirement after 31 years at year’s end.
Founder and CEO of Working Wardrobes Jerri Rosen sits down with Working Wardrobes incoming CEO Bonni Pomush and Working Wardrobes Board Chair and District President, Professional Talent Solutions at Robert Half Cyndi Karapogosian to discuss rebuilding careers and the Power of a Paycheck. Cyndi shares her experience as Board Chair and the women discuss strategic priorities that support sustainability and continued growth for Working Wardrobes in the future.
Delivering Good is a non-profit organization, a nonprofit organization that unites retailers, manufacturers, foundations and individuals to provide people impacted by poverty and tragedy with new merchandise. Donated products are effectively distributed through a network of agency partners to improve the well-being, self-esteem and dignity of at-risk children, families, and individuals.
Since 1985, over $2 billion of donated products have been distributed through the Delivering Good network of community partners, serving individuals and families affected by poverty and disaster worldwide. As 1 of 800 local community partners, Working Wardrobes receives new product and merchandise from Delivering Good, in which we then supply our clients with the professional clothing and supplies they need to succeed!
In this session, Jerri sits down with Mark C. Doyle, a TLD Law, LLP partner since 1988. Jerri and Mark discuss Working Wardrobes’ long-lasting partnership with TLD Law, Mark’s 40 years in serving clients in tax and estate planning and TLD’s 60th anniversary in business. With Mark’s expertise in a full range of estate, business, and tax planning matters, he also shares his valuable insight to charitable planned giving and the value it holds for sustaining charitable organizations.
In this interview, Jerri and Rick discuss how entrepreneurs and business leaders can recruit top talent when they hire based on the values of their company. When a company structures their interview questions in and around their core values, they find the right hires. Rick’s first book, Healing Career Wounds, set to be released on May 20th is a written guide to the secret weapon for seamless and successful techniques to win at the hiring game. It introduces the Hire Operating System (HireOS) he created and ditches the traditional process of recruiting.
In this week’s episode of the Rebuilding Careers Podcast, listen as host Jerri Rosen speaks with Women with Drive members, Marissa Lillard, Susan Elseman, and Amber Gusa, as they discuss women in the workforce. Founded in July of 2016, Women with Drive is committed to enhancing the personal and professional development of their members, connecting with each other internally at Cox Automotive, and connecting externally with their communities.
In this episode, Rebuilding Careers Podcast host, Jerri Rosen, sits down with Erica Helphand, Managing Partner & COO of OP3; Co-Founder of Ellementary, as they discuss rebuilding during COVID-19, and how work can be a powerful display of core values.
On this week’s episode of The Rebuilding Careers Podcast, listen as host Jerri Rosen sits down with Margaret Bayston, CEO of Laura’s House, as they discuss COVID concerns and women’s safety during this time.
Robert Half & Associates District President and incoming Working Wardrobes Board Chair, Cyndi Karapogosian, talks with CEO Jerri Rosen about the challenges and victories in finding jobs for people in a virtual world.
Listen as our host, Jerri Rosen, sits down with Hire Power Radio's Rick Girard as they discuss Rick's story and Working Wardrobes' mission to rebuild careers. Learn more about Working Wardrobes and Rebuilding Careers: https://www.workingwardrobes.org/rebuilding-careers-scholarships/ Listen to Hire Power Radio: https://www.stridesearch.com/hire-power-radio Follow us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorkingWardrobes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WorkingWardrobes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-wardrobes/