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Suiting Women for Success
May 2014
By Hannah Updike
As an HR professional, Shantell Malachi “knows exactly what a woman is going to face” in an interview and wanted to share that expertise. After some searching, she found the perfect fit-- Dress for Success. As a successful non-profit since 1997, Dress for Success promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools. Shantell Malachi, the Founder and Executive Director of Dress for Success Central Virginia (DSCV), started an affiliate in Richmond after searching for volunteer opportunities where she could use her human resources expertise.
Women who are re-entering the workforce or seeking upgraded careers are referred to DSCV; upon referral, they make an appointment with the DSCV boutique. At the hour-long appointment, volunteers work with the clients to help them select appropriate business attire for interviews. After the clients are offered a job, they can return to select business attire for a week.
As an HR professional, Shantell Malachi “knows exactly what a woman is going to face” in an interview and wanted to share that expertise. After some searching, she found the perfect fit-- Dress for Success. As a successful non-profit since 1997, Dress for Success promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools. Shantell Malachi, the Founder and Executive Director of Dress for Success Central Virginia (DSCV), started an affiliate in Richmond after searching for volunteer opportunities where she could use her human resources expertise.
Women who are re-entering the workforce or seeking upgraded careers are referred to DSCV; upon referral, they make an appointment with the DSCV boutique. At the hour-long appointment, volunteers work with the clients to help them select appropriate business attire for interviews. After the clients are offered a job, they can return to select business attire for a week.
Since opening on January 1, 2013, DSCV has suited 91 women, and 17 have returned for a week’s worth of clothing. DSCV also has a career center, where clients receive resume help, participate in mock interviews and attend seminars hosted by area professionals.
Dress for Success Central Virginia (DSCV) is an all volunteer-run organization, from board members to the volunteers who work in the boutique organizing the donations and assisting clients. The boutique is stocked with donations of gently used business attire. Malachi says the Board is very hands-on. They “mop floors and wash and iron clothes” and staff the boutique during off hours when clients cannot come in during regular business hours.
In addition to using volunteers, DSCV also uses interns. They work in the boutique and complete a community service project. Malachi says DSCV would be “struggling to stay afloat without them,” as interns prepare presentations and meet with referral agencies to promote the organization.
Dress for Success Central Virginia (DSCV) is an all volunteer-run organization, from board members to the volunteers who work in the boutique organizing the donations and assisting clients. The boutique is stocked with donations of gently used business attire. Malachi says the Board is very hands-on. They “mop floors and wash and iron clothes” and staff the boutique during off hours when clients cannot come in during regular business hours.
In addition to using volunteers, DSCV also uses interns. They work in the boutique and complete a community service project. Malachi says DSCV would be “struggling to stay afloat without them,” as interns prepare presentations and meet with referral agencies to promote the organization.
Although some Dress for Success affiliates only operate through correctional facilities or social service agencies that mandate participation, DSCV accepts women from referral agencies or resource workforce centers, such as the Goodwill or Fresh Start, a program for single mothers. Malachi says that she “doesn’t want anyone to come in who is forced [by social services or corrections] because I want her to want the help.” These referral agencies offer classes on resume writing and other skills, and as Malachi says, “Once they see us, they should be at the last stage of un- or under-employment.”
Malachi says the long-term goals for DSCV include opening a storefront which is “a little more visible and accessible, and with more space” than their current location in Boulevard United Methodist Church. Malachi also wants to move beyond the standard services Dress for Success offers and tailor programs by adding a GED prep program and potential remote locations in surrounding areas.
If you are interested in getting involved, DSCV will hold their Rock Your Red Fashion Show on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at The Canal Club. Designers, sponsors, and vendors are still needed. Contact fashionshow@dfscentralvirginia.org for more information.
Hannah Updike, is a recent Virginia Commonwealth University graduate with a Masters degree in English.
Malachi says the long-term goals for DSCV include opening a storefront which is “a little more visible and accessible, and with more space” than their current location in Boulevard United Methodist Church. Malachi also wants to move beyond the standard services Dress for Success offers and tailor programs by adding a GED prep program and potential remote locations in surrounding areas.
If you are interested in getting involved, DSCV will hold their Rock Your Red Fashion Show on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at The Canal Club. Designers, sponsors, and vendors are still needed. Contact fashionshow@dfscentralvirginia.org for more information.
Hannah Updike, is a recent Virginia Commonwealth University graduate with a Masters degree in English.
