Catherine Smith resumed her career as an environmental health scientist after 14 years as a stay-at-home mom.

Michelle Lombana bridged a 20-year resume gap in her CPA career by launching her own business, and now helps student swimmers and their parents wade through the college recruiting process.

“I feel like I’m using my mind and my degree and learning new things every day,” Smith said, “not to mention contributing to society and my family.”

Stories like these are the purpose behind the second annual Back to Business Women’s Conference, taking place Oct. 6-7.

Founded by Cary resident Katie Dunn, the event aims to help women rebuilt their resumes and business networks through workshops and advice from professional speakers.

“I was grateful to have had the opportunity to take a break from my career while our children were little,” Dunn said. “But when I was ready to go back to full-time work, I was surprised to discover how challenging it was. So I created the Back to Business Women’s Conference to address the needs of women who have taken a career break. This is a mission that is near and dear to my heart.”

The conference will be held at the Archie K. Davis Conference Center in Research Triangle Park; tuition is $300. For more details, see backtobusinessconference.com.