November/December 2023

Happy Thanksgiving DFSPB Family! 

I greet you with sincere thanks and gratitude during this holiday season. As Dress for Success Palm Beaches continues to make great strides in the community and in the lives of women, we couldn't accomplish this feat without YOU! I'm thankful for this organization and I'm passionate about its mission to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. 

Dress for Success Palm Beaches needs you and relies on the many ways you make a difference. I'm thankful for the collaborative team effort of each volunteer, staff and Board of Directors. I'm even grateful for those who may not be a part of this organization yet. If you are looking for ways to get connected, please don't hesitate to contact the office staff. Any amount of your time will always be nourished and appreciated. 

I'd like to say congratulations to the graduates of the recent Road to Success Program! We'll always undergird you to assist you along your journey of excellence. Thank you mentors and staff for all of your hard work and dedication to the success of this program.

Don't forget to register for our annual Style for Hope Fundraiser on Friday, March 15! For our tenth year, we’re honoring Style Icons Tommy and Dee Hilfiger. You may even want to gift someone a ticket to the iconic event! This will be a sold out event so get your tickets today!

Happy Thanksgiving Dress for Success Family and please remember that we're stronger together as a team!



Lana Blackman

Road to Success Highlights

Congratulations to the remarkable women who have successfully completed the Dress for Success Palm Beaches Road to Success program! Your dedication, resilience, and hard work have paid off, and we celebrate each and every one of you as you embark on the next chapter of your careers. It is with great joy that we share the news that ten graduates have already secured jobs since the program's commencement on October 4th, a testament to the effectiveness and impact of the Road to Success initiative.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Kelly Merbler, Kristina Ray, Priscilla Diaz, Andrene Williams, Vivian Cruz, Pamela Y. Toussaint, MBA, Paula Howard MPH, MS, Leslie-Anne Gray, Stevenson Dor, Tracy Dickinson, PCC, Amy Baj, Erica Marino, Dina Igoe, Tirzah Gabourell, and Joe Ann Fletcher, M.Ed. Your commitment to sharing your passion and resources has been instrumental in empowering these women on their journey to success. Special recognition is extended to Amy S. Feldman for her unwavering dedication to the program and exceptional administrative skills, and to Maria Bacas-Cook for her invaluable interpreting skills, which have made this class accessible to all. A heartfelt thank you also goes to our devoted and talented mentors for generously contributing your time and expertise – we would be lost without you. Here's to the incredible achievements of our graduates and the supportive community that made it all possible!

Professional Women's Group (PWG) Attendees

Learned How to Self Brand on Social Media

In an empowering and informative session on November 11th, the Dress for Success Professional Women’s Group (PWG) delved into the realm of Self-Branding through Social Media. The session, led by Amy Baj, a distinguished external communications leader, storyteller, and certified media trainer, provided our members with valuable insights into leveraging social media for personal and professional growth. Amy, who serves as the Director of Marketing & Communications, and Public Relations at NTT DATA, guided our PWG through an exploration of various social media channels, unraveling the unique opportunities each platform presents for self-branding, effective communication, and strategic networking.

Amy's expertise illuminated the potential of social media as a powerful tool for building and enhancing personal brands, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and purposeful engagement. The interactive session allowed members to ask questions, share experiences, and gain practical tips for navigating the digital landscape. As we head into December, the PWG is gearing up for a festive holiday party. This upcoming event is not only an occasion for joy and celebration but also an opportunity for our members to reflect on their achievements and the supportive community that the PWG has fostered. It's a time to connect, inspire, and continue the journey of empowerment that defines the Dress for Success Professional Women’s Group.

Dear Amazing Volunteers,

As we stand on the brink of closing the chapter on another incredible year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your unwavering dedication and steadfast support have been the cornerstone of our organization's success.

I want you to know that you are more than volunteers; you are the heartbeat of this organization, and your contributions have not gone unnoticed.

Your commitment to DFSPB has left an enduring mark on the lives of our clients, and we find ourselves immensely grateful for the time, energy, and passion you've invested in this organization. Your unique gifts and talents have woven a tapestry of compassion that enriches us all.

As we reflect on the collective impact we've made together, I am filled with gratitude for the positive change we've brought to our clients. Your selflessness has lit a beacon of hope in the lives of many.

As the year draws to a close, let this be a moment to recognize and celebrate your invaluable contributions. You are the driving force behind our mission, and we are profoundly thankful for your unwavering support.



Wishing you a joyous holiday season and looking forward to another year of making a difference together!

With heartfelt appreciation,

Maria Cook

Volunteer Coordinator