May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking stigmas and fostering understanding about mental well-being. At Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC), our mission to empower women extends beyond professional development and attire. We recognize that mental health plays a crucial role in every woman's journey towards economic independence and personal fulfillment.
Empowerment starts from within, and that includes nurturing mental health. We believe that supporting mental well-being is integral to our mission of empowering women to thrive in work and life. Mental health challenges can impact confidence, productivity, and overall quality of life, making it essential to address these issues holistically. Here are a few ways you can celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and support women's mental well-being: 1. Practice Self-Care: Encourage women to prioritize self-care activities such as meditation, journaling, exercise, or spending time outdoors. 2. Raise Awareness: Host virtual events or workshops focused on mental health awareness, providing resources and strategies for managing stress and building resilience. 3. Advocate for Change: Get involved in advocacy efforts to promote mental health policies and funding for mental health services in your community. 4. Foster Supportive Spaces: Create safe and supportive environments where women can share their experiences, seek support, and access resources without judgment. 5. Promote Education: Share educational resources about mental health, including articles, videos, and podcasts that offer insights into common mental health challenges and coping strategies. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let's work together to break stigmas, foster understanding, and empower women to prioritize their mental well-being. Together, we can create a supportive environment where every woman feels empowered to thrive in work, life, and mental wellness. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #EmpowerWomen #BreakTheStigma
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May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the fabric of American society. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse experiences and histories of Jewish Americans and to recognize their resilience, achievements, and impact.
At Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC), we value diversity, inclusion, and the celebration of different cultural heritages. As we commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month, we invite our community to join us in honoring and celebrating Jewish American culture and contributions in the following ways:
May marks the beginning of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This month provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the achievements, resilience, and heritage of AAPI individuals and communities.
From the early immigrants who arrived in the United States seeking better opportunities to the generations of AAPI individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including science, technology, arts, politics, and beyond, the AAPI community has played an integral role in shaping the fabric of American society. At Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC), we recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. As part of our commitment to celebrating AAPI Heritage Month, we invite our community to join us in the following ways:
Stay tuned for more updates and events as we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month together! Welcoming Molly Edens-Sinclair: Dress for Success Twin Cities Latest Development Committee Member4/18/2024 We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team at Dress for Success Twin Cities: Molly Edens-Sinclair! Molly joins us as a valuable member of our Development Committee, bringing with her a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to our mission of empowering women through employment.
Meet Molly Edens-Sinclair: Molly's journey begins in Eagan, MN, where she spent her formative years before pursuing her academic endeavors. Graduating from Iowa State University in 2012 with a degree in Finance, Molly's commitment to excellence propelled her to further her education at DePaul University, where she earned her MBA in 2015. With a strong foundation in finance and business, Molly embarked on a career path that led her to her current role as the Director of Market Research at Vi Living, a senior living CCRC operator with a nationwide presence. Her experience and expertise in market research have allowed her to make significant contributions to the organization, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in her field. Beyond her professional achievements, Molly is deeply passionate about giving back to her community. Since returning to the Twin Cities area in 2023, she has been actively involved in volunteer work with local organizations, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact wherever she goes. Joining Forces to Make a Difference: Molly's dedication to community engagement and empowerment perfectly aligns with our mission here at Dress for Success Twin Cities. As we strive to empower women through employment and provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed, Molly's expertise and leadership will be invaluable assets to our team. With Molly on board, we are confident in our ability to continue driving forward our initiatives and making a tangible difference in the lives of women and families in our community. We are excited to embark on this journey together and look forward to the positive impact we will create under Molly's guidance and leadership. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Molly Edens-Sinclair! Together, we will continue to empower women, uplift communities, and build a brighter future for all. Welcome to the Dress for Success Twin Cities family, Molly! Hey retro enthusiasts and change-makers! Relive the glitz and glamour of The Power of You 2024 fundraiser with our gallery of 80s style glamour shots. Get ready to be transported back in time with the fiercest looks and coolest poses from the night! But wait, there's more than just nostalgia. Here's how you can stay involved: - Volunteer with us - Donate professional attire - Spread the word on social media - Ask your employer about paid volunteer hours or donation match dollars Big shoutout and heartfelt thanks to our amazing volunteer photographer, Samantha Grywalsky of Rose Colored Lens, for capturing these unforgettable moments! Find Rose Colored Lens on Facebook or Instagram! Let's keep empowering women together! Check out the gallery and get involved today. Keep rocking, DFSTC Team We are thrilled to express our deepest gratitude to UnitedHealth Group (UHG), our premier Way Wicked Sponsor for The Power of You 2024 – our largest annual fundraiser event. UnitedHealth Group's generous support has truly made a significant impact on our mission to empower women through employment, and we are honored to have them by our side.
At DFSTC, we believe in the transformative power of partnerships, and UnitedHealth Group exemplifies this belief with their unwavering commitment to our cause. This year, we are privileged to have not one but two remarkable representatives from UnitedHealth Group speaking at our event – Andi Vinyard, Women LEAD ERG Chair, and Bonnie Henry, Women LEAD ERG Co-Chair. Their dedication and leadership within UHG's Women LEAD ERG have played a pivotal role in fostering an environment of support, empowerment, and gender equality. The Power of You 2024 has become a testament to the collective strength of our community. The funds raised will directly impact the lives of countless women, helping them break the cycle of poverty and build a more stable and sustainable future for themselves and their families. As we continue our journey to empower women through employment, we are grateful for partners like UnitedHealth Group who stand with us in making a difference. Together, we are building a future where every woman has the opportunity to define her path to success.
AUDRE LORDE IN 1983
As we gear up for our upcoming annual fundraising event, The Power of You 2024, which is 80s themed this year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the economic conditions that shaped women's empowerment over the past few decades.
In the 1980s, the landscape for women in the workforce was vastly different from what it is today. Women were fighting for equal pay, breaking through glass ceilings, and challenging societal norms about gender roles in the workplace. Despite facing numerous challenges, women made significant strides in economic empowerment during this era. Fast forward to present day, and while progress has certainly been made, there are still barriers that women continue to face in the workforce. Issues such as the gender pay gap, lack of representation in leadership positions, and workplace discrimination persist, highlighting the ongoing need for organizations like DFSTC to empower women through employment. To spark conversation and raise awareness about women's economic empowerment, we've created a few quiz questions for The Power of You 2024:
Click on the question to display the answer
3. By 1980, how long were women legally allowed to secure a home mortgage approval without a male cosigner?Just 4 years! Source The Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which prohibits discrimination against a loan or credit applicant for reasons related to sex, marital status or familial status (as well as race, religion and other reasons) wasn’t passed until 1974. Learn more here.
We hope these questions provide a glimpse into the economic conditions that have shaped women's empowerment over the past few decades. Together, let's continue to work towards a future where all women have equal opportunities to thrive in the workforce.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Power of You 2024, and thank you for your continued support in empowering women through employment. As Women's History Month unfolds, Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC) proudly stands as a beacon of empowerment for women in Minnesota. Read on to explore the significance of Women's History Month, delve into the impact DFSTC has made in the community, and provide tangible ways for both individuals and organizations to join the celebration.
Understanding Women's History Month: Women's History Month is a dedicated time to honor the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It's not only a celebration but a call to action, encouraging everyone to actively promote gender equity. At DFSTC, we believe in transforming lives through the power of employment, and Women's History Month serves as a reminder of the pivotal role women play in shaping our collective narrative. DFSTC's Impact: Located in the heart of Minnesota, DFSTC has been at the forefront of empowering women through employment. Our programs and initiatives focus on providing women with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in the workforce. From professional attire to career development workshops, DFSTC has empowered over 12,000 women to overcome barriers and achieve their professional goals. How to Get Involved: For Individuals: 1. Donate Professional Attire: Clean out your closet and contribute gently-used professional clothing to DFSTC. Your donations directly impact a woman's confidence as she embarks on her professional journey. Click here to view the Clothing Donation Page 2. Volunteer Your Skills: Consider donating your time and expertise to mentor women in the community. Whether you excel in resume writing, interview skills, or career counseling, your knowledge can make a significant difference. We also have opportunities to help keep our Wearhouse running. Click here to view Volunteer Page 3. Spread the Word: Follow DFSTC on social media, share success stories, and use your platform to raise awareness about women's empowerment. Encourage your network to get involved. We make it easy with ready to use images and captions in our social kit! Click here to view the DFSTC Social Kit For Organizations/Companies: 1. Host Clothing Drives: Organize office-wide clothing drives to collect professional attire for DFSTC. Make it a friendly competition between departments to amplify the impact. Even if some don't have attire to donate, they can still gift direct funds to help fuel our mission. Click here to learn more about Hosting a Clothing Drive 2. Host The Success Express: Support DFSTC's mission by hosting the The Success Express sponsoring workshops or training sessions that focus on building women's skills and confidence in the workplace. This helps your organization connect directly with clients to build their network of support. Click here to learn more about The Success Express 3. Volunteer Groups: Band together with a group from your workplace and help us empower women! We have group volunteer opportunities in our Wearhouse™, during annual events and more. To get started, connect with our VP of Strategic Partnerships, Megan Meuli. Click here to email Megan As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's remember that empowerment is a collective effort. Dress for Success Twin Cities invites you to be part of this movement, creating a community where women are supported, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential. Join us in making history, one empowered woman at a time. Welcoming Kevin Vig to Our Finance Committee: A New Addition to Empower Women through DFSTC2/27/2024 We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our Finance Committee, Kevin! With over 12 years of experience in financial services, Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will greatly contribute to our mission of empowering women through employment at Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC).
Throughout his career, Kevin has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting finance functions within organizations, initially focusing on the business and operations side. Prior to joining Versique, Kevin spent over 6 years as an HR leader, where he played a pivotal role in nurturing talent and managing external vendor relationships. His positive energy, industry acumen, and client-first mentality make him a valuable addition to our team. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, along with an HR Generalist Certificate from the University of Minnesota. His dedication to continuous learning and professional development aligns perfectly with DFSTC's values of growth and empowerment. Beyond his professional endeavors, Kevin enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, staying active through various fitness classes, indulging in the diverse culinary scene of the Twin Cities, and exploring new destinations through travel. Please join us in welcoming Kevin to our Finance Committee! We are excited to have him on board as we continue our journey to create positive change and uplift women in our community. We are excited to share a remarkable achievement that reflects the heart of our commitment to community engagement and social impact. Betsy Vohs, the visionary owner of Studio BV, has been featured in a prestigious national retail design and innovation magazine for her outstanding collaboration with Dress for Success Twin Cities (DFSTC).
In a recent article discussing the latest trends and innovations shaping the retail landscape in 2024, Betsy Vohs provided invaluable insights that caught the attention of industry leaders and design enthusiasts alike. Her innovative approach to retail design has not only earned her a spotlight in this esteemed publication but has also paved the way for a transformative partnership that benefits our community. Studio BV, known for its cutting-edge design solutions, joined forces with DFSTC to contribute pro bono services for the launch of "The Success Express." This mobile confidence center, a fully revamped RV, serves as a dynamic platform for DFSTC to extend its empowering services to women across Minnesota. The Success Express hit the road at the end of 2022, marking a significant milestone in our collective efforts to empower women through employment. We invite you to read the insightful article highlighting Betsy Vohs and Studio BV's collaboration in the national retail design and innovation magazine. Gain a deeper understanding of the latest trends and innovations that are shaping the retail landscape while celebrating the impactful work of a valued member of our community. The Success Express is a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive change that can be achieved when businesses and nonprofits come together with a shared vision. We encourage you to not only explore the article but also learn more about Studio BV's exceptional design expertise. Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Together, we continue to build a future where empowerment knows no bounds. |
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