I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Influence Central for Vanity FairLingerie. I received product samples to facilitate my review and compensation to thank me for my participation.
When I was growing up, my parents made it very clear to me that my "job" was to do well in school. I knew that I needed to work hard and do my best, and it never even occurred to me that there were any other options for me besides going to college upon graduating from high school. It was a completely natural transition for me. Of course, I didn't really grasp how fortunate I was at the time; I doubt many 18 year olds would. I had amazingly supportive parents, who never went to college themselves, who urged me to become an independent and responsible adult. I suppose they wanted to make sure that I didn't struggle financially like they did in their early adult years. Isn't that what we all want for our children - to do a little better than we did? Unfortunately, not everyone has this kind of support or the opportunity to realize their dreams. Sometimes people need a little help, and that's why Dress for Success® can be a life changing blessing for women all across America.
Earlier this month, I told you about the Vanity Fair BOGOGO (Buy One, Get One, Give One) event and how it benefits the women of Dress for Success. After a successful partnership last year, which resulted in Vanity Fair donating 5,000 bras to Dress for Success, they committed to making 2015 bigger and better. Through fit events and BOGOGO events nationwide, Vanity Fair has pledged to donate up to 50,000 bras to this amazing organization in 2015; one for each woman who walks through Dress for Success's doors this year. After hearing the testimony of one woman who benefited from the services of Dress for Success while I was in NYC this summer, I can't even describe how proud I am to be a Vanity Fair ambassador and help spread the word about this partnership.
Images courtesy of Dress for Success.
I think many people are familiar with Dress for Success and their suiting program, which provides professional attire to women in need for job interviews they've secured, but there is so much more to this international not-for-profit organization. They go beyond giving women the professional attire they need by offering them a network of support and the career development tools to help them land the job, all with one goal in mind - to promote economic independence of disadvantaged women.
Once a woman has landed an interview, they can obtain a referral to visit their local Dress for Success boutique to obtain an interview outfit. The volunteers at Dress for Success will then help with interview preparation so women can land the job and rejoin the workforce. They don't stop there though. Once employed, a woman can return to Dress for Success and make use of their career center, job training, and career advancement programs to help remain employed, or to advance in their position until they've reached their desired level of achievement. Dress for Success career centers promote confidence and professionalism by pairing clients with staff members who work one-on-one with them. The women also meet regularly to support and encourage each other through building confidence, networking and discussing workplace-related topics. These meetings inspire the women to stay motivated and optimistic.
Since 70% of the women that Dress for Success serves are mothers, who are raising between 2-3 children on average, you can see why Dress for Success and the programs they provide are so imperative. A job means less worry with more peace of mind, and it opens to door for so many possibilities both personally and professionally. I know when I received my degree and started to earn my own income, I felt such a sense of pride and accomplishment. I could take care of myself and didn't have to rely on anyone. I'm sure that most women who walk through the doors of Dress for Success want this too.
To see the how Dress for Success changes lives, check out this video:
What does a job mean to you?
Would you like to learn more about Dress for Success?
Please visit their website to learn how you can get involved.
Amber Ludwig says
Oh man... I can't even put into words how much I love this!! I think a lot of people forget just how expensive business clothing is!! I used to work in an office and I swear I spent the first year funding clothing to wear there!! Its absolutely outrageous but it really does affect how you are perceived in a working environment! First impressions and the interview stage can really make or break the deal! Vanity fair is amazing for helping!! They are setting a beautiful example that I hope other companies catch on to 😉 Could you imagine is every big corporation gave to a cause they believed in?!?! What a better world this would be!