Dress for Success is a global

nonprofit A nonprofit organization (NPO), also known as a nonbusiness entity, nonprofit institution, not-for-profit organization, or simply a nonprofit, is a non-governmental (private) legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public, or so ...

employment resource for unemployed and underemployed women. Its services include: career coaching and job-skill readiness, upskilling and reskilling, networking and community, and styling and professional attire. The organization was founded in 1997 by

Nancy Lublin Nancy Lublin (born June 30, 1971) is an American nonprofit executive and businesswoman who was the founder and former CEO of Crisis Text Line and the founder of Dress For Success (organization), Dress for Success. She was also the CEO of Do Somet ...

, and has since spread from

Harlem Harlem is a neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, New York City. It is bounded roughly by the Hudson River on the west; the Harlem River and 155th Street on the north; Fifth Avenue on the east; and Central Park North on the south. The greater ...

New York City New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...

, to almost 145 cities in the

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

and twenty other countries. The organization reached about 45,000 clients each year in 2006, and, as of 2023, has helped over 1.3 million women. The parent organization's current CEO is Michele C. Meyer-Shipp. The organization's approach is based on social research suggesting that suitable attire is important to "impression formation", which in turn impacts job prospects. However, its approach has also been criticized by researchers, who found that the "benevolence of affluent volunteers serves to reinforce class and race superiority while producing moments of genuine care and connection." Now a global organization, Dress for Success Worldwide supports its programs through a combination of grants, government funding, fundraising events and campaigns. In 2013, the parent organization received over $17 million in funding, more than 99% of which came from direct contributions by individuals, corporations, and non-governmental organizations. Dress for Success has received ongoing funding ($7 million USD) through a partnership with the

Walmart Walmart Inc. (; formerly Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.) is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets (also called supercenters), discount department stores, and grocery stores in the United States and 23 other ...

Foundation, which funded a skills-development program (“Going Places Network by Walmart”).

External links

References

{{Reflist Charities based in New York City Non-profit organizations based in New York City Organizations established in 1997 Social welfare charities