Career Pivots

Episode Description:  

In this episode, AFF alumni Janelle Alba Garner and Xiomara Contreras discuss navigating career pivots, redefining success, and making decisions when the path forward is uncertain. Drawing from their experiences in entrepreneurship, technology, and social impact, they share how their definitions of success have evolved and why your first job—or any single career decision—doesn't define your future. They also offer practical advice on trusting yourself, building community, stepping outside your comfort zone, and creating opportunities for others as you grow. 

Guests Bio: 

Janelle Alba Garner is a human-centered entrepreneur and equity advocate based in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. After graduating from the University of St. Thomas in 2021 with a degree in Justice and Peace Studies and American Culture and Difference, she founded Tanglaw Advisory to help good people do great work, better. 

 Guided by her values, Janelle partners with mission-driven women of color across Chicago’s South and West Sides to strengthen their systems, structure, and strategy so they can drive change sustainably. She believes organizations can achieve even greater impact when they intentionally build structures that protect their teams’ well-being and capacity. Committed to ending the cycle of self-sacrifice in the name of service, she helps co-create solutions that honor both the work and those doing it. 

 Through Change Collective, Janelle is focused on building partnerships and expanding access to resources for organizations across the city. She’s strengthening her ability to guide, advise, and speak with confidence while connecting leaders to the knowledge and networks they need to succeed. 

 When she’s not at her desk, Janelle spends time baking, reading, and running around with her partner, Ryan, and their two dobermans, Nas and Nala. 

 Xiomara Contreras spent eight years at Google as a product marketing manager driving growth and user engagement for core platforms including Google Ads and Google Business Profile. A Northwestern University graduate with a degree in Communication Studies, and a minor in Latina/o Studies, Xiomara is based in Chicago and enjoys painting and storytelling. She’s also deeply committed to community, spending her time mentoring high schoolers and early career professionals, and volunteering for various organizations. Now in the midst of her own career transition, Xiomara is excited to discuss the challenges and clarity that come with leaving a long-term role to pursue a more intentional path.