Women Who Inspire is Here -- Early Bird Tickets on Sale Through July 25
An evening of hope in action. Join us October 22 in San Jose.
A lot of people are looking for ways to create positive change right now. They care deeply about the challenges facing women and families -- they just wonder where they can make the greatest impact. In a time when division and uncertainty can feel overwhelming, it's easy to lose sight of the power of individual action.
Women Who Inspire is an invitation to reconnect with that possibility.
Women Who Inspire
Thursday, October 22, 2026
San Jose Woman's Club | 5:30 -- 10:00 PM
This is Dress for Success San Jose's annual event -- a night that brings together community leaders, business professionals, philanthropists, volunteers, and advocates who believe that stronger communities are built when people invest in one another.
This year's theme: Spark Change. Open Doors. Build Community.
What the evening looks like
Through stories of leadership, resilience, service, and generosity, we'll celebrate the women who inspire us while creating new opportunities for women working toward economic mobility.
Throughout the evening, we'll recognize a select group of honorees whose leadership and commitment to others have strengthened our community. Their stories aren't the focus of the event -- they're a reminder that meaningful change often begins with ordinary people choosing to open doors, share opportunities, and lift others up.
Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception with open bar, dinner, honoree recognition, a Client Ambassador story, live auction, and a pop-up boutique with gently used designer handbags, accessories, and curated clothing.
Hosted by Rasheryl McCreary, personal brand strategist and leadership presence expert.
Why it matters
Silicon Valley generates extraordinary wealth -- and extraordinary inequality.
23% of renters spend more than half their income on housing
20% of households have less than $400 in emergency savings
19% of residents live in poverty when adjusted for cost of living
Wages have declined for middle-income workers while rising sharply at the top
Women face additional barriers at every stage: accessing networks, building careers, achieving financial stability. Ambition is not the issue. Access is.
Dress for Success San Jose provides the coaching, career clothing, and skills development women need to secure employment and build long-term economic independence. In 2025, we served 1,345 women across the Bay Area -- the most in our history. Within one year of completing our cohort programs, participants saw an average income increase of 191%.
This event funds that work.
Get your early bird tickets today.
Early bird tickets are $190 through July 25. General admission is $245 after that.
Interested in sponsoring or bringing your team? Opportunities start at $5,000. Contact Marlena Cannon at marlena@sfdress.org to get started. You can also learn more about sponsoring here.
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.