Bold, beautiful, and brave women in trendy
fashions sashayed through the courtyard at Hotel Storyville in New Orleans, highlighting
the importance of a non-profit organization committed to helping women find
jobs. “I’m all for a Dress for Success event because I
support anything that helps women feel beautiful and encourages them to feel
comfortable and confident,” said Daniela Zapata, owner of Full Blossom Chic, http://www.fullblossomchic.com.
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| www.dressforsuccess.org/neworleans |
Hotel Storyville and “The Little Black Dress”
organization sponsored a “Garden Party Fashion Show” Nov. 24. to raise
awareness and reemphasize the importance of Dress
for Success. Dress for Success is
an international non-profit organization that provides career counseling and professional
attire to help women entering or re-entering the workforce.
In Louisiana, where nearly 150,000 people are
reportedly unemployed, having help from organizations like Dress for Success is exactly why people like Tileda Dunn, didn’t
think twice about volunteering as a model. “I just went on an interview a few
weeks ago and got the job,” said Dunn.
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| http://www.laworks.net/ |
Dunn returned to the work force after spending five
years as a stay-at-home mother. She was one of a dozen models showcasing unique
and fabulous fashions by flagship retailers, independent designers, and
boutiques reflective of the season, but Dunn was also a stunning symbol of
victory over adversity. “I don’t think I would have gotten the job without the
help of Dress for Success because I
didn’t have the proper clothes and couldn’t even borrow clothes from my friends
because none of them are my size so I wouldn’t have been confident when I went
on that interview,” said Dunn.
Through partnerships with other non-profits,
candidates are referred to Dress for
Success. “Most of our clients come to us with issues and are ready to go
back to work and become independent,” said Midge Donald, executive director of
the New Orleans chapter of “Dress for Success.”
In addition to raising awareness and highlighting
success stories, organizers wanted to encourage more people to volunteer. Drew
Douglas, a retired media professional was ready to sign up. “This was inspiring,
positive and motivating,” said Douglas. He plans to volunteer as a resume
writing consultant clients.
Since 1998, with the help of people like Douglas, hundreds
of women like Dunn have walked through the doors of Dress for Success for help. Often, they leave with hope and a renewed
sense of pride.
Nearly 50 people, a combination of residents and small business owners, attended the party with a purpose at Hotel Storyvile. For information on how to volunteer or donate your
gently used suits to Dress for Success, you can attend the Dec. 5 party at Chico's, 5605 Magazine St., from noon until 5 p.m., call (504) 891-4337, or log on to http://dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?sisid=49&pageid=1.
To find your local Dress for Success chapter, visit www.dressforsuccess.org/.
What do you think about organizations like Dress for Success? We invite you to
comment at NewsHeels@gmail.com. You
can remain anonymous.
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