The enthusiasm bubbles out of Brenda.
She is a lively woman who has become an ardent supporter of Dress for Success and its programs that help women to open doors.
“Dress for Success has given me a sense of belonging, of being part of a team. I’ve met so many really nice women that it’s become kind of like an extended family”, Brenda explains.
She also admitted that she had had no idea that the not-for-profit organization provided so much for women. Brenda explained that the Dress for Success newsletter, the blogs, online and in-class courses, interview practices and counseling services were just some of the mentoring, coaching and training that Dress for Success offers and which she has enthusiastically followed or in which she has participated.
Prior to her Dress for Success experience, Brenda had been laid off after 16 years from a job in the travel and tourism industry. She was at a loss. She was uncertain about where to turn and whether she had the skills, or confidence, to pursue a new career. Through a program offered by WorkBC, she was introduced to Dress for Success, initially as a means to get an outfit for future job interviews and the return to the workplace.
Brenda quickly learned that Dress for Success offered so more. “I have had the chance to network, to develop a new group of friends, and a new way of looking at what’s out there. There are things that I would never have thought of before, and now I’m ready to take new chances”, Brenda enthused.
One of those new chances is the opportunity to walk the carpet at Dress for Success’ annual gala fundraiser, IMPACT360, as one of the ambassadors for Dress for Success. “I had the chance to take part in a photo shoot and to have my hair and make up professionally done. I’m really looking forward to the event. It is so important that funds are raised to keep these programs going”.
Brenda has certainly gained her momentum and is pleased that she is now more confident. She has a new job, is looking forward to improving her computer skills, and to learning as much as she can during the remaining months of the Professional Women’s Group Program. She is continuing to use her new skills and confidence to open doors.
Come meet Brenda, along with other women working their way through the Professional Women’s Group, and see her walk the carpet at Dress for Success’ fundraising gala, IMPACT 360 on May 10th. You’ll be inspired! Tickets at dfsancouver.org/impact
