Meet Jacquie, a valued member of our Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC) community. She's benefited from our workshops and online resources, securing a rewarding position as a Parent Trainer/Advocate with PACER Center. For Jacquie, personal success means achieving goals on her terms, with access to the right support. Join us in celebrating her empowerment and career growth!
Read on to learn more about Jacquie's journey.
Read on to learn more about Jacquie's journey.
What brought you to DFSTC and how did you learn about our organization?
Many years ago, an unemployment Career Counselor introduced me to Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC) for interview attire. Since then, I have intermittently engaged with DFSTC, witnessing its growth from providing interview clothing to women to developing robust structures similar to the way children grow stronger as they age.
What services have you utilized?
I have utilized a variety of resources, from interview attire to online programs like classes, workshops, and self-care sessions, which have aided in skill development, resume crafting, interview technique enhancement, and even entrepreneurship. These resources are available both live and recorded. By participating, I've earned or was selected to receive valuable products such as the Google Suite and a laptop, which have been instrumental in my self-improvement. The online services and additional resources provided by DFCTC have enabled me to transform my perspective, from my circumstances to having confidence in deserving more than what I previously settled for. Additionally, I've appreciated earning confidence kits and being selected for special gifts and a laptop during certain events.
Are you currently working?
Yes
How has DFSTC helped you to advance your career?
My experiences with DFSTC's programs have opened my eyes to the potential of seeking employment beyond the traditional roles I would normally consider. I realized I hadn't fully acknowledged my education, experience, skill set, and passion for helping families. After attending a resume writing class, I made essential updates that were overdue, partly due to job
search fatigue and the demands of being a single mother. These changes led me to pursue a job I wouldn't have previously, bolstered by the constructive feedback from a mock interview with a Blue Cross and Blue Shield HR representative. Although I didn't get that job, it led to an offer for a different role as a Parent Trainer/Advocate at PACER Center, where my skills, education, passion, and experience were a perfect match. Prior to this, I had a long career in Administration and had sought other positions, but my resume hadn't fully showcased my capabilities. DFSTC also played a role in my decision to start my own business, MN Parent and Children's Connection, LLC, which I plan to launch in spring 2024. The business will feature two programs: Middle Years, aimed at parents of children aged 8-11 navigating the challenging early stages of child development, and The Art and Brain-Science behind Cursive Writing, designed for youth aged 8-18. This program will not only present cursive writing as an art form but also teach the science behind it, highlighting benefits such as calming effects and improved retention. I am excited to launch this venture in the spring and to collaborate with families from various backgrounds, with a focus on African Americans. I believe now is the opportune time for me to embark on this new journey.
What do you like best about our services and community?
There is no disdain for anyone; everyone appears to be welcomed, accepted, and supported in addressing their needs. As a member, you become part of a family that offers support and provides resources, contacts, and other information to aid in your self-improvement. I greatly appreciate that DFSTC did not let COVID hinder their provision of essential services and programs to women.
How do you define Personal Success for yourself and how has DFSTC help you advance your career?
Achieving and reaching my goals on my own terms, with access to support when necessary, and receiving what I need—not what others think I need—is crucial. DFSTC has been instrumental in this journey, offering excellent programs, training, workshops (both in-person and virtual), recordings, peer support, and check-in calls, all of which have contributed to my success.
Many years ago, an unemployment Career Counselor introduced me to Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC) for interview attire. Since then, I have intermittently engaged with DFSTC, witnessing its growth from providing interview clothing to women to developing robust structures similar to the way children grow stronger as they age.
What services have you utilized?
I have utilized a variety of resources, from interview attire to online programs like classes, workshops, and self-care sessions, which have aided in skill development, resume crafting, interview technique enhancement, and even entrepreneurship. These resources are available both live and recorded. By participating, I've earned or was selected to receive valuable products such as the Google Suite and a laptop, which have been instrumental in my self-improvement. The online services and additional resources provided by DFCTC have enabled me to transform my perspective, from my circumstances to having confidence in deserving more than what I previously settled for. Additionally, I've appreciated earning confidence kits and being selected for special gifts and a laptop during certain events.
Are you currently working?
Yes
How has DFSTC helped you to advance your career?
My experiences with DFSTC's programs have opened my eyes to the potential of seeking employment beyond the traditional roles I would normally consider. I realized I hadn't fully acknowledged my education, experience, skill set, and passion for helping families. After attending a resume writing class, I made essential updates that were overdue, partly due to job
search fatigue and the demands of being a single mother. These changes led me to pursue a job I wouldn't have previously, bolstered by the constructive feedback from a mock interview with a Blue Cross and Blue Shield HR representative. Although I didn't get that job, it led to an offer for a different role as a Parent Trainer/Advocate at PACER Center, where my skills, education, passion, and experience were a perfect match. Prior to this, I had a long career in Administration and had sought other positions, but my resume hadn't fully showcased my capabilities. DFSTC also played a role in my decision to start my own business, MN Parent and Children's Connection, LLC, which I plan to launch in spring 2024. The business will feature two programs: Middle Years, aimed at parents of children aged 8-11 navigating the challenging early stages of child development, and The Art and Brain-Science behind Cursive Writing, designed for youth aged 8-18. This program will not only present cursive writing as an art form but also teach the science behind it, highlighting benefits such as calming effects and improved retention. I am excited to launch this venture in the spring and to collaborate with families from various backgrounds, with a focus on African Americans. I believe now is the opportune time for me to embark on this new journey.
What do you like best about our services and community?
There is no disdain for anyone; everyone appears to be welcomed, accepted, and supported in addressing their needs. As a member, you become part of a family that offers support and provides resources, contacts, and other information to aid in your self-improvement. I greatly appreciate that DFSTC did not let COVID hinder their provision of essential services and programs to women.
How do you define Personal Success for yourself and how has DFSTC help you advance your career?
Achieving and reaching my goals on my own terms, with access to support when necessary, and receiving what I need—not what others think I need—is crucial. DFSTC has been instrumental in this journey, offering excellent programs, training, workshops (both in-person and virtual), recordings, peer support, and check-in calls, all of which have contributed to my success.