How do you relaunch your career after taking time off, especially in an industry that never stops evolving?
That’s the mission of Bring Women Back to Work (BWBW), a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping women re-enter the workforce after a career break. Founded in Switzerland, the initiative partners with Salesforce and other leading technology companies to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. The program offers a 12-month, 180-hour learning journey designed to equip women with the skills and confidence needed for their next professional chapter. Through close collaboration with corporate partners, BWBW aims to match participants with hiring opportunities within the year. This program is tailored for women who have been out of the workforce for more than a year, not because they couldn’t find a job, but because life led them on a different path.
The program combines technical training, several workshops in soft skills and mental health, personal coaching, and mentoring to prepare women for re-entry into the workplace and to open real job opportunities. Participants can earn certifications in Salesforce AI, and/or Workday, and continue their professional growth through Trailhead, Salesforce’s free learning platform for continuous skill development. While each BWBW journey looks a little different, the goal remains the same: to empower women to rediscover their professional identity, rebuild confidence, and embrace the next chapter of their careers.
As Alexandra puts it, “I’m proud that I managed it all – being a mom, learning, and finishing my first certification.” And for Kunika, “This program gave me the courage to start again, to be confident – and to share that energy with others.”
Our Trailblazer Alexandra Gorelina about …
… finding her voice in a new country
“When I moved from Russia to Switzerland, I faced both cultural and career challenges. After taking parental leave, finding a new job proved difficult despite more than 12 years of experience in IT and project management. I attended many events, applied everywhere – but it wasn’t easy without local experience or fluent German. The BWBW program became a turning point. It gave me updated Salesforce knowledge, a strong peer network, and above all, a renewed sense of confidence. The I Am Remarkable workshop was emotional – we all cried. It helped me recognize my own achievements and be proud of what I’ve done.”
Today, Alexandra holds a Salesforce Associate Certification, is preparing for her Administrator exam, and plans to explore AI and automation next. “The program helped me get out of the shadow,” she says. “It reminded me that my skills and my story matter.”
… learning to grow beyond certifications
“When I started, my goal was simply to get a certification – but the program gave me so much more. I learned how to speak confidently about my skills, how to present myself to employers, and how to approach interviews with authenticity. The coaching sessions helped me understand that success isn’t just about technical knowledge – it’s about communication, mindset, and resilience. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, balancing studies, family, and adapting to a new culture. Today, I feel ready to continue growing, to keep learning, and to build a career that reflects who I’ve become.”
Our Trailblazer Kunika Anand Kumar about
… rediscovering confidence and community
“After taking a break to raise my two children, I wanted to reconnect with my professional self. With a background as a Business Analyst, I missed being part of the fast-paced tech world. I felt like my brain was slowing down – I wanted to learn again, to connect again. Through Bring Women Back to Work, I found more than a skills program – I found a community of women who understood my journey. The program helped me rebuild confidence, step by step. Every conversation, every session, gave me energy again. Now focusing on Data Cloud and Business Analytics, I can combine my CRM experience with new technical expertise. I learned that learning never stops – and that technology becomes truly meaningful when you combine it with empathy and human connection.”
… turning learning into opportunity
“The most valuable part of the program was understanding how data connects everything – people, processes, and possibilities. My mentors encouraged me to look beyond what I already knew and explore new areas like Data Cloud and Power BI. That mindset helped me see how to apply Salesforce not just in CRM, but across analytics and decision-making. It also showed me how diverse thinking within a team makes solutions stronger. Today, I’m not just rebuilding my career; I’m shaping it with a clearer sense of purpose. This journey reminded me that it’s never too late to grow, evolve, and contribute.”
