Dress for Success
Sara Avatapalli,
Executive Director
Sarah Avatapalli, Executive Director of Dress for Success, provided an overview of the organization's mission and programs. Dress for Success is a global non-profit that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, development tools, and a network of support. They have served over 1.2 million women through employment readiness, career coaching, and other initiatives to help them find and maintain meaningful employment.
The Dress for Success Hartford affiliate began in 1998 and has served more than 8,700 women in Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland and Windham counties. Women are referred to our organization by more than 140 non-profit organizations, including domestic violence agencies, homeless shelters and immigration services.
Sarah's presentation highlighted the transformative impact Dress for Success has on the lives of the women they serve. Many of the women have faced significant challenges such as poverty, domestic abuse, addiction, and incarceration, but with the support of Dress for Success, they are able to gain confidence, skills, and opportunities to build rewarding careers and achieve economic independence.
Sarah outlined the key programs offered by Dress for Success, including the Employment Readiness Program that provides training, coaching, and networking support, the Career Management Coaching Program that pairs women with experienced volunteer coaches, and the Professional Women's Group that offers educational workshops and a supportive community for employed women. The organization also provides professional attire and a career center to help women prepare for interviews and advance in their careers.
Sarah expressed deep gratitude for the Avon-Canton Rotary Club's ongoing support through their annual golf tournament, which provides critical funding for Dress for Success's programs. She emphasized how this partnership and the funds raised make a significant difference in the lives of the women they serve.
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