Voice of Returning Moms in the Future-of-Work
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Untapped Potential was honored to take part in the University of Connecticut School of Business Graduate Career & Human Resource Management Leadership Conference, joining a panel that explored how to tap into diverse talent pools to shape the Future of Work.
The panel, moderated by Dr. Travis Grosser of UConn, included powerful voices from across sectors including seniors, #womenretuners, veterans and those representing the neurodivergent community.
Travis kicked off the session with illuminating data.
- 73% of educated, experienced women find it difficult to return to work after a caregiving break—the challenge we tackle at Untapped Potential Inc.
- 15–20% of the population is neurodivergent (that’s 67M Americans!)
- Mature workers make up over 50% of the U.S. labor force
- ~200,000 veterans transition to civilian life every year
“These are not niche communities,” Candace notes. “They represent a large and valuable part of our future workforce.”
Founder, Candace Freedenberg represented Women Returners, sharing the perspective of moms who have stepped away from their careers to care for family—and are now looking to re-enter the workforce with purpose.
Together, the panelists discussed what needs to change in today’s hiring practices—from rigid applicant tracking systems to outdated job descriptions—and how those systems often filter out capable, experienced professionals, particularly those who’ve paused their careers for caregiving.
One barrier discussed was the recent statistical decline in any investment in training on behalf of corporations- across the board. This fact makes Untapped Potential’s career support and skillUP training all the more crucial.
Candace emphasized the unique strengths of returning moms, highlighting their adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a determined, make-it-happen mindset. She highlighted Untapped Potential’s proven approach, including: Flexreturn® programs, mentorship and re-skilling, bias-aware hiring and onboarding practices.
The session also created meaningful networking moments, with Untapped Potential’s talent engaging directly with HR leaders ready to think differently about how—and who—they hire.
Special thanks to the UConn Career and Professional Development Office, sponsors NEAM, Inc., Alera Group, DORO Restaurant Group, and everyone who made the event possible.
Speakers left with more than just thoughtful speaker swag—including The Broken Rung, a book on career advancement for women.
More important, attendees in the HR Leadership Community left with a call to build a more inclusive, future-ready workforce.
