How She Did It: Rosanne Fischer

If you can't see it, you can't be it! EvolveMe’s How She Did It series features inspirational women who've reinvented their careers in midlife. Learn how they did it and take away usable tips from their professional journeys.

We’re thrilled to introduce the amazing Rosanne Fischer. Rosanne built an impressive career holding leadership roles at top companies, including Goldman Sachs and MetLife. She took an 18-year break from the workforce to focus on caregiving and family. Now, nearly two decades later, Rosanne has returned to the professional world, reigniting her career with a new purpose.

To jumpstart her comeback? Rosanne turned to EvolveMe’s Reinvention Collective. Through the Collective, she gained clarity, rebuilt her confidence, and rediscovered her passion with a supportive group of like-minded women. She also invested in upskilling with an MIT technical certification to further enhance her skills.

We're thrilled to share Rosanne's story. She's a role model for women in STEM and anyone seeking to reinvent themselves in midlife! Her journey is proof that it's never too late. It encompasses early career wins, a long caregiving break, and a strong return, making it one of the most layered and inspiring stories we've featured yet! 

If you're reimagining your career in midlife (or any stage!), Rosanne’s story proves you can thrive in a new chapter -- if you have a like-minded community, the right tools, and the motivation to invest in yourself. Read on to learn How She Did It!

What's your personal mantra?

My personal mantra is: “I’m an MBA—Mamma Bear Ascending.” It’s a reminder of the strength I’ve reclaimed, the skills I’ve sharpened, and the purpose that now guides me.

When I first stepped into the EvolveMe Reinvention Collective, I felt like I had aged out of my potential. Returning to the workforce after a caretaking break felt daunting and isolating. But that quickly changed.

I found my tribe: a Peer Advisory Group of like-minded, resilient women who lifted each other up. Through Judy and Linda’s inspiring leadership and the community they’ve built, I rediscovered my voice and my value.

Now, I embrace my age and experience as assets. I’ve upskilled through MIT’s Professional Certificate in Technical Project Management and drawn on over 20 years of project leadership at Goldman Sachs, Frigidaire, MetLife, and Stevens Institute of Technology.

I’m no longer afraid to pivot, take risks, or break molds—I know I have the tools and the tribe to back me. Today, I model strength and resilience for my son. I lead with gratitude, confidence, and a deep commitment to helping other women and future generations thrive—especially in STEM, business, and beyond.

What inspired you to launch your current career?

After two decades managing high-impact projects in finance, tech, and academia, I was ready for a role that blends strategy, innovation, and purpose. What drew me to this position was the opportunity to work alongside leadership on initiatives that directly shape the future of higher education.

The role leverages my background in program development, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic planning while aligning with my passion for empowering women in STEM, and business through education. It’s the perfect intersection of my skills, values, and desire to make a lasting impact.

What's unique about relaunching your career chapter in midlife? Challenges & opportunities?

I have a BSME and a master’s in management, and I spent the early part of my career at Goldman Sachs, MetLife, and Stevens Institute of Technology, environments that shaped my ability to think critically, lead strategically, and deliver in high-performance settings.

Then I took an 18-year break to raise my family, a deliberate choice that became a masterclass in servant leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience, and long-term planning.

Having served as a PTA prez at two of my son’s schools helped me give back to the community by using my skills to add value as a volunteer. These experiences added layers to my leadership style that no MBA or corporate role ever could.

The challenge in returning is overcoming outdated perceptions, the assumption that time away equals time out of touch. In reality, many of us return with greater clarity, adaptability, and purpose than ever before.

The opportunity? You bring fresh perspective, life-tested leadership, and a renewed sense of drive. I’m not here to climb a ladder. I’m here to build something meaningful, mentor others, and lead with intention.

That’s the power of a midlife pivot: you know who you are, what you bring, and why it matters.

...I took an 18-year break to raise my family, a deliberate choice that became a masterclass in servant leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience, and long-term planning.

What’s one intention you have for your work this year?

My intention this year is to rebuild with purpose. I want to reestablish myself professionally by showing up with focus, humility, and heart , contributing meaningfully, learning constantly, and helping shape something bigger than myself. This role at NYIT is more than a job; it’s a foundation for the future.

The challenge in returning is overcoming outdated perceptions, the assumption that time away equals time out of touch. In reality, many of us return with greater clarity, adaptability, and purpose than ever before.

What are you most passionate about right now?

Right now, I’m most passionate about using all the pieces of my journey , from corporate experience to caregiving, to help build something meaningful. I’m excited to support transformational leadership at NYIT, and to be part of a mission that values growth, reinvention, and impact, especially for women in STEM and Business.

Personally, I’m passionate about modeling resilience for my son, for myself, and for others navigating big life transitions with strength and grace.

What does a typical day look like for you?

No two days are exactly alike, which is what I love about it. Most mornings start with aligning on priorities with the Dean and reviewing timelines for our current initiatives. From there, I might be coordinating with faculty on a new academic program, drafting communications for community outreach, or troubleshooting logistics for an upcoming event. I also carve out time for project tracking, budget oversight, and ensuring alignment across departments.

It’s a dynamic mix of strategic planning, problem-solving, and relationship-building; every day moves the mission forward.

Outside of work, I’m preparing for big life changes: helping my son get ready for college, organizing our move, and making plans for a new chapter on Long Island. Every day feels full, but I’m moving through it with intention, knowing that each step is laying the groundwork for something meaningful.

What’s one thing that's advanced your career in the last year?

This year, my career took a meaningful leap forward thanks to my application of EvolveMe’s proprietary DARE© method and the continued powerful support of my Reinvention Collective peer advisory group.

Together, we built a robust toolkit for career reinvention rooted in clarity, confidence, and action. Through continued application of this process, I rediscovered my strengths, refined my professional vision, and reignited my confidence.

Motivated by my EvolveMe tribe, I took the initiative to upskill and completed a Professional Certificate in Technical Project Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning 46 CEUs and ensuring my skills remain cutting edge. I’ve since applied those skills to better articulate my value, communicate my transferable experience, and build meaningful connections with employers.

I’m especially grateful to Judy and Linda, EvolveMe’s co-founders, for creating a best-in-class reinvention program for women in midlife and beyond.

Their complementary vision and empathetic leadership have set a new standard in career development. Through their thoughtful design of the Reinvention Collective, they’ve empowered women like me to align our values with our career goals—and to step into our next chapter with purpose and impact. The experience reminded me that we rise higher when we lift one another up.

Who’s your “tribe” when it comes to professional inspiration or support?

I found my tribe when I joined the EvolveMe Reinvention Collective. Through that experience, I connected with a remarkable Peer Advisory Group of like-minded women who continue to inspire, support, and uplift one another. We’ve stayed connected, meeting regularly and showing up for each other through every high and low. With them, I feel hopeful, motivated, and deeply grateful.

Thanks to Judy and Linda, who introduced me to the Reinvention Collective, I’ve reshaped how I see myself as a seasoned, capable woman with valuable, transferable skills and the confidence to reinvent and evolve. ❤️

I now model resilience for my son and approach challenges with a fresh mindset, knowing I’m supported by an incredible network of strong, resourceful women.

I’m forever grateful to Judy, Linda, and EvolveMe, and I hope the program continues to empower countless other women as it has me.

Favorite book, app or podcast?

"Your Turn: Career, Kids and Comebacks" by Jennifer GEfsky and Stacey Dell; Reinvention Rebels w/ Wendy Battles

You’re granted an extra hour in the day, how do you spend it?

If granted an extra hour each day, I would spend it with my wonderful son. He's the light of my life and the heartbeat of my world. As his sole custodian, every moment with him is a gift, and our time together is where I find the deepest joy and purpose.

The advice I would give my 20-year-old self is…

Trust your instincts. They're wiser than you think. Don’t waste time trying to meet expectations that were never yours to begin with. Say YES to bold opportunities, but don’t be afraid to walk away from anything that dims your light. Take care of your future self: emotionally, financially, and spiritually. And above all, know your worth : it’s not up for negotiation.

The advice that I want to give my 75-year-old self is...

Keep your heart open and your spirit curious. Don’t stop growing, laughing, or dreaming because you’re still becoming. Be proud of the courage it took to reinvent, to raise your son with love and strength, and to choose joy even when it was hard. Rest in the truth that you’ve lived with purpose, and let gratitude guide the rest of the journey.

Your theme song that plays every time you walk into a room should be?

"I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston—because I’ve worn many hats, risen through reinvention, and embraced my strength at every stage. But for my son, it’s always “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” No distance, obstacle, or challenge could ever keep me from showing up for him. He’s my everything.

Best career advice for other women in midlife?

Own your story; don’t hide it. Your time away wasn’t a gap, it was a chapter full of growth, resilience, and real-life experience with highly transferable skills. Lead with your strengths, take advantage of online executive programs to stay current, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to start something new. The workplace needs your perspective now more than ever. You’re not behind: you’re right on time.

Own your story; don’t hide it. Your time away wasn’t a gap, it was a chapter full of growth, resilience, and real-life experience with highly transferable skills.

When did you feel you got “you” back?

The moment I stopped apologizing: for the pause, for the pivot, for putting my family first. When I realized that reinvention isn’t starting over; it’s reclaiming. I got me back when I embraced all the parts of my journey, not just the polished ones. That’s when my voice got stronger, my vision clearer, and my confidence unshakable.

What’s up next?

As a single mom in midlife who’s navigated life’s unexpected turns, I’m entering this next chapter with quiet resilience, strength, and reclaiming myself. This journey is about reclaiming my power while being my most authentic self. It’s about continuing to grow, to show up fully for my son, and to lead by example.

I hope that by living with resilience and purpose, I can inspire other women to believe in their own ability to rise, rebuild, and thrive, no matter where they’re starting from.

I’m especially grateful to Judy and Linda, EvolveMe’s co-founders, for creating a best-in-class reinvention program for women in midlife and beyond.

Their complementary vision and empathetic leadership have set a new standard in career development. Through their thoughtful design of the Reinvention Collective, they’ve empowered women like me to align our values with our career goals—and to step into our next chapter with purpose and impact.