More Than Career Clothing: Meet the Women Behind Our New San Francisco Campaign
Serving more than 19,000 women across the Bay Area — and counting.
Many people know Dress for Success San Francisco for the career clothing we provide. What they may not know is that clothing is often just the beginning.
This July, thanks to the generous support of Clear Channel Outdoor, Dress for Success San Francisco is showing up at 55 digital transit shelter locations across the city. Every day, thousands of Bay Area residents pass these shelters on their way to interviews, work, childcare, or school. We hope these ads remind them that support is available — and introduce our mission to the city for the first time.
Alicia Q. — 2024 Success Story
Alicia came to Dress for Success San Francisco as a disabled veteran and head of household, navigating the challenges of reentering the workforce. Career clothing gave her the confidence to walk into interviews and that confidence carried into every area of her life. She secured stable employment at Mission Hiring Hall, bringing financial stability to her family and opening the door to her academic goals.
Through our Financial Education program in partnership with Capital One, Alicia found something she hadn't had before: a real plan. Within six months, her credit score went up 72 points and she paid off her credit card.
"That was a big moment for me. It made me feel less stressed, and gave me a sense of hope for my future."
Alicia has been a Client Success Ambassador for Dress for Success San Francisco for some time now, sharing her story at community events — including at The Disco Ball last year. She is also a member of our Professional Women's Group. Her journey reflects what is possible when women have access to the right tools, support, and opportunities to move forward.
Azanaye C. — 2025 Success Story
Azanaye came to Dress for Success San Francisco with drive, determination, and a clear vision for her future. Through our programs, she received the tools and support to move her career forward — including a laptop through Project Premium that opened the door to continued learning and skill building.
"Over the course of the last five years my laptop has been breaking down more and more each day. This is a great opportunity, and I'm so grateful for it — to be able to have a laptop that will allow me to continue training and develop my skills and become a better person in my workforce."
Azanaye has a permanent job offer and is working toward her goal of becoming an accountant. She is a Client Success Ambassador, sharing her experience to help other women find their way to the resources they need.
"My doubts about achieving goals are gone. I feel confident I can create a better future for my career."
Nicole G. — 2025 Success Story
Nicole came to Dress for Success San Francisco with a clear goal: a career with the City and County of San Francisco. She left with the tools to get there.
Through our Career Wardrobe program, Financial Education series, job search support, resume coaching, and a Job Jam workshop at LinkedIn, Nicole built her confidence, strengthened her professional presence, and learned how recruiters actually find and connect with candidates. She got professional headshots. She updated her profile. She noticed the difference almost immediately.
Today, Nicole works as a Patient Experience Technician at HealthLink Home Health & Hospice, where her role has been growing every day and she truly enjoys being part of such a supportive team. Like Alicia and Azanaye, Nicole is a Client Success Ambassador — a woman who has walked this path and now helps others find it.
"Dress for Success helped me believe in myself and reminded me that investing in personal and professional growth can create lasting benefits not only for me but also for those I care about."
More Than Career Clothing
While the right outfit can help someone feel prepared for an interview or a new role, lasting success requires continued support, resources, and connection. That is why Dress for Success San Francisco offers career coaching, job search programs, financial education, LinkedIn learning opportunities, career development workshops, AI and digital skilling, and community support and networking.
The results speak for themselves. Within one year of completing our cohort programs, the women we serve increase their income by an average of 191%. In 2025, we served 1,345 women — the highest number in our organization's history. Because of donors and supporters like you, 52% of career coaching clients secured employment within 45 days.
When a woman thrives, her family and community thrive alongside her.
Be Part of This Work
This campaign is about more than visibility. It is about action. When more people understand the full scope of what Dress for Success provides, more women can access the resources they need to prepare for work, grow their careers, and achieve economic mobility.
There are many ways to get involved. You can make a gift, volunteer your time, connect someone to our services, or engage your company in meaningful community impact. Every action helps open doors for women across the Bay Area.
If you spot one of our ads while you are out and about, snap a photo and tag us on Instagram — we would love to see it.
A special thank you to Clear Channel Outdoor for helping us bring this message to the streets of San Francisco. And thank you to Comms Committee member and volunteer stylist, Lucy, for bringing this campaign to life visually.
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.