Over the years, through career shifts and moments of uncertainty, Chrysalis has been a steady presence for Noëlle—helping her navigate the ever-changing landscape of work and opportunity.
At 76, Noëlle has lived a life rich with adventure. Born in a French colony in Africa, she began her career as a medical assistant at a hospital specializing in cancer research. She went on to work in public relations with physicists in scientific research, which gave her the opportunity to travel across Europe.
Innately curious and a lifelong learner, she pursued higher education, going on to establish careers in administration, movie production, high-end retail management, and early childhood education. These opportunities allowed her to cross industries and continents, eventually making California home nearly 40 years ago.
“I left the medical field and worked for the French government, traveling all over Europe. I studied law, then moved to the U.S. and spent years in high-end retail and worked in movie production. Before the pandemic, I taught early childhood education, but when COVID hit, I wasn’t making enough, and I had to let it go.”
In her early 60s, despite her drive to continue growing and learning, Noëlle found herself facing a challenge she had never encountered before: employers were seeing her age, not her experience.
Noëlle first turned to Chrysalis 14 years ago and found a welcoming environment where staff recognized her strongest professional assets and unwavering work ethic. In her own words, “Communication, organization, and public relations are my forte.” Over the years, she has returned to our program—not because she lacked determination, but because the workforce doesn’t always make space for those who still have so much to offer.
“Chrysalis makes people feel at home. They don’t say, ‘We’re going to find a job for you.’ They say, ‘We’re going to help you find a job. We’re going to work together.’”
During her time with us, Noëlle has utilized one-on-one job search support, resume-writing services, practice interviews, online application assistance, and accessed professional attire. But perhaps most importantly, she found empowerment through the dedicated support of her employment specialist—gaining the confidence to navigate the modern job market.
Thanks to a referral from Chrysalis, Noëlle can now be found five days a week at The Salvation Army, where she is part of the team responsible for displaying received donations on the sales floor. In addition to general inventory organization, she curates a section dedicated to early childhood learning, highlighting interactive experiences for children from infancy through preschool and beyond. She also specializes in presenting accessories by arranging them according to a specific color chart. Her role is a perfect match for her passion for structure, organization, and meaningful human connection.
Her current role is far from the first time Noëlle has embraced something new—and with the goal of working until she’s at least 80, it likely won’t be her last. From jobs in the medical field to the entertainment industry—including a recent role with Cirque du Soleil in Santa Monica—she has learned that success isn’t always about holding onto one job, but about the ability to remain nimble and adapt to an ever-changing world.