Congratulations, Funmi! New Dress for Success Global Ambassador
We are proud to announce that Funmi has been selected as a 2026–2028 Dress for Success Global Ambassador, representing Dress for Success San Jose alongside nine other women from across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Having once been supported by Dress for Success myself, I know how powerful it is when someone believes in you during a difficult season. That's why I feel so passionate about encouraging women, helping them build confidence, and reminding them that their circumstances don't define their future. Being able to offer the same hope and support that was once given to me would be incredibly meaningful.” - Funmi, Global Ambassador, Dress for Success San Jose
When Olufunmilola — known to everyone at Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose as Funmi — walked through our doors in 2023, she came with a simple decision: she was not going to let another opportunity pass her by.
That decision has taken her further than she may have imagined at the time.
We so thrilled to announce that Funmi has been selected as a 2026–2028 Dress for Success Global Ambassador, representing Dress for Success San Jose alongside nine other women from across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Global Ambassador Program, proudly supported by TJ Maxx, empowers women through professional development, storytelling, media training, and participation in key events — helping them elevate their voices, expand their influence, and inspire communities around the world.
She Showed Up
Around Thanksgiving 2022, Funmi's life changed suddenly and without warning. Her 11-year-old daughter was experiencing mental health challenges and was hospitalized for nearly two months. Funmi took a leave of absence from her full-time job to be there for her daughter. In less than two months, her savings and unemployment income were gone. She found herself with no money and a growing pile of bills.
"I filled out an application for cash aid and was approved. While in my intake appointment my worker suggested I join Dress for Success to help with my wardrobe for when I returned back to work."
After eight months, Funmi was able to return to her employer. And when her CalWORKs advocate mentioned Dress for Success, she made a decision and never looked back.
"In 2023 I made it up in my mind not to let another opportunity pass me by,” Funmi said.
She was excited and nervous for her first clothing appointment — she describes a lifelong history of anxiety around clothes shopping. But what she found at Dress for Success San Jose was something different.
"Everyone I met was positive, friendly, smiling, helpful and kind. My history of clothes shopping was not very positive. I always felt anxious trying on clothes. The ladies at Dress for Success eased my fears and offered me clothing and accessories to compliment my figure."
That first appointment opened a door. And Funmi kept walking through it.
Over the next two years, she engaged with nearly every program Dress for Success San Jose had to offer: career coaching, resume building, LinkedIn profile support, job search training, financial education classes, and monthly Professional Women's Group meetings.
"Every month I attended group meetings where we talked about avoiding burn out on the job, how to ask for a raise, and the importance of celebrating successes,” Funmi said.”
She also shared her story as Client Success Ambassador at our 2024 fundraising event, Denim & Diamonds.
What She Has Built
Today, Funmi works in the finance department at Stanford Healthcare, where she has been for over a decade - verifying insurance and obtaining prior authorizations for patients.
Over a year ago, Funmi was promoted to a REP III and now works closely on the management team. She holds two professional certifications offered through the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) which is well respected in the healthcare revenue cycle and financial management field.
She has also obtained an Associates and Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies and is now pursuing her Masters in Theology.
“I also serve as the Wellness Champion for my team at work, and it's one of my favorite roles,” she shared.” I love bringing people together, encouraging healthy habits, and reminding others to take care of themselves. It's rewarding to see how small acts of encouragement can make a big difference in someone's well-being.”
The Ripple Effect
What strikes us most about Funmi's story is not just what she has accomplished — it is what her journey has set in motion for the people around her.
"When my daughter and mother see me studying, budgeting, dressing up and using new technology it sparks interest in them to keep trying for themselves and not to ever give up despite the challenge we are facing."
That is the multiplier effect of this work. One woman moves forward, and the people watching her start to believe they can too.
Funmi’s daughter struggles daily with her mental health, and she is committed to being her strongest advocate and unwavering source of support through every challenge she faces.
“I will continue to stand beside her, encourage her, and remind her that she is so much more than the struggles she experiences,” Funmi shared. “ My greatest hope is that one day she will recognize that labels, diagnoses, difficult circumstances, and painful experiences do not define who she is. Instead, I hope she sees her own strength, resilience, and incredible worth, and learns to define herself by the person she chooses to become.”
What Comes Next
Over the next two years, Funmi will represent Dress for Success San Jose on a global stage — sharing her journey, growing as a leader, and helping shine a spotlight on the work happening right here in the Bay Area.
"Dress For Success has encouraged me to keep dreaming and to have vision and goals. They helped me see how important it is to know my worth and that I am deserving of more.”
We could not be more proud. Funmi came to us through San Jose, and she represents everything both of our offices stand for — the belief that every woman deserves a success story, and that when one of us rises, we all do.
Congratulations to all 10 women selected for the 2026–2028 Global Ambassador cohort — and congratulations, Funmi. The entire Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose community is cheering you on.
Dress for Success San Francisco and San Jose is a leading resource for advancing women in the workplace. Our purpose is to empower women to achieve economic mobility by providing a network of support, workplace attire, and development tools for success.