Liz Curtis
CEO, Fulcrum Group
“Encouraging women to achieve security, independence, confidence, and community while providing the tools to do so is a fundamental need in today’s society.
Underserved women are able to elevate their position and transform their lives and the lives of those around them by tapping into the vast resources that Dress for Success offers.
It is an extraordinary privilege to play a small role in supporting an organization rooted in such bold and necessary initiatives to profoundly improve the lives of women.”
Q & A With Liz
What is your biggest Professional Accomplishment? Finding the courage to leave a successful career as a corporate litigator to pursue my passion for entertaining and desire to build something that would positively impact people's lives. The most important lesson learned in my decade-long journey since leaving the law is to never give up.
What is something you would tell anyone who is starting off in their career? Often, the biggest challenge in starting your career is figuring out your passion. Passion is critical, because you will always fight for that passion despite inevitable professional lows.
Bet on yourself, read everything you can get your hands on, push yourself to be the best version of you, rely on friends and family for support, and never stop believing in what other people may view as reckless, unrealistic, or impractical.
Decide what your passion or goal is worth, write it down and stick it in your wallet. Pull it out when you need a quick reminder. You’ve got this, trust me.
What makes you feel successful? Watching the positive personal and professional impact my leadership has on my team. Of course, there isn’t a win every time, but when the guidance results in meaningful action and tangible development, there is nothing more satisfying. My greatest joy in life is derived from fostering the growth of my employees.
Why is it important for you to give back, and if applicable why do you support Dress for Success?
I recognize my privilege as a white cisgender woman who has had access to the resources necessary to pursue my dreams. At a time where single mothers are pathologized, gender bias in the workplace is omnipresent, government aid is lacking, most women do not have access to basic healthcare, and women leaders are statistically struggling to promote other women, I will do whatever I can to share my resources and empower those with less.
This guiding principle aligns perfectly with Dress for Success’s mission to broadly provide the tools necessary to empower women to thrive professionally and personally.
ABOUT LIZ
Liz Curtis, a Bay Area native and UC Berkeley graduate, is a former corporate lawyer and founder of Table + Teaspoon, the first nationwide table setting rental company. In the wake of the pandemic, Liz merged her startup with Abbey Party Rents, taking over as CEO of the newly formed Fulcrum Group.
With the motto, Entertaining Made Easy, Fulcrum Group has five companies under its umbrella, including a wedding venues division, One True Love Vintage, and a software solution for the industry debuting later this year.
Fulcrum’s recent successes include producing the infrastructure for the APEC conference and a partnership with luxury chocolatier Ferrero Rocher with Liz as the face of their holiday campaign.
In her spare time, Liz works pro bono as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster youth, and serves on boards and committees supporting the arts in San Francisco.
Follow Liz & Fulcrum Group on Instagram: @lizzie.curtis @fulcrum.group @tableandteaspoon @abbey.party.rents @otlvintage @websterhallsf @thegavilanvale
Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose
Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose (Dress-SF) is a leading nonprofit employment resource for unemployed and underemployed women*. Since 2005, we have provided career clothing, coaching, core skills, and community — free of charge — to more than 17,000 women throughout the Bay Area.
Our programs build confidence and determination from the inside out, empowering women with the tools they need to succeed in work and life. All our programs are offered at no cost to our clients.
More information:
*We use the term "women" in a gender expansive way, to include cis, trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender queer, and any woman-identified person.
Your Hour, Her Power
Dress for Success’ annual Your Hour, Her Power, which kicks off
March 1st in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, is inspired by the belief that when a woman has access to education and job resources, their contributions strengthen communities, increase organizational effectiveness and business results and economies grow.
Over the past few years, we have seen women continue to face innumerable challenges. Women have left the workplace at an alarming rate and those that have remained struggle with significant issues with balancing childcare and housework, increased workloads and loss of confidence.
This year, Dress for Success is excited to bring back Your Hour, Her Power for another year to inspire hope and resilience among women by honoring groundbreaking women in leadership positions across various industries.
By giving the equivalent of just one hour of your pay, you not only give a Dress for Success woman access to programs, services, and tools that will help her achieve economic advancement, but you also join us in celebrating women leaders for the pivotal role they play in driving business and economic gains, and social and cultural change.