Corporate Partner Spotlight: Spark Creations

A few weeks ago we met Lorie Corcuera, co-founder of Spark Creations who also serves as a mentor to countless women in the Dress for Success Vancouver Professional Women's Group. As a company, Spark's mission is to create and inspire loving human connections through both corporate and personal coaching workshops. Read on to find out how they create loving human connections as a corporate partner.

How is Spark Creations involved with Dress for Success Vancouver?

We have the Spark it Forward Race. which is a fundraising event. We raised over $17,000, there were 80 people involved plus volunteers and organizers. It was a great success. We want to continue to partner with Dress for Success Vancouver on some type of event. 

We’re also involve through mentorship and we save two spots for Dress for Success Vancouver women to join our Spark retreat and program. I often facilitate workshops and speak at PWG events.

What is the lasting impact of Spark it Forward?

We were able to share over 2000 random acts of kindness in a 2 hour period and I think a lot of the people who experienced the race as participates, volunteers or within the community will remember these people out there sharing random acts of kindness. That will have a lasting impact. There will always be one person out of the race who will want to spark it forward. 

What makes Spark Creations so passionate about the organization and how do you incorporate it into your company values?

Spark’s values are love, connection, and fun, so their values support and align with our values 100%. It’s an opportunity for us to share our love with these women, connect with them in a meaningful way, and to have fun. Whether it’s Spark It Forward or us mentoring, we want to create a WOW experience for them.

Is there anything else the community would be interested to hear about Spark?

Our purpose is creating and inspiring loving human connection, so whether it’s community or corporate, we’re focused on that. Everything we do is about creating an inspiring, loving, human connection. We continue to do it in the community, we bring it into the workplace where we’re seeing decreases in disengagement, and we want everyone single person to feel seen, heard, and loved. 

Mentor Spotlight: Lorie Corcuera, Co-founder of Spark Creations

Lorie Corceura, the strong-willed co-founder of Spark Creations brings the same passion she has for sparking connection and creating WOW cultures through her company, as she does as a mentor for Dress for Success Vancouver. Read on to find out why she chooses to support Dress for Success Vancouver.

How did you get involved with Dress for Success Vancouver?

Christina Florencio shared it with me and I had always heard of it even when I was in the corporate world.

My mom was a single mom and she went through a really hard time with my father. There was abuse and it didn’t end so well. We were coming in and out of women’s shelters. Organizations like Dress for Success Vancouver supported her in raising 3 daughters, giving her the support to find a job. It wasn’t DFS Vancouver in particular but an organization of that kind so it’s near and dear to my heart to be part of an organization supporting women.

What makes you passionate about Dress for Success Vancouver?

They’re supporting women who feel alone and need to be a part of a community. Dress for Success Vancouver is about community and about empowering the women, but in a way that builds community so you don’t feel alone. It’s not just about an individual woman and dressing her up but building her confidence by letting her be part of something bigger and part of a community.

How long have you been a mentor at Dress for Success Vancouver?

First time I spoke at the Professional Women's Group was January 2013, and I officially became a mentor April 2014. It’s been over a year.

What do you do as a mentor?

I attend the Professional Women's Group meetings on a monthly basis, but I also have mentees that I speak and connect with on a regular basis. They don’t designate a person to you, but they introduce us as mentors and it’s up to them to respond.

Favourite moments or client success stories that you can share?

One story that I think is amazing is my mentee Serena Cripps. I’ve spent quite a lot of time with her. She was so inspired to do fundraising for the Spark it Forward race. She wanted to start her own group and her own non-profit organization. She invited me to speak at her workshops. We’ve developed a great friendship and trust and whenever she needs help she reaches out. 

What’s the most fulfilling thing about working with Dress for Success Vancouver?

It’s the people, it’s the organizers - Christina, Lucia, Jennifer, Jen and Val. All those people who put their heart and soul into the organization and the women we get to meet everyday. Everytime I go to one of those monthly meetings I cry. It’s just so amazing what they’re doing and I feel so blessed to be a part of it.

Any words of advice for someone going through a tough situation?

Whenever you’re going through a hard time, always reach out to a loved one. Someone you know who is going to be there to listen, to support you and love you and just be there for you. I don’t believe we’re suppose to go through life alone, we’re suppose to do it together.

Most surprising thing about Dress for Success Vancouver?

In general for mentoring, you feel like you’re the one who is mentoring and sharing your experience but they have just as much to share. I feel like it’s a learning opportunity, to connect with people and I feel like I’m co-mentoring because i’m getting just as much from them as they are from me. 

From Cashier to Cheque Runs, Client Spotlight: June Lin

As soon as I sat down with June Lin to chat about her experiences at Dress for Success Vancouver, I was immediately struck by her positive energy and exceptionally welcoming presence. Even after a long day of work, June was enthusiastic and happily shared her story of settling into her dream life after a decade of working menial low level jobs.

How did you get involved with Dress for Success Vancouver?

It happened 3.5 years ago. When I was going to school I was collecting EI and the student loans office introduced me to the Face of Work program (FW), which had a case manager to help you with your resume. When I had an interview, the FW program put me in contact with Dress for Success Vancouver where I got my first outfit for the interview. I didn’t get the job but I didn’t stop. I did it for 7 months.

Can you share a little more of your back story?

Originally I’m from Hong Kong where I was a secretary, but it was hard to get into the same field here because they wanted local experience. I had all the certificates from Hong Kong in hand but they were all looking for local courses, certificates, and experience, I almost wanted to ask “if you don’t hire me how will I get the experience?”

When I first came here I didn’t have any plans for my career, I just wanted to learn everything. I went to school and took english classes as well as BCIT to take interior design and graphic design. I took criminology too but my english wasn’t good enough yet so I took 3 years to finish my english program. 

I had no problem getting a cashier or sales job. I was working at the Salvation Army as a cashier and sales associate for 3 years before I had to quit and go back to Hong Kong. I went back to visit my mom because she was sick. After she passed way, I took 3 months to take care of her things. 

When I came back to Vancouver I started thinking about what I should do because I had already been in Vancouver for 13-14 years when I left (it will be 20 years this year in May). I thought ‘what would I need to do if I want a clerical job?’ I made a decision and took Business Administration at Sprott Shaw College and got a certificate. It wasn’t easy!

What happened after?

I didn’t dream about getting a job right away because I needed local experience. I stopped applying for cashiers and lower lever positions because even though I would be able to do the work, I wanted an office job. After 7 months I had to repay my student loans so I got a job at Target. I worked there for 4 months in the back room doing physical work. It motivated me to think "I can get the job I want." My mom wanted me to be happy so I kept thinking “now that I have my certificate I cannot give up.” When I got home from work I worked on my resume.

After 7-8 months of doing this I kept thinking “don’t think about the time or how many resumes I’ve sent out, one day it will work out.” I know what I want at my age, I want a stable job. I can be a stable cashier but I wanted to use my knowledge and do something that I love. 

If I gave up I would’ve gone back home but I love living here so what could I do? I just did my best. I didn’t want to be a cashier or go back on EI. I wanted to work in a bigger and better place. It took me a couple more months but it’s okay, I got what I wanted.

What gave you the motivation to keep going and not give up?

I grew up with a single mom who always said if I’m not happy then she won’t be. My mom knew that if she asked me to stay in Hong Kong I wouldn’t leave, but she knew that if she did that I wouldn’t be happy. 

Sometimes after work I would cry and talk to my mom and she would say “just keep looking, you’re working right now.” In Hong Kong I never worked that hard. Sometimes I would cry at work but I was never late or missed any work. If I can’t be serious in a small job, I can’t be serious in a big job. 

I didn’t think it was a waste of time, I thought of it as training for my patience, for my strength, and for my whining. It wasn’t easy. 

What do you do now?  

I work in Accounts Payable at a property management company. 

Tell us about your new job

In January 2014 I got a call from a property management company for a support administration position on a one year contract, of course I said yes! It was the base job - uploading documents and some mailing in the afternoon. I did my best and my boss appreciated it. When she hired me she asked why I was right for the role, I said “I’m not looking for a job, I’m looking for a career.” It made her think that this is the lady who she was looking for. 

In September, I received an email from HR about a permanent position in Accounts Payable. Since I had my certificate and experience working in the accounting department in Hong Kong I thought “it’s nothing new if they don’t hire me” so I just sent my resume. After a few days they contacted me and asked me to come in for an interview. 

Everything started from a contract position to a permanent role which I started in October. It’s been 5 months and I’m learning a lot of accounting suff. I’m learning all the programs, how to do payables, and doing the cheque run every week. It's quite challenging.

How do you feel now that you have a permanent job?

Settled is the feeling that I have; I don’t really need to worry about losing the contract or wondering where I’ll be. I haven’t stop learning, I feel that I still need to learn because I’m learning at the job but I feel settled.

Did Dress for Success Vancouver help you with your job search? 

After they found out I had an interview they said ‘bring your resume’ and they helped me look at it. All the tips they gave me were so helpful. The mock interview felt real, I was so nervous. It took a lot of practice until one day I just felt comfortable going to interviews. 

How did you end up joining the Professional Women's Group program?

Lucia asked me if I wanted to join the PWG program because I had just gotten a job.

What has your experience with the PWG program been like?

I didn’t know what to expect, the second week in I went on a picnic. Every week they have career boosters like how to deal with displeasure or how to use colour to match your clothing. Another time they had a workshop on how to use a computer and taught us how to manage our time.

When people were sharing their stories at PWG they don’t attribute it to religion but they’re so thankful and grateful, it’s very inspiring. These women say during their whole life they fail, they feel used until they got to DFS Vancouver. They can face all the sadness and failure because so many people were there before and went through that and now they’re successful. That time made them even stronger. 

How has Dress for Success Vancouver helped you get to where you are today?

Confidence. 

When I hear so many positive things, words, and people who appreciated me, it gave me great confidence. I don’t know the people at DFS Vancouver but they trained me to speak to people at work and it helps me get along with people much easier. 

What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from this experience?

One thing I learned is patience, patience will build confidence. When I got the job I was nervous and scared because everything was brand new to me. But because I had patience built up from my search I just picked up everything because I really concentrated.  

What advice would you give someone else struggling?

Don’t put yourself into a negative spot because there are so many choices in life. I thought “If I cannot get there, I can still work but I might not be in the career I want,” which is okay. You have to say something to yourself that’s positive, you can’t say ‘if I don’t get a job my life is finished.” Positive thinking is very important.

What really helped you through the rough times?

I have my religion, I pray all the time but sometimes sharing is good. Telling other people “I’m upset right now because the interview i just went to I really want the job, but they’ll probably turn me down.” Let it out, when you get release you can start over again. Just don’t give up. 

I went to interviews and heard no 10-20 times, if I gave up I wouldn’t be here. 

What do you want people to know about Dress for Success Vancouver?

The clothing is a really small part of DFS Vancouver; It’s really about the people helping you look for a job, the specialists - the people who spend time practising your interview with you. The interview and resume practice were more important. It’s a consistent program, you just have to put down your name to join and it’s very helpful.

They helped me figure out how to send out resumes. The specialists understand the market and how to help. They said that by putting 80% of my resumes in receptionist positions, I wasn’t getting a broader variety of job offers.

Any last thoughts?

My office used to be on Hornby St. but we recently moved across the street from Dress for Success Vancouver! I just got married, and I feel settled.

PGW workshop featuring Scott Armstrong!

"Scott Armstrong has been described as one of the most dynamic and energetic presenters you are likely to meet. His ability to provide meaningful content that engages audiences of all interests is something that sets him apart."

Scott honored us with his presence on February 4th, 2015 for the PWG Community Action Project (CAP) Workshop. The CAP project is coordinated by a PWG member to serve local community and to give back. This yearm the CAP project is provinding leadership and computer training for the Somali Youth Association of BC (SYABC). The CAP volunteers are presenting several of these leadership workshops and were looking to improve their presentation skills.

Scott was able to give some wonderful insights on public speaking and some very good advice on how to do a great presentation! We know that public speaking can be intimidating. So does Scott! He shared with our PWG members his former fear of presenting in public, which made it easy for our women to see that they can do it too! 

Thank you Scott for volunteering your time and your expertise with our PWG members!

Lesson of the day: LESS IS MORE!

PWG Graduation: A Day of Gratitude and Celebration

On Saturday June 21st, a dedicated group of women came out in full force to support 10 of their peers graduate from the Professional Women’s Group (PWG), a free program run by Dress for Success Vancouver.

The morning began with a round of ya-yas, celebrations, achievements, events, new jobs or any exciting updates the women wanted to share with each other. With the room buzzing with excitement, four women bravely stepped up to the front of the room and one by one, left us in awe with their stories of triumph and how Dress for Success Vancouver had changed their lives. Despite coming from different cultures and backgrounds, the women shared a theme of connectedness: courage, tenacity and relentless determination.

First we heard from Mitra, a single mother from Iran who built a bilingual education center for children in Tehran. She moved to Canada for her daughter, and shared this simple piece of advice “follow and go with your passion because that is where your heart is and when you touch your heart, that is limitless.” Having joined Dress for Success, Mitra has experience unlimited kindness, respect, education and support.

Next was Deepika, born to a conservative family in India who did not support her rights to an education. After her husband lost his business, her life changed in a split second. Homeless with a newborn baby, she overcame depression and became the sole breadwinner for her husband and his family. After the bitter sting of betrayal, they lost their fortune again and came to Canada for a fresh start. Deepika’s mission is to educate all women and men in India to widen their conservative perspectives.

Then we heard from Geraldine, a single mother and victim of spousal abuse. Although she had great jobs in both Manila and Dubai, she left in favour of Canada despite the uncertainty of a different culture and not having enough money to sustain her life simply to give her son a better life. Not having family in Canada, her only support is PWG and events like Impact 360, that give her self confidence like she’s never experienced before.

Lastly, Sunny recounted her struggles over the last 15 months, determined to make a life in Vancouver with the mantra of “failure is not an option.” Overcoming homelessness and immense loss, Sunny came from having nothing to becoming an addictions counsellor and starting courses at Langara College.

After drying our eyes, the entire room watched and cheered as 10 of their friends graduated from their cohort. We wish the 10 PWG graduates the best of luck as they continue with their 18 month program through Dress for Success Vancouver!

IMPACT 360 Spotlight: Mahnaz Nakhaee

As promised, we have another feature of one of our amazing clients who will be walking down the runway on June 5th at IMPACT 360. On April 14th, we featured a comprehensive guide to everything IMPACT! To read more about it, visit our last blog post.

We would, now, like you to meet Mahnaz Nakhaee. She is one of 10 women who has kindly shared her story with us, her experiences with Dress for Success Vancouver, and her process of empowerment.

To hear more of her story and see her proudly walk down the runway, join us at IMPACT 360 as we Celebrate Fashion and begin Fundraising for Change!

When did you first get introduced to Dress for Success Vancouver?

I was introduced to Dress for Success for the first time in January 2013 by a program called Job Option Program to receive an outfit for my interview. This experience was invaluable because it actually led me to PWG program that I found so inspiring with incredible success stories presented by PWG members, wonderful mentors whose support is always there, and great speakers invited to the meetings.

How has this experience impacted your life?

It helped me to change the way I looked at my life, my work, and the world. This program is filled with inspiration and invaluable insights.

What has been your most important lesson from PWG Program?

My great experience in this program has been networking. I met successful women with the same or even more challenges than I have had as a new comer, and I found out how they have overcome those challenges. I also had the chance to share all my own dreams, concerns, and ideas with them and receive great pieces of advice.

What is your occupation?

Retail, but I used to work as an instructor at University and also a tour guide in my home country.

If you could share a piece of advice to other women looking for a career, what would you tell them?

Don't hesitate to join Dress for Success Program. It is more than just clothes. It is so rewarding and inspiring. It leads them to set realistic and achievable goals to get them where they want to go and enables them to embrace a new season of life and reengage in a world that makes their dreams come true.

What made you want to be a part of IMPACT 360?

I am passionate about empowerment for women. The reason I wanted to be part of the IMPACT 360 was to let other women looking for a career know about Dress for Success and tell them whatever I have accomplished has been due to their generous help and support. To be truly successful means that you have people in your life that support you and care about you. This program paved the way for me from no job to a career that fits my goals and dreams.

Who is your hero?

Helen Keller, a strong woman I admire a lot and her life story taught me nothing is impossible.

What is your motto?

My motto is actually a quote from Helen Keller:

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

Where is your dream vacation?

Heaven on earth Keukenhof garden in The Netherlands. It is the world's largest tulip flower garden. It is very fantastic!

Client Spotlight: Sunny Johnston

Name: Sunny Johnston

When did you first get introduced to Dress for Success Vancouver? I was referred to Dress for Success Vancouver in June of 2013 by a program called ACCESS ( Aboriginal Community Career & Employment Services Society). It was very comforting knowing that there are women out there that were in the exact same situation as I was in.

What has been your most important lesson from the PWG program? You are not alone, there is always someone willing to help and show you the way. Networking is such a huge part of the working world and it's a blessing that the PWG had made it so much more interesting and easy. The PWG gives you a sense of security and belonging so you're able to open up easier about your dreams and goals that you have set for yourself.

What is your occupation? Retail/Student/Youth Worker

Who is your hero? My Mother. She has taught me the importance of being myself and never settle for anything less then what I deserve.

Where is your dream vacation? I have a whole bucket list full of them. So many to name but I will see them all. I am very optimistic about that.

What is your motto?
"Enough"
One day I will be...
One day I will have...
One day I will accomplish...
Because "Enough" is all you will ever need...

Santa Chow: Approaching Difficulties with Perseverance and Grace

Dress for Success is pleased to welcome Santa Chow, a Dress for Success Vancouver client and success story, as one of four speakers at the Inaugural Success Luncheon on Wednesday, October 30th at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Santa Chow - Dress for Success client
and success story  


As an intelligent, fearless and strong-willed single mother of two, Santa Chow has the determination to succeed that is nothing short of astounding.“I know I can achieve anything I dream of because I have the will and the power,” she says.

Forty-six year old Santa immigrated to Canada in 1983 from Hong Kong and studied grade 13 in Toronto while her brother attended university. From there, Santa relocated to Winnipeg to attend university herself, but while in Winnipeg she contracted a rare lung disease doctors had never seen before. Santa spent a year in hospital for treatment and even had part of her lung removed. "I almost died from that incident."

Santa regained her strength and after several years returned back to Hong Kong where she worked in the family business as the CEO and controller of her father’s three factories. After four years, Santa left Hong Kong once again and moved back to the Canada with her husband, a dentist she met in Hong Kong.  

Santa worked managing her husband’s business for 13 years when her life took a sharp turn. Her husband asked Santa for a divorce. They had two children together, Tabitha and Sebastian. “When my husband left me and the children, I lost my marriage and my job at the same time,” she says. “I felt like I had nothing left.” Slipping deep into clinical depression, Santa went to see her family doctor. He recommended taking anti-depression medication, but instead Santa turned to natural medicine for healing and discovered running. Jogging for three hours every day, Santa produced the much needed endorphins her body required to start feeling better.

Feeling strong and healthy and ready for a new challenge, Santa joined the YWCA. No longer wanting to depend on a man, “I wanted control over my fate and destiny and to take charge of my life.” Through the YWCA, Santa rediscovered the direction she wanted her life to take and in 2005, she completed a full-time, female-only, six-month long program to become a contractor and learned the skills of the trade. “I completed the course and learned all the wiring, plumbing, carpentry, dry-walling, and tiling. I excelled at all five subjects, but I really love carpentry. I made furniture for my house; the bookshelves and my king-size bed. I made it all myself.”

From there, while juggling two part-time jobs and raising her two children, Santa attended UBC and finished the psychology degree she was unable to continue due to her illness in Winnipeg. 

After she graduated from UBC and through a friend’s recommendation, Santa was offered a job with FranchiseLink, Canada’s largest network dedicated to helping consumers navigate franchise and business opportunities.

When she secured a position with FranchiseLink, Santa became part of the Dress for Success Professional Women’s Group (PWG). The 18-month PWG program provides employed women with a network of support, practical information and inspiration to achieve success in careers and in life. Through the PWG, Santa was paired with a mentor, Kim Conroy, a chartered accountant and a career coach. “She gives me advice, she looked at my resume and once a week she gives me personal counseling.”

Since starting her job with FranchiseLink in December 2009, Santa has been promoted to Director of Asian Franchise Development. “I am the bridge between two cultures, the Asian business market and the mainstream North American market.”

Santa says that Dress for Success gives women the encouragement to educate themselves, and by doing so, the ability to make their lives and the lives of their children better.

“When we make changes for ourselves, it affects our children too, it shapes their lives. Dress for Success gives us encouragement; that even if we are alone, without a partner, we can do things on our own. We can make an impact in the world.”

About Dress for Success Vancouver

Dress for Success Vancouver is an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since its inception in 1999, Dress for Success Vancouver has helped more than 17,000 women towards self-sufficiency.

Event Details
Get your tickets at www.dressforsuccess.org/vancouver
Enjoy a 3 course lunch and the opportunity to network with other prominent business contacts across all sectors.

All proceeds are in support of Dress for Success Vancouver!

Client Spotlight, Cathyleen Chan

Name: Cathyleen Chan

When did you first get introduced to Dress for Success Vancouver? I was first introduced to Dress for Success Vancouver in the fall of 2011 and was amazed that women who were in need were decently helped.

What has been your most important lesson from the PWG program? Networking is a must here.

What is your occupation? English Instructor.

Who is your hero? Anyone who faces challenges is my hero.

Where is your dream vacation? No dream vacation. I am where I am; things come to me naturally.

What is your motto? Hope for the best, prepare for the worst and take whatever it is.

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!)

Client Spotlight, Genevieve Sechter

Name: Genevieve Sechter, PWG (Professional Women's Group) Delegate 2013 - 2014

Where do you live? Vancouver, BC

When did you first get introduced to Dress for Success Vancouver? Maureen Houghton at Gordon Neighbourhood House referred me while taking some professional workshops in February 2012.

What has been your most important lesson learned from the PWG program? 

The most important lesson that I have learned from the PWG program is that it is never too late to start something new, reinvent yourself or become the person you were always destined to become.

What is your occupation? 

I work full-time as the Receptionist at Regent College (a theological graduate school on the UBC campus). It is an amazing place to work. I love meeting people from all over the world and reflecting on diverse angles of important issues. There is always something new to ponder.

Who is your hero? 

Jesus is definitely my hero. I have officially been a Christian for a shorter time than I have been involved with Dress For Success and He continues to show me how deeply He understands, loves, and supports me. Being a Christian is not a one-time event. It's not a baptism. It's not a set of rules. It's an ongoing, dynamic and intricate relationship between my soul and God, who much to my surprise, chose me and continues to choose me every day in tangible and personal ways.

Dream vacation? 

One of those thatched roof huts in Tahiti that is propped above the water - exotic and romantic (my style)! The opportunity to speak French while enjoying palm trees and glimmering blue waters is very tempting! Not to mention that I have never been south of the equator. It would be the perfect location to start with! Do a Google image search for Tahiti resorts and you will see what I'm talking about!

What is your motto? 

Love fiercely, hope incessantly, and consider that every experience and person has something valuable to teach me about myself and God. I'm not perfect, but I risk everything I have to give it my best shot!

Trude - Power Walk Ambassador and Inspirational Woman!

It all started with Trude a more mature woman joining our Professional Women's Group (PWG), a career development program for Dress for Success clients who have found jobs. 

Trude looked depressed and without hope. She told us that she had breast cancer and her healing journey took all her savings. A Dress for Success suit gave her the confidence to work part-time and the PWG meetings provided her with a new outlook on life. 

With the help of her PWG mentor, she successfully moved up four pay grades. Turning 65 years “young”, she decided to take on the leading role in the PWG CAP, a project that provides PWG members the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community. With her passion for promoting wellness, she has recruited PWG members to either become coaches to help people exercise or to become participants that are coached to exercise regularly. 

Trude was also recently featured as Fred Lee's Person of Interest: Read her story here

At the moment, Trude is encouraging everybody to join the Power Walk.

H.O.W. for Christmas - Day 8 & Update!

It's been one week since the start of "H.O.W. for Christmas" and we have 18 more mini-stories to share!

So far, we raised the enough funds to put five women through our program - Only 20 more to go!

Now on to our mini story of the day!

No matter how old you are or where you are, bullying is still a reality. It doesn't stop in the school yard, but can continue on in the work place.

My Success: Overcoming Workplace Bullying

This has been an ongoing process since I started my job a year ago. Since then, I've come to understand the whys and where fores better. I feel for the people who have also experience bullying. Bullying is repeated, deliberate and disrespectful and always aimed towards a target. Through the PWG meetings, I have learned from others that they experience it too! Its an ongoing process and I hope at my next meeting to give a good report!
- A.H.

Our programming doesn't end at when our clients gain employment. The support system and resources are needed when you have a job as well!

In the month of December, we will be sharing the stories, experiences and triumphs of clients who have used our programing. And during these 25 days (December 5 - 31), we are campaigning to raise enough funds to put at least 25 more women through our programming.

To give one women access to the whole suite of programs at Dress for Success Vancouver, it costs the organization approximately $150 ($12.50 a month). Help us raise $3750 by donating this holiday season or giving the gift of a donation.