SUCCESS Spotlight: Jill Schnarr, Telus

As the team at Dress for Success ramps up for the upcoming SUCCESS Luncheon on October 29, it’s hard not to be inspired by the stories of our laudable panelists. Jill Schnarr of Telus is one such example. To call Jill an overachiever would be a vast understatement. Having joined Telus in 1992, she’s held a variety of dynamic portfolios and leadership positions, rapidly progressing within and across different areas of the business. Now as VP of Community of Affairs, Jill leads leads national community investment and corporate social responsibility at TELUS.

Armed with a plethora of credentials from tops schools across the globe, Jill has been recognized within the business community as one of Canada’s Distinctive Women in 2014 and Most Influential Women in Vancouver in 2013, and has been awarded a Leadership Excellence Award in Innovation in 2011 by the Canadian Women in Communications (CWC).

Amid her numerous successes, Jill maintains a constant focus on charitable efforts. Under her leadership, TELUS was recognized as the Most Philanthropic Corporation in the World by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and was awarded the Prime Minister’s Inaugural Volunteer Award in 2012. She also serves on the fundraising cabinet for the BC Women’s Hospital Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit.

Interested in hearing how she balances corporate achievement with a thriving family live?

Get your ticket to the annual DFS Success Luncheon, happening on October 29 at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

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!

The Ultimate Marathon Makeover!

"I feel so beautiful" 

On April 28th, Dress for Success Vancouver teamed up with REDAVID Salon Products and West Coast Beauty for the Inaugural Marathon Makeover--and it was a HUGE success! 

How it worked: 

Stylists signed up to book a salon chair at Endz Hair Studio for 2 hours. Fifty lucky Dress for Success clients were able to register for 2 hours in the chair with one of these amazing stylists for the ultimate Marathon Makeover experience. By receiving pledges from their networks, they helped to raise over $4000 for Dress for Success Vancouver.

"I love my new haircut and I feel much better"

What an incredible turn out and impressive support from the salon and stylists! The women left feeling empowered and beautiful. They had nothing but good things to say about their experience, sharing comments such as `I feel so beautiful` and `You made my week!`

"Seeing all the ladies being redone was awesome ...What a great day for everyone yesterday."

"You made my week. I love the cut, and will try some of the make-up tips soon.  This has been a real boost to my confidence."

We would like to kindly thank all those involved in creating this event: REDAVID Salon Products, West Coast Beauty, Endz Hair Studio, the stylists, volunteers, salon staff, donors, and clients.

We invite you to take a look at the rest of the photos from the event on the REDAVID Facebook page!

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...

Influential Women in Business: Laurie Schultz

We are so proud of our Board Chair, Laurie Schultz, who is being honoured on March 5th at Business In Vancouver's Influential Women in Business Awards. Congratulations Laurie!

Find out more about Laurie in the Business In Vancouver article!

Threads: Weaving together the stories of women from across the globe

This month Dress for Success Worldwide unveiled Threads, our first ever coffee table book that features the firsthand success journeys of 20 women from around the world. It is our first ever published collection of client stories, complemented with the stunning imagery of world-renowned photographer Danielle Levitt.

The concept of Threads comes from the idea that, together, each woman’s experience forms a fabric of support, of women helping women, of shared challenges and achievements. Her individual thread is woven into others, forming an undeniable worldwide bond.

Dress for Success curated the stories of these particular confident and courageous women because they all came to the organization in a time of need but have since transformed into influential leaders, continuing to inspire other women who share their challenges and achievements.

Amongst these stories is Vancouver’s very own Genevieve Sechter. Genevieve’s story represents the experiences and emotions that embody many women in our city, and around the world. In providing a local narrative to these experiences, Genevieve is reminding each woman that she is part of a bigger story and has a greater purpose. Her story is one of the 20 shared in this book in an effort to provide a tangible representation of the stories we often share with all of you.

Sharing these stories is important for several reasons. Firstly, it provides readers with an insight into the ways in which these success stories can materialize in different ways. Each woman’s story is unique, but still offers a relatable anecdote to remind us that we are not alone in our journey.



The power of women helping women can be seen at the Dress for Success Vancouver office

In having these stories altogether in one book, we are empowering these women and many others like them to share their stories in an effort to remove the stigma and shame from sharing one’s struggles with another—a way for women to become their own agents of change.

Finally, sharing these stories can initiate action. When women share their experiences with one another, it empowers both the story-teller and the listener. This creates a dialogue amongst women to begin understanding better the obstacles we face, and finding the right resources that can knock down those barriers to success.

We, here at Dress for Success Vancouver, believe in the power of women helping women. Sharing our stories with one another is one of the most powerful ways for us to do this. Threads provides the framework for this kind of call for action, and we need you to help us spread this message!

If you would like to find out more about these women's stories and contribute to the empowerment of women across the globe, you can Purchase Threads Online. The book (pictured below) is now on sale for $45, or $55 with delivery. All proceeds go straight back to Dress for Success, to ensure the continued success of many women like those featured in the book. 




Threads now available for purchase




This post was written by Ida Lotfi.
Ida is an Outreach Coordinator volunteer at Dress for Success Vancouver.



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!)

DFS Vancouver Presents Laurie Schultz at Inaugural Success Luncheon October 30th, 2013

Dress for Success Vancouver is thrilled to host Laurie Schultz, President and CEO of ACL Services for our Inaugural Success Luncheon Series on October 30th. 

Laurie Schultz, President and CEO, is responsible for leading the successful execution of ACL's strategic growth plans.

With over 12 years of software experience with Intuit and Sage, Laurie has led 10 different software businesses spanning personal finance through small business accounting and mid market ERP solutions. Prior to joining ACL, Laurie was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sage North America’s mid market ERP portfolio where she was accountable for seven products sold in over 100 countries through a reseller channel of 2,000 partners and an employee base of 600. Prior to her time with Intuit and Sage, Laurie worked for KPMG in their Marketing and Business Development Consulting Practice, and for Telus in Product Management.  She is a recognized industry leader and was recently featured as one of Canada’s Top 20 Women in the IT Channel and in the Top 100 Women in North American Channel. Laurie holds a MBA and Bachelor of Commerce degree, both from the University of Alberta. She acts on the Board of Dress For Success Vancouver, a not for profit organization committed to helping low or no income women to transition into the workforce, and also serves on the Board of the British Columbia Technology Industry Association (BCTIA), an industry-funded organization committed to growing BC’s technology industry.

Be sure to catch Laurie speak on Wednesday, Oct. 30th, 2013:

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!

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. 

Employee Spotlight, Jennifer Halinda, Executive Director

Name: Jennifer Halinda 

Role at DFS Vancouver: Executive Director 

How long have you been working at DFS Vancouver? 5 years as a volunteer stylist, full time position since March 2013. 

What is the best thing about working here? Any memorable moments? The best thing- our mission! To help women become successful in work and life. The amazing volunteers, the wonderful donors and supporters, and our clients. Memorable moments: seeing women's confidence build, a sparkle in their eye, a smile at the end of a visit. Hearing about their successes with getting a new job! 

What do you do with your time outside of the 9-5 with DFS Vancouver? Currently, enjoying the many festivals around the city. I am a Food Network fan and love ethnic cafe's, food carts, and cooking. I also collect original art and have a library of Art Gallery books from around the world. They are great souvenirs from my travels. 

Who is your style icon? Audrey Hepburn. Daniel Craig. Couple: Victoria and David Beckham. 

Dream vacation? Greece seems to be calling. I see it everywhere. Hopefully next year. 

What is your motto? Be yourself. Everyone else is taken :)

Volunteer Spotlight: Katherine Grant, Volunteer extraordinaire & shoe-a-holic

Name:
 Katherine Grant

How long have you volunteered at DFS Vancouver?

I have been volunteering on all the fundraising events for Dress for Success Vancouver for 9 years!


What role do you do?

I own an Audio Visual staging and presentation company, so I provide all the AV equipment, create the onscreen content, write the scripts and speeches and stage manage the events.  I also produce the collateral material (logo’s, posters, invitations, tickets) as required.  I try to introduce as many of my clients to Dress for Success Vancouver so they may become sponsors as well! I politely (but with determination) get all my friends to support Dress for Success Vancouver by getting them to attend all the events, donating clothing and spending money at the silent auctions.  They are wonderful friends!!!


What is the best thing about volunteering here? Any memorable moments?

I am so blessed to have met and made friends with these wonderful women!  Val, Deb, Lucia, Jennifer and Christina have enriched my life and made me even more grateful for how lucky I am. And Sandy!!! He is the best!  The entire staff and volunteers are angels! Too many to mention… Sara, Veronica, Virginia, plus 300 more!


What do you do with your time when not volunteering at DFS Vancouver?

I golf, read, travel, paint watercolours and occasionally work a 60 hour week, (ha – every week is a 60 hour week). I never sleep. And I drink too much coffee.


Who is your style icon?

I love Joseph Ribkoff.  They are beautiful, quirky, colourful clothes that fit like a dream! And anything made by Nine West or Aldo. I have a terrible shoe addiction and am too embarrassed to say how many pairs I own (103!). 


Dream vacation?

Last year I went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.  It was inspiring and so far, hard to top.


What is your motto?

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."- Mother Teresa 

Client Spotlight: Linda Leadley, 2012 Professional Women's Group Graduate

Name: Linda Leadley

Where do you live? Burnaby, BC


When did you first get introduced to Dress for Success Vancouver?  May of 2004 through a work program that I was involved in at the time.


What has been your most important lesson learned from the PWG program?  Self-marketing for employment is about more than an outfit.


What is your occupation? Currently I am finishing an Accounting and Payroll course to add payroll to my skills as Bookkeeper.

Who is your hero? Many different types of “hero’s” came to mind for this question but my romantic hero would be Hugh Grant.

Dream vacation? Driving through and around North America.

What is your motto?  Show up and do your best.

Employee Spotlight: Christina Florencio, Marketing & Sponsorship Manager

Name: Christina Florencio

What is your role? Marketing & Sponsorship Manager since Novemeber 2012

Volunteer since: 2009

What is the best thing about working here? Working with inspiring people: my co-workers and board members, the volunteers, our donors and sponsors and most of all, our clients. I see the most powerful transformations everyday. It is so rewarding.

Can you share a memorable moment? My most memorable moment was my first shift as a make up artist and I applied make up on a client that was trying to change her life around. She was a crystal meth addict for over 20 years and her face lit up the moment she saw herself in the mirror. It was such an empowering moment for the both of us.

What do you do with your time outside of the 9-5 with DFS Vancouver? I dance with a Filipino Cultural Dance group and I enjoy dancing Flamenco. You can also find me walking/biking the seawall or enjoying a delicious meal at a neighbourhood hole in the wall or at the newest resto in town, usually paired with a big glass of wine or craft beer.

Who is your style icon? Jennifer Lopez

My dream vacation would be... Bora Bora, French Polynesia

My motto is: A girl's gotta eat