A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take over Dress for Success Vancouver (DFSV) Instagram account! I was beyond honoured to represent this phenomenal group of women… even if just for the day!

Dress for Success Vancouver helps women enter the job force with confidence. They offer professional attire, career services and skills development. When I first started working with Dress for Success, the part that resonated with me the most were their values. Empowerment; helping women help themselves, dignity; enabling self love and inclusiveness; accepting without judgment. I think as women we can all recognize or remember a time when we weren’t always supported in one of these ways. They’re simple, basic rights that every woman should be privy to and I strongly believe in being part of a movement that works towards this.

If you’re not familiar with Dress for Success let me share my experience with you.

Their 18^th Annual Fundraiser, Impact 360 took place recently and it was a humbling to be able to attend, and lend my support. The evening itself was held at the newly restored ‘The Permanent’ and was filled with spirit tasting, designer cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres and live music. With over two hundred of Vancouver’s most influential business leaders, sponsors and supporters, Dress for Success raised $110,000 with net proceeds going towards opening the door to 300 women to help them get back into the workforce, well over their goal of one hundred woman!!!

The first time I walked through the DFS doors, I was overwhelmed by the powerful energy that comes from a group of women supporting one another. I had the opportunity to volunteer to help style a woman and support her in gaining the skills she needed for a job interview. Throughout my time there, I watched her confidence grow and watched her start to realize what she was capable of – it was so incredibly inspiring. When I started the day, I was plagued by the stresses and pressures of work deadlines and demands and I walked out of DFS feeling so incredibly grateful and thankful for the life I live and my ability to do what I love every day. I am honoured to to be surrounded by so many strong, capable, intelligent and beautiful women, and promise to continue to dedicate time to educating women on their possibilities, opportunities and abilities.

This year’s theme was ‘Opening Doors’ and showcased the transition Dress for Success facilitates with women in Metro Vancouver. For more information and to get your tickets for next year, visit dfsvancouver.org/impact!

If you were unable to attend the event, Dress for Success is always looking for support whether it’s a donation of gently used clothing, holding a clothing drive or volunteering your time. For more information, check out vancouver.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/.

Photography by Allison Kuhl Photography

Clothing provided by Talbots + Barefoot Contessa Boutique