Mentor Spotlight, Karen Willis

Name: Karen Willis

How long have you been mentoring at Dress for Success Vancouver?  About 2 ½ years. I started working in Dressing Services along with my daughter … we thought it was a great way to spend a Saturday combining our love of clothes with helping others and getting some mother/daughter bonding time. Last October, on the suggestion of a colleague who is a mentor, I attended a DFS Professional Women’s Group meeting to see what it was all about. I was inspired by the energy, sense of community, and support for one another that was generated by the amazing women that are part of that group, and since then I have been offering my services as a mentor.

What is the best thing about mentoring with DFS? Memorable moments?  The best thing for me is getting to know these incredibly strong, resilient women who have come to PWG to learn, grow and advance … they come from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures and it is so interesting to learn more about them. One of my most memorable moments was when one of the women I had helped fine tune her resume told me she had been offered a great job with an organization she was keenly interested in working for. I was so happy and excited for her … it was a great moment.

What do you do when you aren't mentoring?  I love to travel and would be a vagabond if I had the time and funds to support it. I also have a passion for decorating and seem to be constantly renovating some area of my home … I like the creative process.

Who is your style icon? Audrey Hepburn represents the classic style I like.

What is your dream vacation? Having a minimum of six months of uninterrupted time to explore all the countries on my bucket list. 

What is your motto?  Carpe diem! (Seize the Day!)