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Growth Matters Here: How Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest Invests in Every Career
At Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest (PPPSW), a career is more than a job — it’s a chance to grow, learn, and be part of a mission-driven community. We strive to provide the same level of care for our employees as our patients — because when staff thrive, our mission thrives.
That’s why PPPSW created Development Essentials, a professional growth program designed specifically for individual contributors — staff who don’t manage others but play a vital role in delivering on our mission.
The program was designed by Kendra S., Manager of Learning Management Systems Administration and Organizational Development Specialist, who saw an opportunity to provide meaningful development outside of management tracks.
Real-World Learning, Real Impact
Development Essentials isn’t about theory — it’s about skills staff can use right away. Participants practice giving and receiving feedback, navigating conflicts, improving communication, and defining a personal brand. The program also includes an interview workshop to help employees prepare for the next step in their careers.
Employees who’ve completed the program say they’ve applied what they learned immediately, whether by collaborating more effectively, leading projects with confidence, or navigating tough conversations with ease.
Growing Together
The program also creates connections. In the first cohort, Medical Assistants, Project Managers, Finance team members, and Communications professionals learned side by side. They discovered how their roles intersect and contribute to our shared mission — with one participant noting it “made me feel part of something bigger.”
This reflects our organizational value of We Try and We Learn, providing a safe space to experiment, support one another, and grow as a community.
A Culture of Growth
Unlike organizations where development is optional, PPPSW makes growth part of our culture. Employees are encouraged and supported with the tools they need to own their careers.
And the program is expanding. Kendra envisions multiple cohorts each year, more facilitators, and post-program development plans so skills stay fresh long after graduation.
Our Candidate Experience
At PPPSW, we view growth as an essential part of the journey. Development Essentials reflects our values by offering resources to support learning, encouragement to explore new skills, and opportunities to shape a meaningful career.
As Kendra puts it:
“You own your career development, and this program is a great way to build skills that are often overlooked.”
Explore our culture and career opportunities at pppswcareers.org