Irma slaps the table as she sets down an imaginary box of cake mix, emphasizing the baker’s role in crafting a delicious dessert. She uses this as an analogy for a successful job search, explaining, “Chrysalis gives you the ingredients, but you have to do the work.”
At nearly 67 years old, Irma is no stranger to hard work and resilience. With multiple degrees and professional careers in financial services, education, and community engagement, she has always thrived in environments where she can learn something new and inspire and mentor others.
“Chrysalis gives you the ingredients, but you have to do the work.”
Despite her impressive credentials, Irma faced challenges when she left her career in education to pursue a position with better benefits. The competitive job market and age bias among employers made her job search especially difficult. “I feel that employers don’t want to hire older people—they think it’s a liability,” she reflects. “But Chrysalis just saw a person looking for a job who was committed to finding one.”
In 2024, several Chrysalis clients like Irma participated in interviews for the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board and Economic and Workforce Development Department’s AdvantAGE LA Report. The City’s goal is to identify and implement policies to support the aging workforce because, by 2023, it is estimated that people 50-plus will make up 35 percent of our workforce. Irma’s story is a prime example of a Chrysalis client who is seeking support now.
“I feel that employers don’t want to hire older people…but Chrysalis just saw a person looking for a job who was committed to finding one.”
At Chrysalis, Irma embraced the resources available to her and found a supportive community ready to empower her. She was particularly inspired by the dedication of volunteers who helped polish her resume and worked closely with her employment specialist, who connected her with job leads tailored to her expertise and goals.
Irma’s perseverance and patience paid off. For the last several months, she has thrived as the Coordinator at All for Children, a nonprofit dedicated to child safety and community well-being. Her role in suicide prevention is saving lives and allows her to combine her passion for helping others with her exceptional organizational skills. “This is the most I’ve ever been paid for doing something I love. It’s amazing,” she shares. She also dedicates her free time to tutoring children and adults.
“This is the most I’ve ever been paid for doing something I love. It’s amazing.”
An advocate for others who may benefit from Chrysalis’ services, Irma urges potential clients to embrace the program wholeheartedly—and with their chef’s hat on—reminding them of their essential role in making their dreams a reality.
Chrysalis is thrilled to see Irma leaving such a lasting and positive mark on the lives of children, youth, and community members. Her resilience and optimism are a shining example of the impact each of us can have when our hard work is met with opportunity. As she puts it, “I’m resilient, positive, and always looking at the bright side of life.”