Building a Brighter Future: Kylie’s Work Proudly Journey

When Kylie first came to the Work Proudly Program, she was working as a hairstylist, a job she loved for its creativity and people connection, but one that had become risky and unsustainable. Close client contact left her vulnerable to infections, and a hospitalization for pneumonia made it clear she needed a new path. As Kylie explained in her application, “If I’m not physically at the salon, I don’t earn income. Losing clients after my hospitalization showed me I needed a career with stability, benefits, and flexibility to manage my CF.”

In her initial video, Kylie shared her hopes of finding a healthier, more sustainable career: “Living with cystic fibrosis means that I have to be intentional with how I structure my time and energy. I’m looking to transition into a more stable and flexible career to prioritize my health and also allow me to begin my life in terms of getting married and starting a family someday.”

Through the Work Proudly Program, Kylie received career coaching, resume and interview support, and access to specialized training. She put in the work, refined her skills, and discovered a new passion that aligned with her goals. By the end of the program, she proudly shared: “I gained valuable resume writing and interviewing skills. I was also able to take training for the career path I chose, and with that training and upgraded resume, I was able to land a job.”

The transformation was not only professional, but also personal. Kylie’s exit survey revealed a meaningful boost in confidence and self-worth. She strongly agreed with statements like “I am satisfied with myself” and “I feel that I am a person of worth” which reflected the pride she gained through the process Exit Survey.

When asked what mattered most, Kylie said, “The most valuable part of the Work Proudly Program was having help to narrow down my options and connecting with a resume professional who turned my transferable skills into a masterful resume that helped me secure the job!”

Today, Kylie is not just working, she is thriving. She has a clearer career direction, improved self-esteem, and the peace of mind that comes with stability and benefits.

Her story is exactly what the Work Proudly Program is all about: giving people living with cystic fibrosis the tools, confidence, and opportunities to pursue meaningful work and build a future on their own terms.