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.