What's Happening?
Susan De Marco, who spent 11 years as a stay-at-home mom, successfully transitioned back into the workforce and became the CEO of Brand K Partners, an accounting firm for nonprofit organizations. Despite
initial challenges in finding employment due to a resume gap, De Marco's experience as a mother was seen as an asset by the firm's founder, Amy Karson. De Marco's journey underscores the difficulties faced by stay-at-home parents reentering the workforce, particularly with resume gaps that can be filtered out by AI-driven hiring technologies. Her story highlights the importance of recognizing the value of skills gained through parenting, such as multitasking and problem-solving.
Why It's Important?
De Marco's success story is significant as it challenges the stigma associated with resume gaps and emphasizes the potential of stay-at-home parents in the professional world. Her rise to CEO demonstrates that skills acquired during parenting are transferable and valuable in the workplace. This narrative could encourage more employers to consider the diverse experiences of candidates with non-traditional career paths. Additionally, it highlights the need for more inclusive hiring practices that recognize the contributions of individuals who have taken time off for family responsibilities.
What's Next?
De Marco's leadership at Brand K Partners may inspire other companies to adopt more flexible and inclusive hiring practices. Her story could also motivate other stay-at-home parents to pursue their career aspirations, knowing that their experiences are valuable. As awareness grows about the challenges faced by individuals with resume gaps, there may be increased advocacy for policies that support career reentry, such as mentorship programs and targeted job platforms.
