From Searching for Direction
to Stepping Into Her Power

Georgia Coleman shares how Dress for Success Twin Cities helped her find stability, confidence, and a community that believed in her.

The ULead program invites a select group of DFSTC clients to apply, interview, and be chosen to work closely alongside staff and coaches on their personal and professional development. ULeaders engage in expert-led workshops, take on greater responsibility within the organization, and serve as examples of what is possible. It is one of the highest expressions of trust and recognition DFSTC offers its clients.

"Being surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you succeed is incredibly impactful."

Help More Women Find Their Path

Stories like Georgia's are made possible by your support. A gift to Dress for Success Twin Cities helps women build confidence, careers, and community.

Earlier this year, we took an important step forward in our commitment to meet women where they are by taking our Success Express on the road to Northern Minnesota. This expansion reflects what we hear from women across the state: access to career support shouldn't depend on geography.

The second week of May, our Success Express made several Up North stops, serving more than 100 women through community-based events and partner-hosted locations. We met many first-time clients who were deeply grateful for the experience, as well as returning clients who came back with daughters, cousins, coworkers, and friends after seeing the impact last year. Women shared how a confidence kit, a well-fitting blazer, or access to online classes helped them show up differently at work, and in their lives.

These visits reminded us that relationships matter -- women encouraging one another to attend, trusted community partners opening doors, and connections that continue well beyond each visit. Bringing the Success Express Up North is about more than services; it's about showing up, listening, and building trust one stop at a time.

These same values, access, dignity, and connection, continue to shape our work across the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

With gratitude,

Husband and wife volunteer team Janelle and Dave Brechon in Bemidji.

Park State Bank volunteer team (Becky Thurman, Katie DiIorio, Sam Lindahl, and Tracy Clafton) at Ball Club Community Center.

Raven Freebird and Nicole Desjarlais from White Earth Tribal and Community College in Mahnomen coordinated the event.

Jenny Morris, Janelle Brechon, Esther Ames, Megan Meuli, Corrine Roy and her son Desmond, and Sheri Snetsinger. Sheri, Esther, and Corrine were key in setting up the event at Maadaadizi Workforce Center in Naytahwaush.

Park State Bank volunteer team (Rochelle Hyppa, Sheariah Hultgren, and Wendy Stevens) at Fortune Bay Casino on the Bois Forte Reservation in Tower.

Visiting Beltrami County Health and Human Services team in Bemidji. This outreach event was set up by Amy Mistic, Bryce Brittain, and Chad Schroth in Bemidji.

Thanks to Circle K for providing fuel for Success Express year round, especially in Bemidji after long days of travel around the region!

Leech Lake Reservation's The Facility hosted our last event in Cass Lake. Jenny Morris and Diane Osceola from Enbridge. Last photo is Megan Meuli with Miguel Ryes and his Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Workforce Development Team in Cass Lake.

This month, during Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are proud to celebrate the volunteers who make the work of Dress for Success Twin Cities possible. With a small staff team, our ability to meet the needs of women in our community depends heavily on the dedication, time, and care contributed by our volunteers. Because of them, we have been able to serve every woman who has come to us, without turning anyone away.

The hours our volunteers contribute power every aspect of our work, from welcoming clients to supporting programs behind the scenes. Their commitment extends our reach, strengthens our capacity, and directly impacts women and families across Minnesota. We are deeply grateful for their service and for the role they play in advancing our mission of economic mobility and self-sufficiency for women.

During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we want our broader community to know just how valued our volunteers are, and how essential they are to the impact we are able to achieve together. We are thankful for their partnership and proud to celebrate them.

With gratitude,

Stephanie Silvers

CEO, Dress for Success Twin Cities

Our volunteers are the front line for empowering our clients with their career development. We provide healing-centered and cultural competence training to ensure every woman we serve feels valued and is treated with care and respect. Here are the current opportunities available.

The Power of You 2026

Celebrating game changers and the collective impact of our community

The Power of You 2026 was a powerful celebration of community, generosity, and the year-round impact made possible through Dress for Success Twin Cities. Thanks to the incredible support of sponsors, attendees, volunteers, speakers, donors, and advocates, this year’s event raised $101,000, exceeding our $100,000 goal.

Every person who showed up, every sponsor who invested, and every dollar given helped move this work forward. Support from this event helps fuel Dress for Success Twin Cities throughout the year, strengthening access to programs, resources, and support for individuals working toward economic independence.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this evening possible, especially those who gave during the paddle raise. Every single gift made a difference, and together, those gifts will continue to create impact long after event night.

A memorable evening

Maria Lisignoli

Maria Lisignoli of WCCO served as emcee for the evening, helping guide a meaningful and energizing program centered on the strength of women, the power of opportunity, and the impact of community support.

Assia Sneller

Assia Sneller from Mortenson, our premier sponsor, shared remarks as part of the evening’s program and helped highlight the power of partnership in advancing this work.

Stephanie Licht

Stephanie Licht, board chair of Dress for Success Twin Cities and a leader at Old National Bank, helped welcome and inspire guests as part of the evening’s program.

Stephanie Silvers

Stephanie Silvers, CEO of Dress for Success Twin Cities, shared the significance of the evening and the year-round impact this support will have on the organization’s mission.

Tene Campbell

One of the most moving moments of the evening came from client speaker Tene Campbell, who shared a touching story about her journey and the real impact of community support.

Kurt Johnson

The live fundraising portion was led by auctioneer Kurt Johnson, whose energy helped carry the momentum of the night and inspire generous support from the room.

Thank you to our community

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every sponsor, volunteer, attendee, and donor who helped make The Power of You 2026 such a success. Your support made this evening possible, and your generosity will help sustain this work year-round.

We are especially grateful to everyone who participated in the paddle raise. Every single person and every single dollar mattered. Together, those gifts help strengthen the programs and resources that support our mission throughout the year.

Sponsors

Special support

Sanni Brown-Adefope honored in the Women Who Inspire 2026 campaign

Dress for Success Twin Cities is proud to celebrate Sanni Brown-Adefope as part of the Dress for Success Women Who Inspire 2026 campaign.

Sanni is an award-winning multimedia professional, host, and creative force in the Twin Cities. She has been recognized with both an Anthem Award and a Minnesota Professional Society of Journalists Award for her work in media and storytelling.

As the founder of Cutie Booty Media, Inc., which she launched in 2016, Sanni has grown into a trusted creative partner for major brands while continuing to expand her work as a public speaker, rapper, and album artist.

A proud Dress for Success Twin Cities alumna, Sanni credits the organization with supporting her early career and continuing to walk alongside her as she defines success on her own terms.

Sanni’s story reflects the heart of the Women Who Inspire campaign. Her journey is a reminder that when women are supported with opportunity, creativity, and community, they can define success on their own terms, lead boldly, and inspire others through their voice and vision.

We are honored to celebrate Sanni and the impact she continues to make in our community and beyond.

Featured through the Dress for Success Women Who Inspire 2026 campaign.