We're excited to introduce DFSTC client, Ms. Gloria Coles! Gloria is currently one of our ULeaders. ULeaders are a select group of dedicated clients who are driven, hardworking and exemplify leadership. Learn more about Gloria's journey to success below.
Q: What is your background?
A: My background has included various career experiences and opportunities. These have included working in the hospitality, retail, corporate finance, social services, and health and wellness sectors. I relocated to Minneapolis in 2013, after a job layoff in Chicago. My family suggested that I move here because I had NO family left in Chicago. My daughter and her family moved here in 2008.
During one of my visits here in 2012, I saw a local newspaper advertisement about a Community Health Worker (CHW) training program and applied. I visited Summit Academy, took the assessment tests, passed them, and then went back home to Chicago. A year later I moved here and enrolled in the Community Health Worker program and graduated in Fall 2013.
Since 2013 I have worked at various Not-for-Profit organizations in Minneapolis as a CHW and gained tremendous experience. Some of these settings have included community centers and social service agencies.
Q: Why did you decide to contact Dress for Success Twin Cities?
A: I was referred.
Q: How did you find out about us?
A: From Summit Academy after I completed my CHW training in 2013. I had never heard of the Dress for Success organization prior to relocating to Minneapolis. Since then, I have learned that [DFSTC] is part of a global network of 140 independent local affiliates, located in 22 countries worldwide!
Q: How was your experience with DFSTC?
A: My experiences with [DFSTC] have been awesome. [DFSTC] has allowed me to continuously utilize my community outreach, facilitation, and presentation skills to enhance the knowledge base of the women being serviced by the organization. Also, [DFSTC] recommended me to participate in the WomenHeart training program sponsored by the Mayo Clinic in Oct. 2022. After an extensive selection process, I was accepted into the program and am now a WomenHeart Champion!
Q: Anything to highlight?
A: [DFSTC]’s commitment to women from diverse backgrounds and cultures is what really encouraged me to want to participate and volunteer with them even more. [DFSTC] has given me the opportunity to showcase my skills and talents. Additionally, [DFSTC] supports, encourages, and uplifts participants to reach their highest potential!
Q: What are you doing now?
A: I am back in class, learning more about technology and working on my business plan.
Q: What are your goals for yourself now?
A: To continue with my technology classes and share resources and information with women and older adults who might be intimidated of computers and technology. My goal is to start a basic technology training program for older adults. It would assist community organizations such as churches, community centers, and social service agencies with training older adults to learn more about their smartphones, email, tablets and computers without being intimidated.
Q: What does success mean to you?
A: Success to me means, being able to give back to your community while providing educational and economic advancement opportunities for yourself and others. Throughout my life, I have always volunteered with community organizations because I felt it was important to give back. My legacy motto is “Each one, reach one, teach one, and then pay it forward”!
Q: What is your background?
A: My background has included various career experiences and opportunities. These have included working in the hospitality, retail, corporate finance, social services, and health and wellness sectors. I relocated to Minneapolis in 2013, after a job layoff in Chicago. My family suggested that I move here because I had NO family left in Chicago. My daughter and her family moved here in 2008.
During one of my visits here in 2012, I saw a local newspaper advertisement about a Community Health Worker (CHW) training program and applied. I visited Summit Academy, took the assessment tests, passed them, and then went back home to Chicago. A year later I moved here and enrolled in the Community Health Worker program and graduated in Fall 2013.
Since 2013 I have worked at various Not-for-Profit organizations in Minneapolis as a CHW and gained tremendous experience. Some of these settings have included community centers and social service agencies.
Q: Why did you decide to contact Dress for Success Twin Cities?
A: I was referred.
Q: How did you find out about us?
A: From Summit Academy after I completed my CHW training in 2013. I had never heard of the Dress for Success organization prior to relocating to Minneapolis. Since then, I have learned that [DFSTC] is part of a global network of 140 independent local affiliates, located in 22 countries worldwide!
Q: How was your experience with DFSTC?
A: My experiences with [DFSTC] have been awesome. [DFSTC] has allowed me to continuously utilize my community outreach, facilitation, and presentation skills to enhance the knowledge base of the women being serviced by the organization. Also, [DFSTC] recommended me to participate in the WomenHeart training program sponsored by the Mayo Clinic in Oct. 2022. After an extensive selection process, I was accepted into the program and am now a WomenHeart Champion!
Q: Anything to highlight?
A: [DFSTC]’s commitment to women from diverse backgrounds and cultures is what really encouraged me to want to participate and volunteer with them even more. [DFSTC] has given me the opportunity to showcase my skills and talents. Additionally, [DFSTC] supports, encourages, and uplifts participants to reach their highest potential!
Q: What are you doing now?
A: I am back in class, learning more about technology and working on my business plan.
Q: What are your goals for yourself now?
A: To continue with my technology classes and share resources and information with women and older adults who might be intimidated of computers and technology. My goal is to start a basic technology training program for older adults. It would assist community organizations such as churches, community centers, and social service agencies with training older adults to learn more about their smartphones, email, tablets and computers without being intimidated.
Q: What does success mean to you?
A: Success to me means, being able to give back to your community while providing educational and economic advancement opportunities for yourself and others. Throughout my life, I have always volunteered with community organizations because I felt it was important to give back. My legacy motto is “Each one, reach one, teach one, and then pay it forward”!
