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.

Dasiyah’s Story

When Dasiyah connected with Dress for Success Twin Cities, she was working to rebuild her confidence and move forward toward employment. Like many people beginning their job search, she faced practical barriers as well as emotional ones — including not having the clothing she needed for work and feeling unsure about herself.

Through classes, coaching, and professional clothing support, Dasiyah found more than just practical resources. She found a supportive environment where she could connect with others on similar journeys and begin to see new possibilities for herself.

Starting Point

Before participating in services, Dasiyah was facing challenges that made it difficult to move forward confidently in her job search. Not having appropriate clothing for work created an additional barrier, and low confidence made the process feel even more difficult.

"I was struggling with having clothing to go to work and I had really low confidence."

Support Along the Way

Dasiyah participated in both online and in-person opportunities designed to support individuals as they prepare for employment. These services provided practical tools, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

• Online career development classes
• In-person sessions
• Confidence coaching
• Confidence Kits with professional clothing

Building Confidence

Through these experiences, Dasiyah began to feel more prepared and capable as she continued her employment journey. Having access to professional clothing and supportive coaching helped her feel ready to pursue opportunities and take the next steps toward work.

"they have helped me gain confidence and feel more capable to work and go out and find jobs"

The Power of Community

Beyond practical support, the sense of community made a meaningful difference in Dasiyah’s experience. Connecting with others who were working toward similar goals helped create encouragement and motivation along the way.

Building relationships and sharing experiences helped transform what could have been an isolating process into one supported by understanding and connection.

Looking Forward

Dasiyah’s story reflects the impact of combining practical resources with encouragement and community. With increased confidence and the tools she needs, she continues moving forward toward employment and new opportunities.

Participant name used with permission. Quotes shared exactly as provided.

Client success story: Brenda

When Brenda connected with Dress for Success Twin Cities, she was carrying a lot at once. She shared that she was navigating drug addiction, mental health concerns, and housing instability. Even in the middle of that, Brenda was still showing up for her future and looking for support that would help her stay grounded and keep moving forward.

For clients like Brenda facing multiple employment barriers, career advancement happens with more than just professional clothing. Progress comes from community resource navigation, job search tools and information, encouragement and most of all support through our Confidence Coaching services and online classes.

A steady source of encouragement

Confidence Coaching creates steady, one-on-one support where clients can talk through what they are facing, set realistic next steps, and stay connected to their goals. For many clients, especially those rebuilding stability, consistent encouragement can help sustain momentum during the job search process.

Tools that fit real life

Brenda also utilized online classes. For clients facing housing uncertainty, shifting schedules, or the day-to-day realities of recovery and mental health care, flexibility is essential. Online classes allow clients to build skills and confidence on a timeline that works for them, without needing to choose between growth and immediate responsibilities.

Practical support that helps clients show up

Brenda received a Confidence Kit with professional clothing. This kind of support can reduce one more barrier, ease financial pressure, and help clients feel prepared to walk into an interview, a training program, or a new workplace with confidence and dignity. For clients navigating multiple challenges at once, practical resources reinforce that they are worth investing in and do not have to navigate their next steps alone.

How supporter impact shows up for clients

The services Brenda used are available because supporters choose to stand behind clients. Donor support helps keep Confidence Coaching available for clients who need consistent encouragement and accountability. It also helps maintain access to online learning options and ensures Confidence Kits are available so clients can focus on their next steps.

When you give, you are supporting a person at a point in their journey where steady encouragement, practical tools, and ongoing guidance can make a meaningful difference.

Living With Heart Through Change

by Stephanie Silvers

Change is one thing that most of us hate. And yet it’s something we know is a constant. It’s always coming. Just ahead. Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.

This past year has been full of change — for our state, our nation, and our world.

Rather than dread it (and I often do), these days I’m trying to connect change to courage. After all, the word courage comes from the Latin root word cor, or heart. In other words, courage means living with heart — despite change.

I can think of myriad people living that way. People like Francesco Magisano, a man who lost his vision at age 16 — and who just ran his seventh New York City marathon. People like my friend, Sam, who continues to show up day in and day out to ensure her family and community are supported despite the challenges she faces herself. People who stood up for what they believe in all across the country in 2025. And people like Dress for Success clients who keep working toward a better life despite countless obstacles.

We can have big feelings about what’s happening in our world, but we need to understand what we can control and then let go of those things we can’t. For me, I regularly must remind myself that:

I can’t control the labor market.

I can’t control women’s wealth or wellness.

I can’t control climate change.

I can’t control politics.

What can I put my energy toward?

I can choose to stop scrolling and read a book. I can decide what I put into my body. I can (mostly) determine how many hours of sleep I get. I can set aside my worries and take my dog for a walk, perhaps pausing to touch grass — or snow!

At work, I can share my upbeat energy, I can support clients on an everyday basis, and I can offer them hope tied to actions. For my team, I can give them positive feedback, invest in their development, and offer hybrid and flexible scheduling. All these actions are things I can do, no matter the changes that arise.

These days, we’re all running a marathon, like it or not. How will you and I respond? I know that I could name 20 things I’m passionate about. I bet that’s true for you too. But what will we focus on in 2026? Beyond my work, my family, and my friends, I’m going to concentrate on making a difference in one or two areas. That’s all I can do.

Like so many others who work in the nonprofit world (nearly 400,000 of us do in Minnesota!), burnout is real, so we can’t be all things to all people — even when we want to be. (Remember that idea of putting on your oxygen mask first.)

As we begin a new year, we know what’s coming: change. One change that I am looking forward to is a brand refresh of Dress for Success. Look for it soon.

And no matter what other changes are on the way, we know what we have to do: Let’s live with heart.

Stephanie Silvers is chief executive officer at Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC), where she’s worked since the organization was founded in 2010.

Closing Out 15 Years of Empowerment

This year, Dress for Success Twin Cities marked a remarkable milestone—15 years of empowering women to achieve economic independence. Our anniversary was more than a single event; it was a year-long celebration, honoring the transformative journeys of those touched by our mission.

How We Celebrated

• 15 Stories for 15 Years: Throughout the year, we shared 15 inspiring stories from people who have supported, been impacted by, or helped build Dress for Success Twin Cities. These stories highlighted donors, corporate sponsors, board members, committee members, participants, volunteers, and grant partners—each sharing their journey, motivations, and vision for the future.
• Community Engagement: We invited everyone—supporters, participants, board members, and volunteers—to share their "why" on social media, amplifying the power of our community and giving everyone a chance to be part of our story.
• Special Events: From the EmpowerHer 5K to the Power of You event, we celebrated with programming that brought together past clients, program participants, and supporters. These events featured powerful testimonials, videos, and Q&A sessions, showcasing the real impact of our work.
• Spotlights on Key Partners: We honored corporate sponsors, grant partners, and individual donors, sharing their reasons for supporting Dress for Success and encouraging others to get involved.
• Success Express Feature: We told the story of the Success Express—our mobile empowerment initiative—which won national design awards and continues to serve communities across the state.
• Inclusive Storytelling: We highlighted the importance of male supporters and the impact of women in their lives, encouraging broader involvement and celebrating diversity within our network.
• Giving Campaigns: Our "15 Ways to Give for 15 Years" campaign during Giving Tuesday and Give to the Max inspired new and continued support, ensuring our mission remains strong for years to come.

Every story, every event, and every act of support this year was a testament to the collective effort that has made the past 15 years possible. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who contributed—whether this year or over the last decade and a half. Seeing so many familiar faces come together was a powerful reminder: this work matters, and it’s only possible because of you.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

As we close this chapter, we’re stepping boldly into the future. The world of work is evolving, and so are we. Here’s what’s next as we look to the new year:

• Deepening Client Impact: We’re going further with our clients—building into existing programming and creating opportunities for women to advance in a rapidly changing workplace.
• Modernizing Our Brand: A new brand identity is on the horizon, starting with a refreshed digital and verbal presence. This evolution aligns more closely with our mission and positions us for greater influence across the workforce development space.
• Growing Our Team: Additional staff will join us to expand programs and strengthen offerings, ensuring we meet the growing needs of the women we serve.
• Power of You 2026: Game Changers: Save the date—Tuesday, March 10. This year’s theme, Women in Sports: Game Changers, will spotlight trailblazers redefining the game. It’s a fresh take, and we can’t wait to share more.

Together, we’re not just keeping pace with change—we’re leading it. Thank you for standing with us for 15 years. Here’s to the next chapter of impact, innovation, and empowerment.