Virginia's Story: A Door Opened
When meaningful employment feels out of reach, what changes everything is community: people and programs that turn readiness into action.
Before Dress for Success, Virginia said she felt invisible.
“I had been out of work for over a year, and it was one of the hardest and most humbling periods of my life.
As an older adult and a woman trying to re-enter the workforce, it often felt like the odds were stacked against me. I was doing everything I could—applying for jobs daily, showing up for over 340 interviews—but doors kept closing.
I was exhausted, discouraged, and starting to question my worth."
The rejections chipped away at her confidence. The job market didn’t seem built for someone like her. Then, while at the EDD office, something small caught her eye: a Dress for Success flyer.
“Something about that flyer made me pause. I checked the website, saw support for resumes and interviews—exactly what I needed—and filled out the form. And to my surprise, it wasn't a dead end. It was the complete opposite. Reaching out to Dress for Success turned out to be a turning point.”
Why Dress for Success
“There aren’t many resources focused on supporting women—especially women of color and older adults—in the Bay Area,” Virginia shared.
“It wasn’t so much that I had a lot of options; in truth, I didn’t. That’s what made discovering Dress for Success so powerful. The name alone says it all—empowerment, dignity, lifting women up.
Your services felt intentionally created for women like me, who often feel overlooked or left behind in the job market.”
The Shift: A Sense of Comfort & Connection
What she found was more than a program, it was a welcome.
A personal stylist and career coach greeted her with kindness and patience. Panic gave way to a plan. Next steps came into focus.
Career Wardrobe restored confidence—professional outfits that helped her walk into interviews feeling prepared and proud.
Virtual Career Coaching provided practical tools and emotional support. From resume help to interview prep and encouragement, it made Virginia feel she wasn't alone in the process.
The Google Certificates Program helped her build new, relevant skills and reminded her she could still learn and grow.
Sometimes, the barrier is as basic as getting to the door. When transportation became an obstacle, a paid ride from Uber to her Career Wardrobe appointment made a practical, human difference.
“Having Uber cover the ride lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. That one ride might seem small, but it made a big difference in helping me show up fully, ready to take the next step in my journey.”
The Result: A New Chapter
Today, she’s employed with San Mateo County, contributing her skills in public service. The momentum has reached her family, too.
“Dress for Success has truly been a blessing in my life. For the first time in a long time, I feel supported—not just as a job seeker, but as a whole person. The team is kind, patient, and genuinely wants to see women succeed. Their support has also lifted the weight off my family's shoulders. When a woman is empowered, her whole household feels it. I've regained confidence and hope, and that has allowed me to show up stronger for my loved ones.
Dress for Success doesn’t just offer services. They offer heart, community, and the belief that we, as women, deserve every opportunity to thrive. I’ll forever be grateful for what they’ve given me.”
Your Part Matters. Open a Door Today.
One open door can change the trajectory of a woman, her family, and the larger Bay Area community. This is what it looks like when opportunity is passed forward. One plan, one interview, one paycheck at a time.