Martha’s story begins in Colombia, where she was born and raised. Studying a degree in industrial engineering, she dreamed of higher education, but the cost of an MBA in Colombia was exorbitant. Determined to overcome this obstacle, she made the life-changing decision to move to Argentina, where education was more affordable.
Once completing her studies in Argentina, Martha met the love of her life, who was ready to move to Australia. Reluctant at first, she eventually adapted to the Australian culture and English language. Martha found a job with a startup company that tackled real-life problems using mathematical solutions and had ambitions to do business with Latin America. She thrived in this role for nearly three years until a devastating diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. “My life was upside down with treatment, a baby and a toddler to care for, then my mum, who came to help us, was also diagnosed with bowel cancer. And if that was not enough COVID hit the world.” compounding the family’s difficulties.
Despite facing what seemed like insurmountable odds, Martha discovered a renewed sense of purpose. She pursued sustainable living studies online at the University of Tasmania, securing a scholarship. Determined to make a difference Martha’s studies became a therapeutic outlet, helping her focus on climate change solutions and community engagement, providing a mental oasis from her tumultuous life.
This transformative period gave Martha a new perspective. When medical exams surprisingly indicated she was in good health, she felt she’d been given a second chance at life. Martha felt a profound responsibility to make a meaningful impact. However, after being out of the workforce for over two years, she lacked confidence and her self-esteem was very low. This was when she discovered Fitted for Work.
Martha recalls her first interaction with Fitted for Work as an emotional one. “I was overwhelmed with gratitude; I couldn’t believe an organisation like this exists. I felt as if it was my best friend who gave me a warm hug and told me – I will hold your hand until you are fine again”. Fitted for Work assisted her with her resume and provided training to rebuild her confidence. Sharing experiences with other women facing similar struggles made her feel less alone, helping her regain her self-worth and recognize the strength in her career break.
The tangible support from Fitted for Work, including clothes and makeup, was crucial. After her treatments, Martha’s appearance had changed, and she no longer felt like herself. Fitted for Work helped her feel beautiful, smart, and confident again.
Inspired by her experiences, Martha founded her consulting company, Circular Growth, combining her expertise in industrial engineering, sales, and marketing with her sustainability knowledge. She began assisting her neighborhood and startups with sustainable products. This year, she was recognized in her community as one of the “Extraordinary Women of Glenroy” for her environmental efforts.
Martha’s involvement with Glenroy Hub was a pivotal moment. While there to finalize her business paperwork, she noticed the neglected indoor plants and proposed a maintenance plan, which led to securing a contract. This success, supported by her mentor Jo from Fitted for Work, boosted her confidence and deepened her community involvement.
Today, Martha is actively pursuing various goals, including becoming a certified B Corp consultant and developing software for counting carbon emissions. She is also creating a hands-on sustainability program for secondary schools in Merri-Bek and serves on the Client Advisory Committee of Fitted for Work.
Martha’s journey from Colombia to Argentina, and finally to Australia, is a testament to her resilience and the power of community support. Her story is a reminder that we can achieve remarkable things when we lean on others for help and stay true to our passions. Through her work with Circular Growth and Fitted for Work, Martha continues to make a significant impact on her community and the environment.
Fitted for Work has been instrumental in Martha’s journey, providing the support she needed to rebuild her confidence and pursue her dreams. The organization’s holistic approach to empowering women—through career coaching, training, and personal styling—has helped countless women like Martha regain their footing and thrive in their professional lives.
If you’re inspired by Martha’s story and want to support Fitted for Work’s mission, consider getting involved or donating to help more women achieve their potential.
