We’re excited to introduce Diana Herrle Palau, a Bring Women Back to Work alumna who successfully transitioned from digital marketing to become a Senior Independent CRM Consultant. Her journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose.

BWBW: Diana, tell us about your journey before joining the Bring Women Back to Work program.

Diana Herrle Palau: I moved to Switzerland right after I turned 18. My father was offered a temporary position at the headquarters of the company he worked for. 

We were supposed to stay here 3 - 4 years and since I had graduated from school in Ecuador already and made a failed attempt to redo the last year of school here, I looked for an internship while I “arrived” in Switzerland and found my space here. 

The internship turned into a permanent job and I continued to work during my studies. I studied  Design Management in Lucerne and graduated in 2011. 

The 4 “temporary” years had passed and after my studies I opted to go into marketing based on my previous experience and what I enjoyed the most in my studies.

With the rise of ecommerce, my career shifted in that direction and I thrived in a young, international and fast paced environment.

I loved understanding business needs and working on improving processes to make them more efficient, understanding the html code of newsletters to be able to make changes to the layout, and exchanging with developers to learn and work better together.

BWBW: What motivated you to apply to the Bring Women Back to Work program and how did you find out about it?

Diana Herrle Palau: After working in digital marketing and communication for 4 years, I had a clear interest in what’s “digital”. 

The moment I found out I was pregnant I was doing a temporary role as pregnancy cover. I didn’t want to start something new at the moment, but I also knew I had to stay busy, so I started volunteering.

Through my volunteering at one NGO that works to increase diversity in the fields of STEM, I worked with ambitious, hardworking and passionate women, experienced the potential of technology and realized I wanted to be one of those women on the “backend” of technology and not just a user. 

By then, I had two kids under two at home and doing a bootcamp or course did not only mean covering the cost of the course, but also childcare to be able to attend the course and do the work.

I stumbled upon a video from Vanessa talking about the program (including homeschooling and being a mom) and I applied immediately. 

Since my priority was to start working, I kept looking for a job in my field until Alex, the recruiter from BWBW back then, reached out. 

We spoke and she asked me if she could share my CV with the partners - I agreed and shortly after, the recruiter from one of the partners reached out.

BWBW: What was your journey with BWBW like? What were your challenges, and what are you proud of?

Diana Herrle Palau: This was in 2020, the pandemic was just starting and I had my first day of work in an empty office to pick up my laptop. 

After that, I worked from home for 5 months. My team was spread around Switzerland, they were busy on projects, and I struggled to find ways to contribute to work on my own. 

Finally, I was able to join client meetings and could finally get hands-on experience on Salesforce and contribute to my team’s work.

BWBW: With being a participant of the BWBW program, What did you learn about yourself and how?

Diana Herrle Palau:  I realized a year into my new job, that for the first time I was deciding what 

I wanted to do with my career, in which direction I wanted to go and proactively building it. 

As much as I loved my previous jobs, I had also taken the jobs that were offered, grown into the position according to the team’s needs without a concrete plan. 

I realized on one hand that it was now important for me to own my career. 

I love working, but I’m going to be away from my kids, it better be worth my time.

BWBW: What was your path like to become an independent consultant? 

Diana Herrle Palau: I was extremely lucky to have a career manager that listened, that made me feel confident to express my vision and gave me confidence along the way with every milestone I reached.

I was lucky to have a team that collaborated, that provided me with actionable feedback, that took time to guide me and teach me.

BWBW: What do you wish for every woman who wants to reskill and become a better version of herself?

Diana Herrle Palau:  Do not forget all you have done and achieved, professionally and personally, before joining the program; the skills and knowledge you gather with BWBW are the cherry on top to your previous experience. 

Asking for help, guide or support does not mean you cannot do it alone or that you are not an independent woman. 

We rely on others and community is what makes us stronger.

Bravo, Diana, on your remarkable journey through the Bring Women Back to Work program! Your growth, determination, and bold career transition are truly inspiring. You've shown what’s possible with focus and resilience, and we’re incredibly proud to see you thrive in your new role as an independent CRM consultant. Wishing you continued success and fulfillment as you shape your next chapter—you’re a powerful role model for our community.

Interested in becoming a #BWBW Participant, Hiring Partner or Sponsor?

Find out more at https://lnkd.in/dEPXBQAk or email us directly at  info@bringwomenbacktowork.com