I first came to Dress for Success in 2018. I thought going to work would be a first stepping stone before going back to college. I needed a specific uniform for my job interview. With minimal income, I was unable to get the clothes I needed. I asked my case manager for additional funding and she gave me the referral to Dress for Success. As they say in the movies, the rest is history.

I was hopeless and living on the street. An SFPD officer blessed me with a room in a hotel. With housing stability, I was able to plan my future. My story is a twenty year journey of drug addiction, homelessness, motherhood and thick skin.

I participated in every Dress For Success program I could join. I began with the Going Places Network program and then the Professional Women’s Group. I also participated in the Financial Literacy Program and spoke at the 2018 Gala. 

I am currently going to college at CCSF to get my certificate, in my dream job of being a residential counselor, I am part of the BCLI cohort, and I work at Progress Foundation.

Dress for Success has empowered me to have confidence in myself and in the power of being a woman. Women make the world go round. If you look good, then you feel good and that is the secret to success, especially when you look in the mirror and believe it is true.  Dress for Success makes you a believer. They help bring out what is already inside of you but you never realized was possible. 

Thank you for helping me love myself again, it was the greatest transformation of my life.

I was referred to Dress For Success several years ago, I was in between jobs and needed assistance with my career path. 

I've been working since I was 15 and my favorite occupation and career was as a flight attendant. I  enjoyed this dream job and the wonderful learning experience. I also have worked as an administrative assistance, managing offices.

I have attended many of Dress For Success off-site events like Sephora’s makeup classes and Bloomingdale's Store Manager lectures. As well as mock interviews with professional women throughout the country and clothing drives.

I am currently the manager at Kara's Cupcakes in their Marina location. Recently, I had my review, in the past I always felt uncertain and anxious.. After participating in many of the Dress For Success events, I went to the virtual review with confidence and left with a small raise (in retail, during the pandemic!).

In every meeting, program and event, Dress for Success inspires positivity and helps women achieve their dreams.

An employment agency representative told me about Dress for Success. She said it was a nonprofit organization helping women with interview clothing and getting back into the workforce. 

My life before Dress For Success was raising 3 young boys and helping my ex-husband with his legal practice but financial challenges, emotional strain and stress forced me to make a difficult decision. I moved back home with my children and started my life over. I had to put food on the table and took a job passing out tracks on the street to make ends meet. It was a very dark time for me and my children.I felt helpless.

When I visited Dress For Success I started to feel hope. Dress for Success equipped me with confidence and interview clothes that led to a job, promotions and then later into a position in a luxury retail boutique. To this day, I continue to benefit from the Dress for Success programs.

I received Interview Suiting in 2011; became a member of Professional Women’s Group in 2015 and a PWG alumni in February 2021. Since the Shelter-in-Place orders, I've participated in Career Development workshops, virtual mentoring sessions, the Going Places network training, the Financial Literacy program and She Syndicate’s Tech Savvy - all virtual. 

The Dress For Success workshops have been incredible instruments in building my self worth and path to success. Thank you Dress For Success!

I was introduced to Dress For Success over 10 years ago after being laid off. I was a claims adjuster for over 12 years and realized I needed to acquire new skills.

I participated in every workshop, Financial Literacy, Going Places Networks, mock interviews, resume building and attended every seminar presented by professionals in a variety of fields. I soon began running the Professional Women’s Group! I had gained confidence & it felt so natural to speak in public & set the positive tone for the meetings.

After receiving the support, education and confidence from Dress for Success I decided to pursue a career as an independent Licensed Insurance Agent.

Dress For Success had a positive impact on my life, both personally and professionally. I felt empowered to pursue a career that I wouldn’t have considered in the past. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and embraced any challenge that came my way.

Dress For Success helps the community, from all walks of life and experiences to be empowered and financial independent. I am grateful for the opportunities and growth I’ve received as a member of the Dress For Success family.