Episode 315 Valerie Bailey @ Working Wardrobes

Written By PeppTalks JeannePepper

Empowering the Workforce: A Collaborative Tour with Working Wardrobes and “I Found Me”

In this episode, Pepptalks goes on location at Working Wardrobes corporate offices and facilitates a powerful exchange between two impactful leaders dedicated to restoring dignity through service. We are joined by Bonni Pomush, the CEO of Working Wardrobes, and Valerie Bailey, the visionary founder of the I Found Me Foundation. This episode goes beyond a standard interview as we go on-site for a reciprocal tour, witnessing firsthand how these organizations provide the tools, clothing, and confidence necessary for individuals to overcome barriers to employment and personal stability.

The journey begins at Working Wardrobes, where Bonni Pomush guides us through the comprehensive services they provide to help people "get back to work." Far more than just professional attire, Working Wardrobes offers job training, career coaching, and a supportive environment that fosters self-sufficiency. As a seasoned leader in the non-profit sector, Bonni discusses the critical importance of workforce readiness and the profound psychological shift that occurs when an individual is equipped with the skills and confidence to provide for themselves and their family.

The exchange continues as Valerie Bailey introduces Bonni to the I Found Me Foundation bus, a mobile sanctuary serving Southern California’s unhoused. Valerie’s mission is deeply focused on providing a safe space for Veterans and those in need of hands-on help. The bus serves as a distribution hub for quality clothing and a mobile office where Valerie provides direct assistance with Veterans Affairs (VA) and personal advocacy. By meeting Veterans and other in need, where they are, Valerie ensures they have a place to take a necessary break, receive personal care, and access the benefits they have earned through their service.

This episode is a masterclass in community partnership and specialized advocacy. Listen as Bonni and Valerie discuss the synergy between their missions—how the mobile, hands-on support found provided by the I Found Me Foundation complements the career-readiness infrastructure of Working Wardrobes. It is a heart-centered conversation about the power of transformation, the importance of supporting the unhoused, the unemployed and our nation's heroes, and the unwavering commitment of these two women to seeing their neighbors thrive through dignity and direct action.

Connect with Our Guests & Organizations

Working Wardrobes (CEO Bonni Pomush)

I Found Me Foundation (Valerie Bailey)

Episode 315

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guests: Valerie Bailey and Bonni Pomush

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to our volunteers

FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to PeppTalks with Jeanne

Facebook: PeppTalks with Jeanne Pepper

Instagram: @pepptalkswithjeanne

TikTok: @pepptalkswithjeanne

LinkedIn: Jeanne Pepper

DISCLAIMER Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at Producers@PepptalkswithJeanne.com #PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

PeppTalks JeannePepper https://www.pepptalkswithjeanne.com
Next

Episode 314 Valerie Hirsh