Supporting transition for the fired [and tired] workforce

we deliver meet-you-in-the-moment programs & experiences that cultivate a community of nourished & empowered professionals.

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6000+
members
across sectors
150+
virtual workshops
on career development & mental health
40%
of members are re-employed
& credit their success to wellfed
15+
curated in-person
retreats & experiences
18 mo
nourishing
professional transitions
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From Fed to Founder Workshop (Virtual) Thursday, Oct. 29
12:00 - 1:30pm et

Click to register


From Fed to Founder is a hands-on, 90-minute workshop designed to help you explore what's possible and take your first steps toward building something of your own.

Through guided exercises and practical tools, you'll leave with more than inspiration.

You'll have a 30 day plan, a clearer business concept, a better understanding of your potential customers, and concrete next steps to explore entrepreneurship.

Nourish Your Next Steps Workshop (Virtual)
Friday, Oct. 30, 11:00 - 12:00pm et

In this interactive, one-hour workshop, we're sharing our tried-and-true wellfed recipe for navigating unemployment without losing yourself in the process.
‍
🥁 Find Your Rhythm: Create a realistic weekly routine that brings structure to your days and keeps you moving forward.
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🍲 Nourish Your Well-Being: Protect your mental health and build practices that help you weather the ups and downs of the job search.
‍
💸 Get Your Financial House in Order: Tackle financial triage, rethink your budget, and identify resources to help you stretch your runway.
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🔑 Put Resources to Work: Discover how career services and WIOA-funded programs can help you get back to work, with real stories of job seekers who've found their next chapter.

You'll leave with a plan you can actually use, a better sense of what's available to support you, and a little more confidence about what comes next.

Click to register
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recent press coverage

wellfed co-founders Rebecca Ferguson-Ondrey and Drew Ruby-Howe on the need for
human-centered support for the fired and tired Federal workforce and adjacent sectors

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2 former federal workers turned their firings
into a movement to help hundreds of others
‍

Watch Drew & Rebecca on CBS News
March 14, 2026

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Federal Workforce Fallout: Facing the next chapter
‍
‍
Watch the latest on WUSA9
‍
June 29, 2026

our impact

wellfed. testimonials

I can't tell you how important and meaningful your work was to me this past difficult year. I love what you are leading and appreciate all that you are doing for our community.

former fed, now re-employed in the private sector
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Thank you so much for putting together such an amazing event [Navigate Your Next Move]. I left feeling re-energized by our amazing community and speakers.

former USAID workers
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i really appreciate all of the support you've been offering - this [navigating change] workshop is perfect timing. this content can relate to any life situation. for me, i was a manager with a very strong team - and [wellfed] has created a space where we can talk about these difficult things. i can now find a way to really center myself again.

former samhsa employee
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i loved everything about this event!

former hhs employee
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this [workshop] has been so useful, not only in dealing with the rif, but also helping loved ones who are going through other, unrelated life changes.

former samhsa employee
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it's lovely to hear you reflect on these important topics

former usaid employee
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even after being laid off, you're still doing this critical [wellness and professional development] work for a hurting community - i appreciate the sacrifice you are making to benefit us all

former acf employee
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i think i'm faring better than some of my other former colleagues because i attended this [navigating unexpected change] training.

former hhs employee
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thank you for holding this space, well fed team! it was nice to be able to connect and recharge with other alum feds, i left feeling recharged and hopeful for the future, and am looking forward to other subsequent events!

former fda employee
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this retreat was just what i needed! it was so wonderful to network with everyone, learn some new skills, and enjoy a delicious lunch. thanks so much for putting this together for us!

former samsha employee
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thank you for gathering us! what a wonderful way to learn new skills on being resilient and defining identity and meeting like-minded people. i left with some great new connections and feeling hopeful.

former acf employee
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i attended this recharge retreat on friday, and it was exactly what i needed after being rif'd from my dream job almost 2 weeks ago. it allowed me to meet others who are in the same situation, to laugh and cry together, and to take tiny steps in order to begin moving forward. thank you to the Wellfed team for creating this space for us.

former nih employee
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our events

what we do.

wellfed offers weekly virtual programs & in-person events
‍designed to provide structure, support, and momentum
for professionals navigating career challenges or transitions.

Discover these and additional events supporting the shifting workforce below.

our approach

how we do it.

we provide comprehensive support for current and [former] federal employees, contractors and professionals at every stage of their career journey.

career development

comprehensive career support for federal employees and contractors navigating transitions and seeking new opportunities.
  • expert-led resume and cover letter workshops with personalized feedback
  • strategic job search planning and federal application guidance
  • interview preparation with mock sessions and targeted feedback
  • career path analysis and personalized advancement strategies

community

connect with others in similar situations and build your network in a supportive and understanding environment.
  • exclusive community for federal employees navigating career transitions
  • direct networking opportunities with agency decision-makers
  • access to mentorship from industry leaders and experienced federal employees
  • regular community forums to discuss challenges and solutions

events & workshops

Participate in our various events designed to help you grow professionally and personally through your transition.
  • specialized workshops targeting specific career development needs
  • in-person retreats for deeper connections and transformative experiences
  • wellbeing sessions for managing stress and building resilience during transitions
  • exclusive Q&A sessions with federal hiring managers and industry experts

resources & partnerships

access exclusive resources through our corporate partnerships designed specifically for federal career transitions.
  • premium tools and templates to elevate your application materials
  • exclusive job opportunities not available on public job boards
  • comprehensive guides for navigating complex federal transition processes
  • access to specialized training courses through our partner network
our team

who we are.

"

here's the thing - [former] federal folks are hungry.

hungry for guidance, hungry for community, and hungry for actionable steps [professional & personal] to map a path forward in this traumatic and uncertain time.

we founded wellfed on the foundation of deep expertise - in learning & development, workforce culture & well-being. through our 'people first' platform, we are creating spaces to gather, empower & uplift our community nationwide.

it is our mission to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table - & that each deeply deserving public servant is truly well-fed.

— drew & rebecca
co-founders
"
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drew tye ruby-howe

co-founder, culture + wellbeing director
‍
‍PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
‍
ex & engagement, retreat facilitation, workforce culture & well-being

‍CREATIVE EXPERTISE
‍
professional fine artist

‍SUPER POWER
‍
relationship-building & big ol' disarming hugs

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rebecca ferguson-ondrey

co-founder, partnership + program director

‍PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
‍
training, l&d, retreat facilitation

‍CREATIVE EXPERTISE
‍
classical pianist & photography

‍SUPER POWER
‍
deep human connection & sensitive-meet-strategic communication

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jessica doiron MSW

communications director + mental health SME
‍
‍PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
‍
communications strategy, digital storytelling, accessible content design

‍CREATIVE EXPERTISE
crochet creator

‍SUPER POWER
‍
turning chaos into clarity & sprinking magic dust on boring stuff

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tiffany pryce russom

strategic initiatives + impact director
‍

‍PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
‍
social innovation, digital strategy, business process improvement, project management

‍CREATIVE EXPERTISE
‍
papercrafts & mixed media art

‍SUPER POWER
‍
asking the right questions & strategic partnerships

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amanda welch

membership + operations director
‍
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‍PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
‍
operations management, member engagement, administrative leadership

‍CREATIVE EXPERTISE
‍
community building & strategic planning

‍SUPER POWER
‍
organizational wizardry & making complex systems simple

press coverage.

New York Times logoGovernment Executive logo2020INC logoEphicient logo
NBC Washington
support us

partners.

interested in joining our growing bench of corporate + community partners who believe in the power of scrappiness + the profound impact of human-centered, community care?

your support will uplift, empower, and amplify personal stories and the people behind them. join us in creating light, hope, and opportunity where it's needed most.