Chloe Searfoss stepped into the Dress for Success Indianapolis (DFSI) center for a styling appointment and walked out with her eyes set on a life-changing opportunity.
Chloe moved to Indianapolis with her daughter in pursuit of stability, support, and opportunity. At DFSI, she found just that. “Everyone was so kind and supportive,” she said. “It’s hard to fail when you’re around people like that.”
During her initial styling appointment, Chloe learned about the Career Pathway Navigator Program that DFSI intended to offer. Chloe had been wanting to go back to school for some time, but she did not feel that she had adequate resources to do so. The Career Pathway Navigator Program provided Chloe with the opportunity to earn a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credential in a matter of months, opening the door to a stable, exciting career in the medical field. “You’re never going to get another opportunity for a free education, all the way down to the notecards and sticky notes,” said Chloe. She also appreciated the opportunity to develop and expand her support system through the Program: “Connecting with your classmates is important. You help each other through,” she said. “I have my Mom, too. That’s how I got through the program.”
Chloe successfully completed the Program and had interviews lined up within two weeks of obtaining her credentials. After considering several opportunities, Chloe accepted a position as a Patient Access Representative with Eskenazi Health. In this role, Chloe enjoys being the first person a patient sees upon entering the doctor’s office. “I love working for Eskenazi,” she said. “Everyone I work with is approachable and big on teamwork, and I love the clientele we get to help.”
Looking back on her journey through the program, Chloe reflected on her experience with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. “Being in a place of self-doubt for so long, and being surrounded by the wrong people, I kept wondering, am I doing enough? Did I study enough? Am I good enough?” Now, Chloe is reminded that everything she has gone through in her life has set her up well for this moment. “You have to hold yourself accountable and just go for it—you cannot let your self-doubt hold you back. Take a deep breath and have confidence in yourself,” said Chloe.
To learn more about the Dress for Success Indianapolis Career Navigator Program, please visit indydfs.org.
