Dress for Success Twin Cities celebrates 15 years of empowerment in 2025, launches anniversary campaign
ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. – Jan. 21, 2025 – Dress for Success Twin Cities is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025, marking a key milestone in the local nonprofit’s mission to empower women to achieve economic independence. Since opening its doors in January 2010, Dress for Success Twin Cities has transformed the lives of countless individuals through community support and innovative programs. Dress for Success Twin Cities offers a network of support, workplace attire and career coaching to provide women with holistic and individualized employment readiness plans and a path toward economic independence. Programming focuses on financial wellness, digital literacy, leadership development, building a positive network of support, and health and wellness, giving women skills they need to find and retain employment. Dress for Success Twin Cities now serves about 1,000 clients each year, providing services to over 13,000 women since its founding. To commemorate this milestone, the organization is launching a 15th-anniversary campaign aimed at expanding its reach, attracting new supporters, and reinforcing its leadership in empowerment. “Our 15th anniversary is not only a celebration of our past successes but a commitment to future growth,” said Stephanie Silvers, CEO of Dress for Success Twin Cities. “We envision a future where economic independence is within reach for all, and our anniversary campaign is a step toward realizing this vision -- one success story at a time.” The yearlong campaign will honor the collective efforts of supporters, participants, board members, and volunteers who have made the past 15 years possible. Central to the campaign will be the sharing of powerful stories from donors, corporate partners, board members, committee members and participants, each highlighting their involvement and personal journeys with the organization. By spotlighting these stories, Dress for Success Twin Cities aims to further amplify its message of empowerment and economic independence. Each featured participant will share their journey, motivations and vision for the future, reinforcing the impact of the organization’s work. The community is invited to join Dress for Success Twin Cities in celebrating 15 years of transformation and empowerment. Support and engagement are vital to driving the organization’s mission forward and making a tangible difference in the lives of those served. For more information about the organization and how to contribute to its mission, visit DressForSuccessTwinCities.org. ### About Dress for Success Twin Cities Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC) is a local affiliate of the global nonprofit Dress for Success. DFSTC works to empower women across Minnesota to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help them thrive in work and life. DFSTC supports each client on her path to financial independence. Visit DressForSuccessTwinCities.org to learn more. Contact: Madeleine Rush [email protected] 651-214-6937
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Story 1 of 15 | Stephanie Silvers, Dress for Success Twin Cities CEO
As we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC), I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Over the past 15 years, I have had the incredible opportunity to witness and be part of countless transformations, and it brings me an enormous amount of joy to share my personal journey with you. Fifteen years ago, I transitioned from working with unhoused adults to joining DFSTC. Reflecting on this incredible journey, I can say that the biggest highlight for me has been witnessing the impact this organization has had on women over these 15 years. I found a unique opportunity at DFSTC to witness true transformation. DFSTC is different – it offers a way to watch someone truly transform their life, even in the face of unfair systems that can tear you down. Over the years, I have had the privilege to witness and support the journeys of the first women who walked through our doors. These women, who are now an integral part of my life, have achieved massive success, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating better futures for their families. To me, 15 years means we've served over 12,000 women, and that's over 12,000 stories. If they brought just three people with them, that's over 30,000 lives impacted. We’ve created an opportunity and an organization that puts women in the driver's seat – something I’m incredibly passionate about. My journey to becoming CEO was not a predetermined path. I don't know if I ever started the position thinking I'd become the CEO. I enjoyed the program side and working directly with the women. However, as the organization evolved, so did my leadership. I found myself in a position where I could influence the direction and growth of DFSTC, driven by my commitment to the mission and the belief that I could scale it to new heights. My story is a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination that define the spirit of DFSTC. My personal experiences enable me to relate to the challenges women face and my empathy fuels my drive to create meaningful change. I know how challenging it can be – I understand what it means to be at a disadvantage in our society. I wanted to be part of the change I wished to see. As we celebrate 15 years of empowering women, I invite you to join us in this journey. Follow us as we share the stories of extraordinary women whose dedication and passion have been instrumental in transforming lives. Together, we will continue to uplift women, one story at a time, and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future. Stay connected with us throughout 2025 as we launch our 15 Years of Empowerment campaign, where we will highlight the inspiring journeys of our partners, team members and the people who have shaped this organization. Cheers to 15 Years!
Stephanie Silvers
CEO, Dress for Success Twin Cities Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Women Who Powered the Movement in Minnesota and Beyond1/20/2025 Nellie Stone Johnson with NAACP leaders, Minnesota Historical Society As we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this year, we take a moment to highlight an often-overlooked truth: the fight for civil liberties has always been powered by women. From organizing marches and mobilizing communities to serving as critical strategists behind the scenes, women have played an essential role in making Dr. King’s vision a reality. Women have been at the forefront of the fight for civil liberties throughout history, long before the 1960s and continuing today. The civil rights movement of the 20th century drew strength from their tireless efforts, and here in Minnesota, women have played a vital role in championing racial and gender equity across generations. Their work builds on a long legacy of advocacy, courage, and leadership that has shaped the fight for justice at every step. The Women Behind the Movement
Minnesota’s Connection to the LegacyMinnesota has its own history of advancing civil rights, particularly through the work of women leaders:
Whether through programs that empower women to overcome systemic barriers or partnerships that foster equity and inclusion, we carry forward the values of the civil rights movement by creating opportunities for those who need them most. How You Can Honor Their Legacy:
As the year 2024 draws to a close and we reflect on all we have accomplished, we do so with gratitude. We are thrilled to share that we have exceeded our numerical goals for the number of clients served, classes provided, and coaching sessions offered to individuals in career transition. Our clients have made outstanding progress despite facing significant challenges. Last night, our 2024/25 ULead team was the featured guest speaker group for our monthly EmPower Hour class. The Dress for Success Twin Cities ULead program allows clients to apply, interview, and be selected to work closely with DFSTC team members and confidence coaches. This program helps participants develop their leadership skills while serving as client leaders. Clients who join the ULead team use this opportunity to work on their professional career goals and personal development. These clients meet regularly with their assigned DFSTC coaches to discuss their progress and to work through a leadership curriculum provided by DFSTC. ULead team members collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator in the Wearhouse™, volunteer for Success Express events, and speak on behalf of DFSTC as brand ambassadors. They also work with the Director of Programs, hosting and leading DFSTC classes, as well as serving as guest speakers. The 2024 ULead team members had the chance to introduce themselves to our client community, sharing who they are, what brought them to DFSTC, and how their ULead experiences have impacted them. One client leader, Jennifer, shared her inspiring journey. She fled her country after an abusive ex-husband attempted to gain custody of her child. Without a network or support system and receiving little assistance from the courts, Jennifer and her child left in secret, taking only what would fit in a few small suitcases. Jennifer arrived in Minnesota with the goal of starting over but had no idea where to begin. She learned about DFSTC from another domestic abuse survivor and decided to sign up. At the time, she was in job search mode and knew she needed support. Jennifer described how nervous and uncertain she felt when she first came to DFSTC. Initially, she sat in classes without commenting or sharing her screen. Over time, she grew more comfortable and confident. She began working with a DFSTC coach and eventually secured a great job as a teacher. She also expanded her network and found a stronger circle of support. Jennifer shared that she no longer feels alone. She is more confident as a person and as a mother and is no longer afraid to use her voice or share her story. Jennifer expressed that being a positive role model for her daughter is her greatest joy—a joy we share with her. We are incredibly proud of Jennifer and all our clients for the progress they have made. It is stories like hers that remind us why we do the work we do and highlight the impact it can have. We are grateful for your support in empowering individuals to achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves. Thank you for being part of this journey! We are excited to continue working with this amazing group of clients and look forward to all the great things to come! Cassie Marino VanDyke (She/her/hers) Director of Programming Support Our Mission
As we celebrate Jennifer’s story and the progress of so many others, you can help us continue empowering individuals through employment. Consider making a year-end gift to DFSTC or purchasing tickets to our 2025 Power of You fundraiser as a meaningful holiday gift. Your support creates opportunities for clients like Jennifer to thrive and build brighter futures. 🔗 Donate Now 🔗 Buy 2025 Power of You Tickets Every dollar supports our mission to uplift women and community through economic empowerment! Your Support Changes LivesDear DFSTC Community, As I reflect on this year, I’m deeply grateful for your support and the incredible milestones we’ve achieved together. Despite tight funding, our small but dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure every client has the resources they deserve to succeed on their employment journey. This year, we completed a two-year automation project, streamlining operations to focus more time and resources on our clients. This project will save us 30 hours of staff time each week and allow us to invest in a full-time program staff member in 2025! Your support made it possible to deliver 1,296 hours of career coaching, distribute 81,336 pounds of professional attire, host weekly workshops to build critical skills, and contribute an additional $32,484,520 in economic spending. Because of you, women are securing jobs, growing in their careers, building confidence, and creating brighter futures. In 2025, we remain committed to empowering women through a holistic approach that addresses their unique needs. From emotional intelligence training and stress management workshops to home buying and budget classes, we design programs based on what clients tell us will help them most. Your generosity will also allow us to:
With heartfelt gratitude, Stephanie Silvers
CEO, Dress for Success Twin Cities October is a profound month that brings awareness to two significant issues impacting countless individuals and families: Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC), we understand that the path to empowerment and well-being is holistic, addressing the complex and varied needs of every person. Our commitment to supporting clients extends far beyond the job search; we provide wrap-around resources and guidance to help clients thrive in all aspects of life.
This month, we proudly stand beside our community partners, Cornerstone and Women’s Advocates, as we work together to offer compassionate, essential services for those who have experienced domestic violence or are dealing with health challenges like breast cancer. These partnerships allow us to support clients not only in finding employment but in building resilience, accessing resources, and finding safe, supportive environments for healing and growth. Ways to Observe Breast Cancer Awareness MonthBreast cancer touches lives far and wide, and awareness is the first step in fighting it. Here are ways to show your support:
This October, join us in raising awareness for these critical causes. Together, we can make a difference by spreading knowledge, supporting survivors, and building a community where everyone has the resources they need to thrive. As we continue our Heart Health for Women classes, we are reminded of the incredible impact that our partnership with Hennepin County and WomenHeart has had on our community. This initiative has provided essential cardiovascular and diabetes health education to Black and Indigenous women in Hennepin County, directly contributing to their overall well-being and economic independence.
At Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC), we know that a woman’s health is deeply connected to her ability to achieve and maintain employment. By integrating wellness programming into our holistic workforce development model, we are addressing the intersections between employment, health, childcare, transportation, and education. Thank you, Hennepin County and WomenHeart, for your continued support and partnership. Your contributions are making a real difference in the lives of women in our community, and together, we are creating a brighter, healthier future. At the end of last month, Dress for Success Twin Cities took an exciting trip up north to the Ball Club Community Center within the Leech Lake community. DFSTC hosted a Success Express event, where women and gender-expansive individuals gathered for a day of empowerment, connection, and growth. It was inspiring to meet with participants who shared their personal visions of success and took steps toward achieving their goals with the support of our services.
Empowering Women and Building Confidence The event allowed participants to meet with our dedicated volunteers, try on accessories, and order a FREE Confidence Kit, a professional clothing package delivered right to their homes. This kit is designed to help each individual feel more confident and prepared for their career journeys, and it was a joy to see everyone leave with renewed optimism and a clear sense of purpose. We are so grateful to the Leech Lake community for their warm welcome and to everyone who participated in making this event special. Celebrating Our Community Partners This event wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous support of our community partners. Smart North was instrumental in making the day a success, introducing attendees to their upcoming Future is Feminine: Tech Career Pathways Program, launching in October 2024. This innovative program will provide mentorship, tech skills training, and career development support, empowering women, youth, and small businesses to thrive in the tech industry. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to PCs for People for their generous donation of refurbished laptops to the first 15 individuals who registered and attended the event. These laptops will help bridge the digital divide and ensure that participants have the tools they need to succeed in today’s tech-driven world. Looking Forward Our collaboration with Smart North and the Leech Lake community has set the foundation for ongoing impact and growth. We’re excited to continue working with these incredible partners to empower more women and gender-expansive individuals, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. As we move forward, we’re committed to building on the momentum from this event and expanding our efforts to support even more communities across Minnesota. Thank you to everyone who made our Success Express event such a memorable experience! Be sure to stay connected with us for future updates, events, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can continue empowering women to define and achieve success on their own terms. Check out the photos from the event below! At Dress for Success Twin Cities, partnerships fuel the heart of our mission, and today, we want to shine a spotlight on one of our incredible corporate partners: MedSource Labs!
Their continued generosity helps us provide Confidence Kits to our clients—packages filled with professional clothing, accessories, and support to empower women and gender-expansive individuals as they work toward their career goals. 📦👗 With MedSource Labs supplying the essential boxes we use to assemble these kits, we’re able to deliver not just clothing but also a boost of confidence. These kits help our clients feel prepared and empowered to take on new opportunities, interviews, and milestones. This partnership means more than just logistics—it represents shared values. MedSource Labs' dedication to uplifting communities makes a tangible difference in the lives of the individuals we serve. Together, we are helping clients move toward success—one Confidence Kit at a time! 🌟 We are grateful to MedSource Labs for their commitment to our mission. Partnerships like these enable us to keep empowering women and gender-expansive individuals to build brighter futures and stronger communities. We at Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC) want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Hennepin County and WomenHeart for their incredible partnership and support. Thanks to this collaboration, we are able to continue our Heart Health for Women classes, providing essential cardiovascular and diabetes health education to Black and Indigenous women in Hennepin County.
This initiative is perfectly aligned with our mission to empower women to achieve economic independence. By prioritizing health and wellness, we ensure that the women in our community receive the holistic support they need to thrive. Wellness programming is a crucial part of our workforce development model because women’s employment is closely tied to other aspects of their lives, including health, childcare, transportation, and education. Thank you, Hennepin County and WomenHeart, for helping us make a tangible difference. Together, we are paving the way for a healthier, happier future! |
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