Over the years, Kala has lived around the world and had an expansive career ranging from working with the U.S. Department of Justice to singing opera professionally to beginning her own business here in Los Angeles: Five Senses Tastings.
She first learned about Chrysalis in a newsletter from Mayor Garcetti, which listed different ways Angelenos could get involved in their community. Ultimately, Kala decided she wanted to make a positive and long-term impact at Chrysalis. Apart from the fact that she thoroughly enjoys helping people build resumes, her diverse career path makes her a near expert at crafting them for a variety of industries. In addition, she often works with students on their personal statements for college applications, making her a great asset for clients who are looking for guidance on how to share their experiences and skills.
“I like knowing that I’m part of someone’s journey to employment and hopefully a better, more stable life.”
For nearly two years now, Kala has been working with clients on their resumes and preparing them for job interviews — in both English and Spanish — at our San Fernando Valley center.
“I’ve come to realize that so many people don’t think they have a story or that the only story they have is a negative one,” she begins. “I think one of my skills is taking what people say and putting it into sentences and phrases that mean a bit more — showing them all that they’re capable of and that they do have a story to tell.”
Kala often quotes Dolores Huerta, telling clients, “Your story is your power.” For her, it’s important that clients feel ownership of their stories, so she can better help them shape how it shows up on a resume and is shared during job interviews. Interestingly enough, her own story is what gives her the ‘power’ to help Chrysalis clients through the resume and job interview processes.
“I like getting to show someone, who might see me in a position of authority, their resume and say, ‘I can’t do a single thing on here, but you can.’ Don’t be afraid of your story.”
Throughout her time at Chrysalis, Kala has used her knowledge to provide positive experiences for clients who may feel that they are facing a challenge when it comes to creating a resume with a great story. She shared her own story about a recent one-on-one with clients on her company’s blog. For Kala, her senses and her experience help her do her best as a volunteer.
“We all have our strengths and just because one person’s life took a turn and mine didn’t, doesn’t mean they don’t have the capability and power to move forward.”