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Models “ Dress for Success ” at Fashion
By Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
The models strutting down the runaway for the fashion show organized by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey at the American Dream this month have a special message .
They are graduates , supporters , and volunteers from Dress for Success of Northern New Jersey – a unique organization dedicated to empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support , professional attire , and development tools to help them thrive in work and in life .
Dress for Success opened its massive closet of donated apparel to beautifully outfit the models . Clothes may be the crux of the organization . But Executive Director Kimberly Iozzi stressed its mission goes much deeper than fashion . While Iozzi ’ s staff and volunteers make certain women are properly outfitted for an interview , they also provide coaching , training , and mentoring to land the job .
“ We like to suit women with confidence from the inside out ,” Iozzi said .
CIANJ was drawn to the organization ’ s admirable goals as the business group devised this year ’ s annual tribute to women leaders . For the 2023 celebration , CIANJ President Anthony Russo said the Women in Commerce committee decided on a fashion show as a fun way to bring everyone together . “ When we learned about Dress for Success , we immediately wanted to partner with them ,” he said . Russo hopes the show will generate donations and encourage volunteer support .
“ Our entire DFSNNJ team is incredibly grateful to CIANJ and the event sponsors for putting together this fashion show ,” said Iozzi . “ Their support will help to raise awareness and funding for our wide-range of essential services for the unemployed and underemployed women we serve in Northern New Jersey .”
Headquartered in Madison , Dress for Success is celebrating its 25th anniversary . It is part of a global network of 143 affiliates dedicated to helping women . Since its inception the Northern New Jersey chapter has serviced 26,000 women and 2,300 last year alone .
Iozzi explained the organization was focused initially on women who had been abused or suffered a hardship and needed help rebuilding their lives . Over time , it grew to encompass women who are unemployed or under-employed for whatever reason . Their ages run the spectrum from high school graduates entering the job market without much of a business acumen to accomplished women in their 50s who might be facing their first job interview in 20 years because they were subjected to downsizing .
Through its many corporate partners , Dress for Success facilitates workshops where women can receive counseling and skills training . Iozzi said she can often bring in hiring managers . “ You ’ re getting an inside track on what ’ s happening in real time in the job market , and you ’ re being given practical advice ,” she said . The women participants are encouraged to connect with the facilitators on social media and network with them .
Ellen Seaver , the volunteer coordinator , said 150 volunteers work with the organization each month , providing more than 5,400 service hours each year . “ They are all so incredibly talented , sharing their expertise in the boutiques as stylists or at the career centers , mentoring women and helping them with their resumes and interview skills ,” she said .
Seaver said their programs focus on six pillars , providing a holistic approach to the growth and
Dress for Success teaches and empowers women to become financially independent and dress for the job
16 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com