AI Foundations: Building Confidence in a Changing Workforce

We’re proud to celebrate the 39 participants who graduated from our first-ever AI Foundations cohort! The program saw incredible interest, reflecting a clear demand for accessible, practical training in today’s evolving job market.

“This program helps women from all backgrounds gain confidence in their job search. Many BIPOC individuals lack access to resources. Coming from a low-income background, I value opportunities like this since career coaching is often unaffordable.” - Lily, AI Foundations Participant

As AI continues to shape the way we work, access to digital skills is becoming increasingly important.

This winter, Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose launched AI Foundations: Skills for Life and Work, a six-session virtual program designed to help women build practical knowledge and confidence using artificial intelligence in their daily lives and careers.

Held over three weeks from February 17 through March 4, the program brought together participants twice a week for interactive, hands-on learning. With the support of Valley Bank, Salesforce, Accenture, and dedicated volunteers, the curriculum covered essential topics such as AI basics, personal development with AI, adapting careers in a tech-driven world, and hands-on practice through mock interviews. The inclusion of panel sessions and interactive components created a supportive environment where participants could learn, ask questions, and build confidence.

“Participating in the AI Foundations: Skills for Life and Work program through Dress for Success was a really valuable experience,” shared Alicia, Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose Client Success Ambassador. “It made AI feel less intimidating and more like something I can actually use in my everyday life. One of my biggest barriers has been feeling overwhelmed with constantly changing technology, but this program helped shift that. As someone currently job searching, it helped me use AI to break down job descriptions, tailor my resume, and practice interviews with more confidence. This program helped me grow my skills and feel more confident using AI to navigate my job search. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”

The outcomes of the program go beyond completion numbers. Active participation, consistent attendance, and positive feedback highlight the value of creating accessible, targeted learning opportunities for women navigating a rapidly evolving workforce.

Programs like AI Foundations reflect Dress for Success San Francisco and San Jose’s ongoing commitment to equipping women with the tools and support needed to pursue economic mobility. As the workplace continues to evolve, building confidence with emerging technologies will remain an important part of helping women move forward in their careers.

Congratulations to our 39 graduates! And thank you to our partners at Valley Bank, Salesforce, Accenture, as well as our dedicated volunteers who made this program so successful!

Interested in more programs like this? Stay connected with Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose to learn about upcoming opportunities designed to support your career and build new skills.


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.

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