A Seat at the Table: Funmi's Global Ambassador Journey to NYC
As a Global Ambassador representing Dress for Success San Jose, Funmi joined nine other women from across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand for an unforgettable visit to New York.
Every woman deserves a seat at the table. Funmi found hers on a rooftop in New York City."
As the Global Ambassador for Dress for Success San Jose, Funmi joined women from Dress for Success organizations around the world for a special visit to New York, ending at the Women Who Inspire Luncheon at Tribeca Rooftop. It was a celebration of women's stories, women's strength, and the power of showing up for one another.
The Global Ambassador Program, led by Dress for Success Worldwide, brings together women from across the network to grow as leaders, strengthen their voices, and share their journeys. For Funmi, it has been a chance to step into rooms she once only imagined, and to discover that her story belongs there.
Three Days in New York
The visit packed a lot of inspiration into a few short days.
A day at Worldwide. The ambassadors spent a full day at the Dress for Success Worldwide office, connecting with one another and taking part in professional development activities.
A day with TJ Maxx. At a day hosted by retail sponsor TJ Maxx, each ambassador enjoyed a personalized styling experience and a $500 shopping spree, and received a $4,500 professional development microgrant to invest in her own goals.
The Women Who Inspire Luncheon. The visit ended at Tribeca Rooftop, where guests gathered to raise funds and awareness so more women can access the resources they need to build economic stability. The luncheon celebrated Gloria Steinem and honored this year's class of Global Ambassadors and their remarkable journeys.
In Funmi's Words
Funmi shared this reflection on her experience:
“I had prayed to be in the room and have a seat at the table of the Women Who Inspire Luncheon as the Global Ambassador for Dress for Success San Jose. My prayer was answered, and every step I took to be in that room propelled me into an experience of powerful women encouraging one another.
I was nervous just thinking about being in a room filled with strong, talented, and beautiful women. But my fears melted away as soon as I stepped into the building at Tribeca Rooftop. We were there to help raise funds and awareness so women could have access to resources and build economic stability, while also celebrating the life and legacy of Gloria Steinem, a global icon. It was incredible to be surrounded by bold women who value women's empowerment and success. The energy in the room was electric.
I had the pleasure of sitting at the table with Capital One and sharing my story of how their financial literacy class helped me create my emergency fund and pay off all my debt. I was also able to share my ideas about how financial literacy should be offered and taught in high school.
All attendees were gifted a book by Gloria Steinem called An Unexpected Life, which I am currently reading. I just found out that she, too, was nervous about public speaking at first, but she faced her fears and didn't let fear or discomfort hold her back.
I was also inspired by Deborah Tendrich, a Florida State Representative and Dress for Success Honorary Ambassador. Her story, from domestic violence survivor to a lawmaker who creates legislation focused on protecting vulnerable families, supporting children, and advancing domestic violence reform, was incredibly inspiring. It all started when she sought help from a community resource that provided her with a suit for a job interview after she left her abusive spouse.
A new single mom found kindness, hope, opportunity, and support—and now she has come full circle, giving back and making a great impact.
As a Global Ambassador, I'm learning that sharing my story can encourage someone to make a change, feel seen, or simply realize they are not alone. I'm learning not to be embarrassed by my story, because what I've been through may be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Everyone has a story to tell, and I want to use my voice, ideas, and willingness to step out on faith to create opportunities for people to share their stories, encourage one another, and know that their experiences matter.”
What Comes Next
New York was only the beginning. The Global Ambassador Program continues over the coming months, and Funmi and her fellow ambassadors have plenty ahead:
One-on-one coaching: two individual sessions with communications coach Bronwyn Saglimbeni
Professional development sessions: ongoing sessions on leadership, communication, personal branding, and more
An investment in herself: a $4,500 professional development microgrant to put toward her own goals, whether that's a conference, a certificate program, a coach, or growing a business
Fresh headshots: new professional headshots taken during the visit
Funmi walked into that rooftop room nervous. She walked out with a seat at the table, a network of women cheering her on, and a growing belief that her story can open doors for others.
We are so proud to have her representing Dress for Success San Jose, and can’t wait to see where she goes next.
Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose empowers women to achieve economic mobility by providing a network of support, workplace attire, and career skills and tools for success.