We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bonni Pomush. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bonni below.

Bonni, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Nearly 35 years ago a group of women hosted a one-time event providing confidence growing resources to a group of survivors of domestic violence. This act of kindness evolved into Working Wardrobes as it’s known today, a leading nonprofit helping men and women, youth and seniors overcome complex social issues to obtain gainful employment. Despite our name, it’s not about the clothes, it’s about giving people a “hand up” and equipping them with the resources to flourish. We address the whole person, from the inside out, providing tailored services that empower our clients with job skills and confidence to achieve gainful employment.

As a Southern California transplant, I understand deeply that the path to starting over is anything but easy. I see myself in the clients we serve through my own experience in the transition to building a new life in a new state. Before moving, I was well-established in my career, leaving an executive position in my home state to work the front desk of a new organization, building my network and community from scratch. While not everyone treated me like “the help,” not everyone treated me with dignity either. My tenure starting over was incredibly humbling and re-inspired me to treat every person with dignity and respect. It’s incredibly brave to ask for help and I’m honored to take part in reaching thousands of individuals who come to Working Wardrobes each year.

Bonni, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am proud to serve as the second-ever Chief Executive Officer of Working Wardrobes, stepping into the role following the retirement of its founder and former CEO of 31 years. Working Wardrobes serves over 5,000 people annually and has helped over 125,000 individuals enter or re-enter the workforce. We provide workforce readiness and development services to anyone, including but not limited to, young adults, Veterans, seniors and justice-impacted individuals, helping overcome their unique barriers and obtain gainful employment. Our services range from providing no-cost assessments, training and certifications, career coaching, individualized employment plans and wardrobe services.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Working Wardrobes prides itself in expressing dignity through all our interactions, which has been engrained in our culture since the organization’s founding. What I had to unlearn when I came to Working Wardrobes was using terms, like “guys,” to address groups of people and to pivot instead to use words that are more inclusive and meaningful.

It’s natural and common to open a conversation by saying, “Hey guys.”

“Hey guys, how’s it going?”

“Hey guys, can you help me?”

This term has become the widespread gender-neutral term to describe a group, yet it is not always inclusive nor an expression inviting dignity. I was guilty of using it in many of my interactions with people but have since seen and experienced the positive influence of using more selective terms, and now rarely open a sentence or address a group with “Hey guys.” Rather, I say:

“Hello amazing people!

“Good morning beautiful humans, how’s it going?”

“Hi everyone! Are you ready to get started?”

What a difference it makes to start off my attention getters with terms that are intentional and inclusive!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I moved to Southern California, my original plan for work was to open a consulting business. I wanted to use my previous executive-level experience to aid other leaders in executive positions on best practices for strategic planning and facilitating groups to arrive at consensus. I knew I needed to start laying down roots to build my network, so I could better understand the landscape and where my business could fit in this new space. So, I went to my community of faith to start making connections, and by talking to people about my intentions I ended up with a job offer.

Everything I had planned for was suddenly in question. With this pivot in play, I started back at the bottom, namely the front desk, and spent the next several years working my way back up in an industry and occupation I never intended to be in–and I learned so much. I ended up making use of the skills I would have been leading other executives through, sharpening my own skills and learning to be more of a utility player than solely a leader. To any folks who may be needing to pivot in their own lives, there is not one single, isolated road to get to the outcome you’re seeking but rather many ways to get there. You can do this!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.workingwardrobes.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WorkingWardrobes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorkingWardrobes/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-wardrobes/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingwardrobes1597

Image Credits

– Bonni Pomush Headshot 2024
– Bonni Pomush, Working Wardrobes CEO and Josie Bedford, client honoree (Blue Dress/Black Sparkly Dress with Award)
– Christine Ragos, Greg Little, Alexa Medrano and Bonni Pomush (Includes Working Wardrobes signage – Bonni is in a yellow shirt with black blazer)
– Bonni Pomush with Working Wardrobes Volunteers (includes 5 women, one with a walker – names not included)
– John Murray (PIMCO), Christine Ragos (U.S Bank), Janelle Metzger (Optum), Bonni Pomush (CEO, Working Wardrobes), Scott De Long (Lead 2 Goals)
– Power Up For Success Headshot Area (Woman in pink blazer)
– Power Up For Success Job Fair (military personnel present)