A NEW YEAR! EVEN MORE LIVES CHANGED!

As we start the new year, we reflect on the past year’s developments, program successes, and incredible and generous support from the community. Thank you to our donors, supporters, volunteers, sponsors, and partners for being part of our network and for your continuous dedication and passion for helping Making Changes. We couldn’t do it without you!

Jumping into 2023, our vision remains the same – empowering women to make meaningful contributions to the community. We’re excited about the year ahead and what’s to come! Stay tuned for ways you can get involved and help all women rise to the top!

Message From Lori James, Executive Director, Making Changes Association

“I am both thrilled and grateful to be part of the Making Changes team. It has been wonderful to see firsthand the difference our programs make in building the confidence and skills of the women, those who identify as women, and the teens we serve. I’m very excited about the future of Making Changes – building upon our dynamic programming, the passion and commitment of the staff and volunteers, and strengthening and expanding our community and corporate relationships – all to help more amazing individuals reach their full potential.”

Meet Bhumi Makwana, one of our Women in Technology program graduates. She shared with us brief details of her journey from moving to Canada to starting a successful career in Calgary.

Bhumi says, "During the six months in the Women in Technology program, it was very hectic and a bit challenging for me as I was in an intensive study program after many years, but the result is totally awesome!”.

Read Bhumi's Story

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Employment and Life Skills (ELS) Program

With ELS program we empower women to reach their full potential so they can take actions to improve their circumstances.

Registration for our next ELS cohort is open.

Dates: March 28 to May 2, 2023

Classes run on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - 9:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Women in Technology (WIT) Program

Our mission is to empower women through technology training to launch their careers in the innovative and growing tech industry.

Registration for next WIT cohort is now open.

Dates: April 11 - October 4, 2023

Classes run on Monday to Friday - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The generosity of Calgarians is truly inspiring! Our annual fundraising and community event Powerful You Masquerade 2022 was a huge success raising over $60,000! It was amazing to have the community come together in support of advancing futures for women, those who identify as women, and teen girls in Calgary. Attendees enjoyed a Masquerade-themed night at The Hudson with dinner and drinks, musical entertainment, a silent auction, interactive speakers, a fashion show highlighting local fashion, and the opportunity to shop at pop-up kiosks.

We couldn't have done it without the support of our incredible sponsors, donors, volunteers, guest speakers, pop-up boutique/fashion show retailers, and most of all, YOU, our community! The funds raised will go directly towards empowering women and teen girls in YYC to thrive and reach their full potential.

We would like to thank the event sponsors, fashion show, and pop-up retailers for their support and participation:

Presenting Sponsor: TD Canada

Diamond Sponsors: Felesky Flynn LLP, Nutrien, Viewpoint Investment Partners

Platinum Sponsors: ARC Financial, Bro'kin Yolk, Norton Rose Fulbright, Royal Bank Canada, Stikeman Elliot Calgary

Silent Auction Sponsor: The Begin Group

Media Sponsor: 95.9 CHFM

Pop-up Kiosks: Hip Image, Joydrop, something2wear

Fashion show: BLU’s, something2wear, Sublime YYC

We are very grateful for the remarkable support from our generous community partners. Whether it’s organizing clothing drives or teams volunteering to help organize clothing and other donations, they help us in facilitating our mission of advancing the futures of women, those who identify as women, and teenage girls in Calgary.

We are excited to share that Dress for Success Calgary is partnering with Mayfair Eye Care. Through this partnership, Mayfair Eye Care is providing eye exams at no cost for up to 20 Making Changes clients per month.

A team from Dominion Lending Centres Calgary stopped by to drop off donations from a clothing drive they had for Making Changes / Dress for Success Calgary.

The University of Calgary Environmental Law Society organized its first-ever professional clothing drive in support of Dress for Success Calgary. Donations were generously given by Bennett Jones, BLG, Fasken, Gowling, and McCarthy Tétrault.

Quorum Software recently organized a clothing drive in support of Dress for Success Calgary.

Best LinkedIn Profile Tips For Job Seekers

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- Women In Technology Program

- Dress for Success Calgary

- Employment and Life Skills Program

- My Best Friend's Closet

- Volunteer with us!

YOUR SUPPORT CHANGES LIVES!

We're in urgent need of professional and winter clothing size 12 and up, including pants, dresses, skirts, suits, outwear coats, jackets, boots, handbags, purses, etc. Donation drop-off details for our location can be found on our website.

You can also make a financial donation to support our work! Donate today and be a part of someone's success!

STAY IN TOUCH WITH US

Did you know that you can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook?

If you aren’t already, follow us on social media where we share information about our programs and events. Share links with your networks to help us spread the word!