Life & Work with Bonni Pomush of Santa Ana, Calif.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonni Pomush.

Hi Bonni, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was two years old, my mom found me on a chair on top of a table playing something unrecognizable so she asked me, “Bonni, what are you playing up there?” I told her, very confidently, “I’m bossing.” When she asked who I was bossing, I replied, “Everyone.” Although it seems like such a silly story because of my age, it seems pretty clear that the instinct to lead, organize, and help others find their place in the world has always been part of my life’s journey. From an early age, I became a leader (referring here to my teenage years, long after the playset I originally played “bossing” on was decommissioned). I knew I was looked at for leadership and that I wanted to be a trusted leader, I just didn’t know the depth of what that meant and the complexities it entailed.

I started out in youth leadership and education, running programs as a camp counselor for the same communities I once participated in as a child. That eventually evolved into designing and implementing large scale programs in institutions like the university and school districts, asking families what they needed and then delivering solutions like childcare, athletics and enrichment. Later, my work expanded into nonprofit and community leadership, including roles focused on strengthening community, purpose, and belonging through service.

Today, as CEO of Working Wardrobes, I see a clear throughline across everything I have done throughout my life: helping people recognize their strengths, overcome barriers, and step into their own potential. Whether in education, community-building or workforce development, my life and leadership has always centered on dignity, growth and human connection.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road by any means. I didn’t fully realize early on in my career that many of the roles I accepted would require me to be a “fixer.” Not intentionally, I stepped into roles and environments where infrastructure, systems, and culture needed building or re-building. That meant learning how to create structure where none existed, developing sustainable processes, and building margins for organizations that were running on passion but lacked operational stability.

One of the most complex challenges of my career was stepping into a leadership position following the footsteps of a beloved, long-tenured founder. At Working Wardrobes, I had the honor of following a fearless founder who built and led something extraordinary for 31 years. That transition required deep respect for legacy, while also making sure I had the courage to walk in my own shoes (instead of stepping into hers) and bring my unique leadership in to guide the organization into its next chapter.

What I have learned over the years is that meaningful leadership often comes with discomfort. Growth requires facing hard truths, making difficult decisions, and trusting the process, even when the path seems unclear.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently serve as Chief Executive Officer of Working Wardrobes, a leading nonprofit organization based in Santa Ana, dedicated to helping people overcome barriers to meaningful employment and achieve lasting economic stability. Our clients are people who have survived domestic violence, served in the military, been impacted by justice involvement, experienced homelessness or housing insecurity, and individuals navigating major life transitions. We provide career coaching, soft skill trainings, certifications, interview preparation and professional attire, all grounded in dignity and individualized support.

What I personally specialize in is building strong, people-centered organizations and processes. I am known for combining relational leadership with operational rigor. I care deeply about company culture, listening closely to my team members, and building environments where people can truly thrive, while also holding high standards for systems, accountability and measurable impact. Under my leadership, Working Wardrobes has expanded its reach significantly, served record numbers of clients, and earned consistent recognition as a top workplace and trusted community partner in Orange County.

What I am most proud of is that while I’ve been at Working Wardrobes, we have grown without losing our humanity. We have scaled our impact while preserving the sacredness of this important work: meeting people in vulnerable moments, honoring their stories, and helping them rediscover their worth. Part of this is what I believe sets me apart; it is my ability to lead both operationally and relationally at the same time, with discipline and heart, side by side.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that no two people are the same, and leadership cannot treat everyone like they are an assembly line. We often build systems as leaders assuming that if someone enters one way, they should exit the same way as everyone else. But human beings do not work that way.

Every person carries their own story, trauma, strengths and potential. People need to be seen, discovered, and acknowledged for who they are individually. I have learned not to assume that what motivates one person will motivate another, or that support should look the same for everyone. The real work is in honoring everyone’s journey and helping them uncover what they are truly capable of. That belief is at the core of how I lead and how Working Wardrobes serves our clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.workingwardrobes.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingwardrobes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workingwardrobes
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonni-pomush-1106b513/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingwardrobes1597

Image Credits
Working Wardrobes