Thank You Belinda, Kristin & Tara for your Board Service!
Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose is incredibly lucky to have some of the most dedicated volunteers around. And nothing compares to the support of our Board of Directors, who give time, talent, and treasure each month to ensure the ongoing success of our mission.
As we start 2025, we want to share a huge thank you to Belinda Yan, Kristin Ahlquist, and Tara Soltow, who finished their Board service in 2024. Your dedication, leadership, and passion have been instrumental in advancing our mission to empower women to achieve economic independence.
You each brought your unique talents, time, and energy to the table —helping us navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and create opportunities for countless women in the Bay Area. From organizing impactful events to fostering meaningful partnerships, your contributions have left an indelible mark on our organization. Thank you.
BELINDA YAN
Founder, Presidio Search Group
Board of Directors from 2018-2024 & Vice President 2022-2023
Belinda began her journey with Dress for Success San Francisco in 2016 as a volunteer. Over the years, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership, serving on the Board of Directors and as Vice President. Belinda led the Board Recruitment efforts and helped us to find excellent new Board members and refine our process. Her vision and dedication have significantly contributed to the organization's growth and impact. Thank you, Belinda, for your remarkable service!
As Laurie Aaronson (Founder, AOCSF accounting services) shared: "For years, Belinda has brought groups of women together to laugh, shop, eat and drink at various Dress for Success events. Her love for Dress for Success is contagious - so many people have Belinda to thank for fabulous memories and introducing us to an amazing organization.”
KRISTIN AHLQUIST
Community Volunteer and Proprietor, LUSH EVOO
Board of Directors from 2018-2024 & Board Secretary 2022-2023
Kristin’s involvement with Dress for Success San Francisco began in 2016 as a weekly volunteer and Volunteer Captain for leading Corporate Groups. Her hands-on approach and dedication have been a cornerstone of her service, creating meaningful experiences for volunteers and clients alike. As a Board member, Kristin was a champion for the staff of Dress for Success - ensuring their voices were heard and our policies and procedures supported their work. Thank you, Kristin, for your incredible contributions and leadership!
TARA SOLTOW
Founder and Principal Marketing Consultant, Epoch Roots
Board of Directors 2022-2024 & Vice President 2024
Tara has been a part of the Dress for Success community since 2018, leading the Marketing Committee and spearheading a transformative rebrand in 2020. Her passion and expertise have been invaluable to the organization.
Reflecting on her service, Tara shared:
"Serving on the Board of Directors for Dress for Success San Francisco and San Jose has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. Witnessing the transformation of the women we serve as they step into their power—equipped with not just professional attire, but the confidence, skills, and support to secure meaningful employment and a better professional future—has been nothing short of inspiring.
My work with Dress for Success has proven to me that when we invest in individuals, the ripple effects are profound: by helping a client establish a stronger foundation for herself today, she opens doors to a brighter tomorrow for her family, which in turn strengthens the greater community at large. The privilege of contributing to such life-changing work has filled me with a sense of purpose and affirmed that every effort we make to uplift others multiplies beyond measure."
To Belinda, Kristin, and Tara, thank you for your unwavering commitment and the countless hours you’ve devoted to making a difference! Your vision and hard work have paved the way for future successes, and your legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward.
If you are interested in volunteering with Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose, please fill out an application and sign up for an upcoming monthly orientation. Details are here.
If you are interested in serving on a Committee or the Board of Directors, please contact erin@sfdress.org.
About Dress for Success San Francisco
Dress for Success San Francisco & San Jose is a leading nonprofit employment resource for unemployed and underemployed women. Since 2006, 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, helping women find meaningful employment at a livable wage.