Dress for Success Twin Cities started with a vision that has always been more than what the name implies. The idea was to offer a platform of services that would truly bridge the gap into career advancement, career stability, and economic sustainability for women in our community. We knew from the beginning it was never just about clothing, and it is amazing to see what the organization has become since we started serving clients in 2010.

Our services started small with financial literacy, digital literacy, suitings, and the Professional Women’s Group. In the last 15 years, our offerings have grown into a more comprehensive approach including emotional intelligence, health and wellness, leadership programs, and supporting women as they define success individually.

All of this became a reality over time because of the countless people who have and continue to show up time and time again; whether as clients, volunteers, staff, board members, partners, or donors. A shared sense of resiliency, vision, grit, and determination from everyone involved is how Dress for Success Twin Cities bloomed into the organization it is today.

​As we navigate the complexities of today’s world, the need for nonprofits that support women like Dress for Success Twin Cities, remain as important as ever. Women continue to face unique challenges and barriers that demand our collective attention and action. As always, the resources, training, and support that Dress for Success Twin Cities provides will continue to grow and expand with the needs of our community. What has not changed since the organization was founded is our mission to empower women, strengthen entire communities, and advocate for systemic change.

We are so excited to celebrate our 15-year anniversary at the Power of You with the Dress for Success community on March 11, 2025. Please join us. Whether you have been involved with Dress for Success Twin Cities for 15 years or started yesterday, your story is worth celebrating.

For 15 years, Dress for Success Twin Cities has worked alongside incredible corporate partners who believe in the power of economic independence. These partnerships have not only strengthened our programs but have also helped transform the lives of the individuals we serve.

​To celebrate our anniversary, we’re highlighting the partners who have walked this journey with us—organizations that have supported us through clothing drives, mentorship, financial contributions, and community engagement. Today, we’re honored to feature Versique, Lip Esteem, and Thomson Reuters, three partners whose impact has been instrumental in our mission.

Versique has partnered with DFSTC, providing resume and interview preparation support while aligning their business expertise with our mission.


DFSTC Committee Member Stephani LaMantia spoke with Nicole Biczkowski, Marketing Manager, about Versique’s involvement with DFSTC.


How long have you been involved in DFSTC?
2012, give or take a year.


Why did you first get involved and why do you stay connected?
We were looking for a charity that somewhat aligned with what we do. In their case, careers were intertwined with helping these clients get to the next steps in their lives. We also provided resume and mock interview help in the earlier days.


What about being involved has been most impactful for your business and employees?
This has been in perfect alignment with our Core Values, and the individual stories of the clients are always inspiring.
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Why should other companies consider getting involved?
It is a wonderful organization with impeccable integrity and is highly impactful in our local community.

Some of the most powerful partnerships are built on lived experiences. Tameka Jones, owner of Lip Esteem LLC, first came to Dress for Success Twin Cities as a client seeking professional clothing for job interviews. Now, she is a successful entrepreneur and a passionate supporter of DFSTC, even partnering with us and Comcast to provide makeovers, lunch, and professional headshots for women in our program.

Committee Member Marti O’Donnell spoke with Tameka Jones about her journey from client to partner.

How long have you been involved in DFSTC?
Since it began.

Why did you first get involved and why do you stay connected?
I first got involved when I was on public assistance and was at the end of the maximum time I could receive it. I needed full-time employment, and the county referred me to Dress for Success to get an interview outfit. I stay connected because they weren’t just a blessing to me, they continue to help other women who are in the same situation I was. My success helps them see that just because they may be in a difficult situation at the time, it doesn’t mean they have to stay there. I’ve continued to be involved as a small business owner and partnered with Dress for Success and Comcast to host an event where we gave the women makeovers, had lunch, and took professional headshots for their LinkedIn profiles.

What about being involved has been most impactful for your business and employees?
Sometimes your clothing can help you walk into your destiny. When I got a referral to get clothes from Dress for Success, I automatically thought the clothes would be old, stinky basement clothes and I was not excited. I knew what it looked like to dress well professionally and shop at high-end stores, but my life didn’t turn out that way. I grew up in a household that was business class but still found myself in poverty. I didn’t think I was going to want to wear the clothes I was being given. When I walked into Dress for Success and saw the quality of the clothes and the labels, I was extremely impressed, and it changed how I thought about getting help. It taught me I need to look my best and give my best at all times, even when things aren’t working well. Just because you don’t have a job doesn’t mean you have to look like it.
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Why should other companies consider getting involved?
As business leaders, we need to think about people more broadly and at all levels of society. Getting fresh new talent can come from the community around us and it’s important we tap into all matters of society to grow not only our businesses but the world. It doesn’t matter how much money you make as a company if the world outside your four walls is failing. Reciprocity is real. You have to give to receive back. It’s about taking the community and your business a step higher.

As one of our original partners, Thomson Reuters has been an integral part of DFSTC’s journey, from launching the Success Express bus to providing career development and programming support. Their partnership has been a key part of our impact, strengthening opportunities for clients through mentorship and skill-building.
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Committee Member Marti O’Donnell spoke with Jennie Kraus and Katelyn Swanland, co-leads of TR Women, their Women in Leadership Employee Resource Group.

Why did you first get involved and why do you stay connected?
It all started with a clothing drive which was so successful we now hold one every summer. During the first donation drop, I met Stephanie Silvers at the warehouse. Stephanie spoke so passionately about her vision for the Success Express bus that we decided to partner to help bring it to life. We were the first company to host the bus in person and DFSTC remains a pillar program for us. We appreciate the connection DFSTC has with the community and how it supports women in feeling confident. It enables them with more than clothes; it boosts the skills and confidence needed to help get them into the career they want.


What about being involved has been most impactful for your business and employees?
It’s been impactful being able to help local women in bridging opportunities and connecting them with skills we use here at Thomson Reuters, such as programming and AI. Empowering women in our community is one of our company’s core values. We’re committed to our support of DFSTC because they share so many of the priorities we do as a company, such as promoting education, diversity, and inclusion, and partnering with the local community.
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Why should other companies consider getting involved?
It’s amazing to have a true impact on the lives of women who are our neighbors. The range of activities provided by DFSTC makes it easy to figure out where it makes the most sense to get involved, how and where it fits best within your organization, and at what level you want to support. The mission is to help women achieve economic independence by gaining a path to a job, helping in career development, and focusing on the next level of their careers. We love that they provide a range of services – it’s not just about the clothing. It’s job readiness and gaining employment. Partnering with an organization that gives back to the community in this way benefits our company as well by providing skilled employees that make the entire community stronger. Being involved also helps to connect us with like-minded companies with which we can partner and collaborate.

A Future Built on Collaboration
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DFSTC’s impact is possible because of partners like Versique, Lip Esteem, and Thomson Reuters, who understand the importance of community investment. Their dedication has helped thousands of individuals gain confidence, skills, and economic independence.
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As we continue celebrating 15 years, we invite more organizations to join us in making a difference. If your company is looking to support a mission that changes lives, there’s a place for you at DFSTC.

Click the button below to connect with VP of Development, Megan Meuli.