This July, I was fortunate enough to be selected as a delegate of Dress for Success Vancouver's Professional Women's Group (PWG) for the 9th annual Success Summit. It is a Dress For Success Leadership Conference for women, hosted by Kimpton Hotels in Miami, Florida. I
had the privilege of meeting other delegates from Dress For Success branches
around the world, who will all be leading their groups in creating community
action projects (CAP) over the next year in their respective locations.
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| Genevieve Sechter, PWG Member |
When I first arrived in Miami, I marveled at how surreal
it all seemed. Friday morning I put on the suit that I had been fitted into for
a special photo shoot. Tiger lily in hand I headed to the studio. My curls were
styled by RedKen, and Bobbi Brown made sure my face was camera ready. I was
relieved to hear one of the staff say, “This lily really stands out in this
conference room.” I wondered if she knew it represented my soul. Either way God
and I both knew I needed to hear that. The photographer was absolutely amazing.
All of this was for the first ever Dress for Success coffee table book,
“Threads” being created by co:collective in New York. It will weave together
the stories of several women who ended up at the doors of Dress for Success. It
is expected to be released in December and I am curious to see how it all comes
together.
Over the next couple of days, we got to hear from a host
of inspirational women, including two of the delegates with the most successful
projects from last year. They shared their journeys, triumphs, struggles and
general project models with us. It was very inspiring. What struck me the most
was that anytime something is really worthwhile you are going to want to quit.
You and people around you are going to come up with so many reasons why
something is not possible, but that does not need to stop you. In simple terms,
it was said, “You are going to want to quit. Don't.” These delegates were the
most surprised by themselves and how willing people were to help them when they
asked.
By the end of the weekend I definitely had one of those,
“If I knew then what I know now” perspectives. All of my concerns walking into
the weekend were completely unnecessary. I was the right lady for this. I
belonged. I could do it. Knowing you are not alone is a powerful thing. I was
affirmed and validated again and again by the speakers, the delegates and the
coordinators. As they shared their stories I certainly did pick out threads of
mine and shared the mutual shock with other delegates who said, “It was like
she was telling my story.” One of the most important things I took away was
that anything is possible, we do not need to be defined by our present or past
circumstances. I've always believed that, but it was a different thing when I
was in a room full of women who are at different places on that very journey,
and many of them have been right in my shoes at one time or another.
My CAP is an embryo right now, but here's what I know. I
want to use the arts to bring healing and celebration to people. This could
take many different forms, including a one day event with follow up, a weekend,
or a 12 week evening program. My first step will be to launch a vision for my
PWG and get their feedback. Once I have a team on board we can brainstorm the
details, secure resources and get started! My initial decisions will involve
which community of people to offer this gift to, whether to partner with an
organization(s) or whether to secure required components independently, as well
as which parts to handle myself and what to delegate. I chose this topic
because the arts have been an integral part of my personal journey of healing,
starting with acting and dancing roles in biblical plays as a young teenager,
and painting and poetry in my later teen years. Through art, going deep can seem
like playing, and sometimes it is. If you are an artist that would like to
contribute a workshop or if you have a space that you would be willing to
donate or any other ideas to offer, please comment below or find me on Facebook
and send me a message.
Genevieve Sechter
PWG Member
Dress for Success Vancouver
