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,  
Stephanie Silvers
CEO, Dress for Success Twin Cities
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For the third year in a row, Dress for Success Twin Cities brought its mission on the road by traveling across Northern Minnesota with our mobile confidence unit RV, Success Express, to deliver workplace attire, coaching, and community connection directly to women in rural and Tribal communities. During the week of May 11, the team made meaningful stops at Ball Club and Cass Lake on the Leech Lake Reservation, White Earth Tribal and Community College in Mahnomen and Maadaadizi Workforce Center in Naytahwaush on the White Earth Reservation, and the Bois Forte Reservation in Tower. At the heart of this journey was a remarkable volunteer duo: Dave and Janelle Brechon. Dave safely navigated the RV across hundreds of miles ensuring clients were welcomed warmly while managing the steady flow of visitors. Meanwhile, Janelle, a longtime Confidence Coach volunteer, led clothing services inside the RV. She created a joyful, and deeply supportive environment for every woman who stepped aboard. 
Husband and wife volunteer team Janelle and Dave Brechon in Bemidji. This year's trip highlighted what happens when consistency meets trust. At Ball Club, many women returned after receiving Confidence Kits the year before. Word spread quickly and many of these women brought daughters, cousins, and coworkers this time. One woman shared that receiving her kit on her birthday had been "the best gift" she had ever received. Another women who once hesitated to take a blazer proudly returned, recounting how it sparked compliments at a business meeting. For others, small moments turned transformational—like discovering the online style tips portal or learning about virtual classes they hadn't known existed. 
Park State Bank volunteer team (Becky Thurman, Katie DiIorio, Sam Lindahl, and Tracy Clafton) at Ball Club Community Center. Across each stop, the impact was immediate and personal. At the White Earth sites, nearly all of the women were new to services. One woman, overcome with gratitude, spontaneously hugged Janelle during her visit. A young woman was so excited by the experience at the community college that she called her mother, who followed the RV to the next stop to participate. These moments underscored the power of access and word of mouth in rural communities. 
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. Throughout the week, the team celebrated countless wins such as a perfectly fitted blazer found for a client who worried about sizing and another of a young woman overcoming visible nerves to leave smiling with confidence. 
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 impactful journey would not have been possible without the generous support of Enbridge, Park State Bank, and Circle K, our fuel sponsor. Their investment continues to expand access to critical services while empowering women to step into their potential. The team and Success Express returned home with empty shelves and full hearts. It carried much more than clothing. It carried confidence, connection, and the unmistakable truth: when we show up consistently, listen deeply, and meet women where they are, transformation follows. Janelle did not come to Dress for Success Twin Cities looking for a way to fill her time. She came because she already knew what this organization could do for a woman's life. Years before she retired, Janelle attended a DFSTC fundraiser through her work at Thomson Reuters. That night, she heard a client share her story — a woman who had navigated homelessness, grief, and loss, and come through the other side transformed. It stayed with her. "I just always liked the organization," Janelle says. "So when I retired and was looking for ways to give back, I started volunteering with Dress for Success and just fell in love with it."
"I like to walk with them in their transformations and be a source of good during times in their lives that are very turbulent."
— Janelle, DFSTC Volunteer
Today Janelle coaches three or four clients at a time, walking alongside women as they build confidence, navigate job searches, and work toward stability. She is also a regular at DFSTC's CIP events — a collaboration with the Shakopee Women's Prison through the Challenge Incarceration Program, where women preparing for release get the chance to try on a Confidence Kit, practice interviews, and connect with supporters like Janelle before they step back into the world. What she loves most is the variety. Whether DFSTC is set up at Cornerstone Advocacy, Jeremiah House, or out in the community on the Success Express, Janelle shows up ready to meet women exactly where they are. "I like that we meet women where they're at," she says. "And I like to learn about how they're living and their transformation." She also makes it her mission to get others involved. When corporate volunteers come to events, Janelle is the one pulling them aside and getting them excited about coming back. "I like to tell other volunteers — what can you do to help? I like being in the background, making things happen." Janelle's story is a reminder that volunteering with DFSTC is not just about giving time. It is about being part of something that genuinely changes lives — including your own.
Want to volunteer with us?
Confidence Coach
Share your HR or career experience to support clients through one-on-one virtual coaching. Coaches are matched with clients based on background and professional network.
Success Express
Join us on-site at our mobile career center to deliver Confidence Kits and programming support to women across the Twin Cities and beyond. Open to women volunteers.
Shakopee Women's Prison (CIP)
Support women in the Challenge Incarceration Program as they prepare for release with practice interviews, resume reviews, and encouragement. HR or hiring experience is a plus.
Donation Day and Wearhouse
Help receive and process professional clothing donations at our Wearhouse in St. Louis Park. Hands-on, energizing, and always appreciated. 
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
Get involved: volunteer with us
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.
Donation Day
Help receive clothing donations at our Wearhouse in St. Louis Park. Tasks include directing traffic, greeting donors, unloading vehicles, and moving donations. Volunteers should be comfortable on their feet and able to lift 25 to 30 pounds. Must be 18 or older.
Wearhouse
Sort, inspect, hang, organize, and display our collection of professional women's clothing and accessories. Tasks may include light lifting, pushing carts, and general facility cleaning. Must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a participating adult.
Community Ambassadors
Represent DFSTC at volunteer fairs, corporate events, and community partner events. Help recruit clients, volunteers, and donors. Best suited for volunteers who are already familiar with the organization and comfortable sharing information about our work.
Confidence Coach
Share your HR, supervisory, or professional job search experience to support clients through group and individual coaching. This role is fully virtual through phone and video calls. Coaches are matched with clients based on background, experience, and professional network.
Success Express
Join us on-site at our mobile career center to deliver Confidence Kits and programming support to clients in the community. Volunteers welcome clients, provide a service overview, assist with enrollment, and support clothing fittings. This role is open to women volunteers.
Shakopee Women's Prison
Support participants in the Challenge Incarceration Program at Shakopee Women's Prison. Volunteers with HR or hiring manager experience help provide practice interviews, resume reviews, and coaching to support women as they prepare for their release.  The Power of You 2026Celebrating 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 LisignoliMaria 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 SnellerAssia 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 LichtStephanie 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 SilversStephanie 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 CampbellOne 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 JohnsonThe 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 communityWe 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. SponsorsChanging the Game Breaking Barriers Building Momentum Igniting Progress Special supportChow Girls – Catering sponsor GF – Water station sponsor Sunrise Banks – Music sponsor Blaze Credit Union – Photo Booth Xcel Energy – Mini Golf game 
A special shout-out to our Development CommitteeWe also want to recognize our Development Committee, whose hard work helped bring this event together. Thank you for your time, leadership, and commitment to making this evening meaningful and successful. Amy Farsht – The Lacek Group Heather Haavisto-Muir – Mortgage Cadence Lisa Matre – Groundswell Consulting Lynne Barten – UPS Molly Sinclair – Vi Ashley Perala – Xcel Energy Nicole Fae – The Annex Beauty Association Photo creditThank you to Rose Marie Photography for volunteering and capturing so many special moments from the evening. Additional photos may also be shared by guests. Sanni Brown-Adefope honored in the Women Who Inspire 2026 campaignDress for Success Twin Cities is proud to celebrate Sanni Brown-Adefope as part of the Dress for Success Women Who Inspire 2026 campaign.
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Thank GOD for Dress for Success Twin Cities and the work they do to uplift all Women. I'm forever indebted to how they've helped me accomplish my personal and professional dreams! — Sanni Brown-Adefope 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. Support more journeys like Sanni’sYour support helps Dress for Success Twin Cities continue providing career development, community, and confidence-building resources for women working toward their goals. Make a gift today Allianz Life Supports Dress For Success Twin Cities With Three-Year Grant Funding expands rural outreach and reduces barriers for women seeking employment. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) is partnering with Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC) with a $450,000 commitment over the next three years to expand the organization’s reach across Minnesota. This investment helps DFSTC to advance innovative in how DFSTC meets women where they are at a time when the need for connection, community resources, and career support is rapidly growing. “Building and sustaining financial security is a priority for our community engagement program at Allianz Life, especially for underserved communities,” said Kenna Poppler, director of community engagement, Allianz Life. “We are proud to support Dress for Success Twin Cities to impact not only women, but also their families and communities with career development resources and services.” Rather than asking women to come to them, DFSTC brings career coaching, professional clothing, and program enrollment directly into communities around Minnesota. One way they do this is through DFSTC’s mobile career center, Success Express. As a result of Allianz Life’s investment, Success Express will travel to Northern Minnesota and double its number of stops compared to last year. DFSTC’s approach is rooted in collaboration with trusted local nonprofit and community partners, ensuring programs complement existing services rather than duplicate them. Women who visit The Success Express can:
“We see women in our community searching for confidence, opportunity, and a fresh start. It’s deeply moving, and it reminds us why this work matters so much,” said Stephanie Silvers, CEO, Dress for Success Twin Cities. “With this amazing support from Allianz Life, we’re able to grow and help not only women in the Twin Cities but throughout the State of Minnesota, providing more women the tools, support, and connection to transform their lives.” About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, (Allianz Life), one of the Ethisphere World’s Most Ethical Companies®, has been trusted since 1896 to help millions of Americans prepare for financial uncertainties and retirement with a variety of innovative risk management solutions. In 2024, Allianz Life provided additional value to its policyholders via distributions of more than $18.6 billion. Allianz Life is a leading provider of fixed index annuities, registered index-linked annuities, and indexed universal life insurance. Additionally, Allianz Investment Management LLC (AllianzIM), a registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Allianz Life, offers a suite of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Allianz Life and AllianzIM are part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with more than 157,000 employees in nearly 70 countries. Allianz Life is a proud sponsor of Allianz Field® in St. Paul, Minnesota, home of Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United.  Dasiyah’s Story
Finding confidence through clothing, coaching, and community.
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.
"I like the clothing and the community. I have met friends from the group and its nice to meet woman on a similar journey as me."
Starting PointBefore 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 WayDasiyah 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.
Building ConfidenceThrough 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 CommunityBeyond 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 ForwardDasiyah’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.
Support individuals like Dasiyah at Power of You
Your support at Power of You helps provide professional clothing, career coaching, and confidence-building resources that help individuals move forward toward employment and economic independence.
Learn more about Power of You
 A New Chapter for Dress for SuccessSuccess Starts Now Something exciting is happening at Dress for Success, and we are thrilled to share it with you. We have launched an evolved brand — and it is more than a new look. It is a reflection of who we have grown into over nearly 30 years of walking alongside women through professional attire, career readiness, one-on-one coaching, and community. That legacy runs deep, and this next chapter builds on every bit of it. Our mission has not changed. The way we show up for it has never been stronger. The World Is Changing. We Are Ready.Women's career paths today look very different than they did even five years ago. The workforce is accelerating, barriers are evolving, and the need for real, flexible, accessible support has never been greater. The women who come to us are not lacking drive or determination. What they need is access — to the right skills, the right support, and the right opportunities at the right time. That has always been our purpose. This evolved brand makes it unmistakably clear. Built on What Works. Expanding What Is Possible.Dress for Success Twin Cities has always been about more than a new outfit. We are a network of support, a community of advocates, and a proven pathway toward economic mobility for women across Minnesota. This evolution does not change what has worked. It expands it. We are deepening our reach, broadening our programs, and strengthening the connections that help women not just enter the workforce, but truly advance within it. The Five Pillars of SuccessAt the heart of this evolved brand are five pillars that capture everything we do and everyone who makes it possible — from the women we serve to the volunteers, donors, and partners who show up alongside them. DREAM Helping women see what is possible for their lives and careers, and believing it alongside them. DRESS Building confidence and presence so every woman walks into her next opportunity feeling ready. DEVELOP Equipping women with the skills, coaching, and career readiness tools they need to thrive long-term. DRIVE Removing the real barriers standing between women and economic independence. DONATE Investing in women, in opportunity, and in the future we are building together. These pillars show up in every program we run, every Confidence Kit we hand off, every stop the Success Express makes across Minnesota. They are not just brand language. They are the work.  Igniting Careers. Transforming Futures.That is our tagline, and it means exactly what it says. Every woman who comes through our doors carries ambition. Our job is to ignite it — with the tools, support, and community she needs to move forward and never look back. And when a woman is ready to take that step, opportunity should be right there waiting. That is the promise behind Success Starts Now — a belief we have always held and a commitment we are proud to carry into this next chapter. This is not a reinvention. It is an evolution rooted in 30 years of real impact and real relationships. We are moving forward with everything we have built, and we are grateful you are moving forward with us. Because every woman deserves a success story. And Success Starts Now.   Client success story: BrendaWhen 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 encouragementConfidence 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 lifeBrenda 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 upBrenda 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 clientsThe 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. Support this workYour donation helps keep career services and resources available for clients in our community. Questions about partner or supporter opportunities? Email [email protected]. |
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