The Briefcase - The Latest News from Dress for Success Worldwide

May 2011

In This Issue

Something To Share

Get Involved

Walking to Success

Board Perspective

Lemonade Stand in

Times Square

Tropicana Trop50 will host the "World's Most Fabulous Lemonade Stand" on June 10 at the Broadway Pedestrian Plaza (43^rdand Broadway). Trop50 will offer free samples of its new Lemonade and Raspberry Lemonade flavors. Plus, lucky visitors will be treated to mini-makeovers and Giuliana Rancic will share advice on looking good and feeling fabulous this summer.

On June 10 only, for each new like of Trop50's Facebookof Trop50's Facebook page, 50 cents will be donated to Dress for Success Worldwide, up to $10,000. Spread the word!

Something To Share

Bobbi Brown has designed the 2011 Something To Share™ scarf, which also doubles as a pareo.

Produced by Echo Design, $20 from each oversized ikat scarf sold will be donated to Dress for Success Worldwide.

Get Involved

Looking for a way to make a big impact? Become a Dress for Success volunteer!

We are always looking for dedicated individuals to help implement our career development and employment retention programs.

We are only able to serve 5,000 women each year in New York City with the support of our volunteers.

Here are some ways you can help:

*Career Center Specialist

*Going Places Network Facilitator

*Suits to Go Warehouse Sorter

*Administrative Assistant

Volunteer orientations occur every month. For more information or to sign-up for any of these opportunities, please email

volunteer@dressforsuccess.org.

Meet Karrin, a Dress for Success Star

My parents worked hard to provide a good life for our

Photograph courtesy of Ben Ritter

family, however, education was never made a priority in our lives. Despite that, through sheer will and determination, I am proud to say that I am the first person in my family to graduate from college.

The process of getting a job was very difficult and overwhelming for me. Overcoming endless obstacles, I experienced the anxiety of going on interviews, attending information sessions, endless phone calls, all to no avail. Then I was introduced to Dress for Success at a career fair.

They conducted a mock interview with me, gave me constructive feedback and provided me with important information. Feeling confident after speaking with Dress for Success, I approached a company that interested me and gave my best elevator pitch. The company invited me to interview and I was hired!

Click here to read the rest of Karrin's story.

Walking to Success

The sun was shining in Battery Park on Saturday, May 7th as hundreds came out to walk in The Power Walk for Dress for Success. The family-friendly event supported the organization and encouraged empowerment and healthy living. More than 30 cities around the world hosted The Power Walk for Dress for Success this year.

Joining us in NYC were Jillian Michaels, national spokesperson for the walk, Dress for Success board member Bobbi Brown, and former New York Mets stars John Franco and George Theodore (and a special appearance by Mr. Met!).

Jillian Michaels and John Franco

Z100's Trey Morgan got everyone ready with some great tunes and Maria, a Dress for Success success, shared her story about the role the organization has played in her life.

After the teams of supporters, Professional Women's Group members and volunteers walked the 5k along the Hudson River, they were greeted at the finish line with a Zumba party.

PWG walkers with Joi Gordon,

Bobbi Brown and Jillian Michaels

More than $40,000 was raised at the event and our top fundraisers won some great prizes!

Top worldwide fundraiser: Cody Teets

(2 roundtrip tickets on JetBlue and a two-night stay at any Kimpton property)

Top New York City fundraiser: Clarice Kennedy

(20 tickets to a New York Mets game with Caesars Club access)

Top New York City team fundraiser: Time Warner Cable Women's Network

(2 roundtrip tickets on JetBlue and a one-night stay at any participating hotel within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands in the United States)

It's not too late to make an impact! Donations will be accepted through June 7, 2011.

Click here to see more pictures from the walk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Rohleder.

Thank you for our national sponsors:

Crocs

L'eggs

Shape

The Style Network

Thank you to our NYC sponsors:

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Time Warner Cable

For more information about

The Power Walk for Dress for Success, please click here.

Why I'm Involved

By: Clarice Kennedy, Chair,

Dress for Success Worldwide Board of Directors

PWG member Jennifer and Clarice at The Power Walk for Dress for Success

After September 11, 2001, like every other New Yorker, I was trying to find a way to help. With extra office space in midtown Manhattan, I had hoped to offer it to a displaced company. Instead, Dress for Success called in need of storage space. Thus began my meaningful relationship with this worthy organization.

I learned quickly that they provided much more than suits to women in need. As a female business-owner, I knew firsthand the obstacles women face entering the workforce and these women have overcome obstacles that many of us cannot imagine and often need that extra support and tools.

I became involved and devoted to Dress for Success very quickly. I became a board member and in December was named chair of the board of directors. This organization is near and dear to my heart and I help anyway that I can; whether it is assisting with the creating a technology plan, involving the organization in my networking groups, or walking in The Power Walk for Dress for Success with my friends and family.

I am honored to be a part of the Dress for Success family. I am moved each time I speak with one of the women we serve - these are strong, powerful women that I am proud to know.

Karrin's Story Con't

Before I started my new job, I was referred to Dress for Success for an employment suiting. After trying on several suits, I was asked to come to the mirror and take a look at myself. I felt confident and empowered. I was thankful for Dress for Success and the love and support that I had received from all of the staff and volunteers. I was filled with so much energy and my self-confidence had blossomed so much that I felt as though I was visibly glowing from the inside out.

I quickly joined the Professional Women's Group (PWG). I thought that the hard part was getting a job; little did I know that transitioning back into the workforce had its own set of challenges. The PWG provided me with a safe environment where I could learn how to network and develop my professional skills.

I remain committed to continuing my lifelong passion to further my education and am thrilled to be starting a new job as an executive assistant at a law firm this month.

I want to take up the torch that was lit in me at my very first employment suiting and inspire others to succeed. Whatever road life takes me down, as long as there is a Dress for Success, I know that I will have the support, resources and tools necessary to be successful in life.