I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Influence Central for Vanity Fair Lingerie. I received product samples to facilitate my review and compensation to thank me for my participation.
One of the benefits of being a Vanity Fair Lingerie ambassador is the Dress for Success® partnership.
For those not familiar with Dress for Success®, they are an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.
While known best for its suiting program, Dress for Success® cornerstone program is employment retention. Not only does Dress for Success® want to help women get back to work, but they will continue helping them as they progress in their positions. Eventually, helping them reach their desired level of professional achievement and personal fulfillment.
I love this aspect of Dress for Success®, because while a new suit and undergarments can create self-confidence during an interview, it’s mentoring and professional development that truly put women on the path to financial freedom. One-on-one mentoring reminds each woman they have something “unique and worthy” to offer – whether it be at a work, at home, or in the community. “Self-sufficiency” is more than just a suit or a job – it is an overall commitment to being independent in all aspects of life.
As I get older (and older), there are many things I’ve come to realize as universal truths…one of those is that EVERYONE wants to feel VALUED. In many ways, a job is a tangible way of showing and providing value. A skill set…a personality…a work ethic…is valued enough that someone is willing to pay for it. And feeling valued gives you self-confidence that reaches out to other aspects of your life. It may start with a suit, but it can end up changing several lives.
When we were at the Vanity Fair Blogger Summit, we were able to meet one of the women who went through the Dress for Success® program and hear her story. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house after she was done.
When she described her experience of being unemployed to employment, I was struck by how it was small acts of kindness that made her confidence soar….how people in the Dress for Success® program showed her she was valued.
- A positive word from a counselor.
- A “good job” after she updated her resume.
- A new dress for the interview.
- New lingerie to go under her new interview dress.
- People shaking her hand after an interview.
Here is a short video of one women’s experience.
DON’T WE ALL WANT TO BE EXPLOSIVE?
As we go into the Holiday season, I know many of you make charitable donations in lieu of gifts. As you think about which non-profits to support, please consider Dress for Success®. It is a small way of helping thousands of women know they are “valued, unique and worthy” as they work toward financial freedom.
Want more information? Contact Dress for Success® or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.
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