Dress for Success San Francisco Develops

We hear from a lot of people that when they think of Dress for Success, they think of professional clothing and job search programs. What a lot of people don't know is that a big part of our mission is to offer support to women wherever they are on their career journey.

Our featured clients this month have stayed engaged with Dress for Success after finding employment - staying involved to learn, network, and develop leadership skills.

 Meet Corevia, Irina, Jan, and Olga.

Visit our Sweet 16 Anniversary page to make a donation to support these women and all our clients.

“Without Dress for Success, there is no way my new company would have found me on LinkedIn, nor would I have done so well on the interview.”

Corevia Flynn

I was attending a job search workshop at the San Francisco Public Library when a representative from Dress for Success shared the program offers and provided referrals. I had been looking for a job for 6 months when I came to Dress for Success.

I started with the Career Center to work on my resume and the career development bootcamp, where I had help creating my LinkedIn profile. I also participated in the Suiting Program and received an outfit for my interviews.

I am currently working at a Legal Technology Company called Everlaw.

Dress for Success was pivotal for me. When the pandemic started I was working part time, trying to make ends meet, while looking for a job. Then, I lost my job and was desperate for school to come back but didn’t know when I could return. Everlaw found my profile on LinkedIn. When they emailed me for an interview I was elated. I immediately reached out to Dress for Success and asked for assistance with the interview. They found me a coach to help me prepare. Without Dress for Success, there is no way Everlaw would have found me on LinkedIn. I also would not have done so well in the interview without their help preparing. I am so grateful and look forward to working with them to progress in my career at Everlaw. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

“Dress For Success is a great organization that helps different women to become financially independent and successful in their careers and any part of life.”

Irina Birman

I was getting ready to interview for an internship with a construction company when City College referred me to Dress For Success to help prepare, in 2010. Besides helping me with my resume, they also provided me with a new outfit. I had been working at the same company for 12 years before I changed my career in 2010, and I was grateful to receive help from Dress for Success during this time of transition. Since my initial appointment at Dress for Success, I have joined the Professional Women’s Group (PWG) employment retention program and I also participated in the Financial Literacy Program to learn to re-organize my finances.

Every year, I help with the Community Action Project, which is led by a member of the PWG.

I worked for seven years at an electrical company before being hired by BCCI Construction, my current company, in 2017. Each time I was looking for a new job, I took advantage of the Dress For Success Career Center to meet with career mentors, do mock interviews and work on my resume.

Dress For Success is a great organization that helps different women to become financially independent and successful in their careers and any part of life. I really enjoy being part of a diverse women’s group with so many different backgrounds, stories, and cultures.

“After being a client for two years, I chose to give back as the CAP delegate and created a hand book on job searching for women over 50.”

Jan McFarlane

I was searching for new and fresh ideas for a challenging chapter in my life, and was directed to Dress For Success San Francisco through the Jewish Vocational Service in San Francisco in 2014.

I have gained insights, both personal and professional, through impactful monthly-speakers on topics, such as yoga, career guidance, organizational skills, women's health and even make-up classes.

I have greatly benefited from the Finance Course and as a representative in the 2016 community CAP project, Encore, producing a hand book on the job search for women over 50.

As a lifetime learner, I continue learning through the ongoing programs, be relevant and part of a terrific group of professional ladies.

“At Dress for Success, I was introduced to the Financial Literacy Program and learned the importance of a savings account, how to save for a security deposit and more about taxes.”

Olga Poveda

I was referred to Dress for Success in 2008. My Case Manager Emilio, told me I could practice my interview skills and learn about dressing for the interview.

At the time, I was working for Pacific National Bank as a Bank Teller. I left the bank, continued my studies and earned an Accounting degree.

I now work at Mission Mental Health Clinic. I have been employed there for three years as an Administrative Assistant. At Dress for Success, I was introduced to the Financial Literacy Program and learned the importance of a savings account, how to save for a security deposit and more about taxes.

I really enjoy the Professional Women’s Group where I learned that to succeed in your job, you have to prepare and dress for the interview. Thanks to the speakers, group members and meetings I have succeeded in that regard.

Thanks to Dress for Success’s professionalism and customer care. They are dedicated to helping many women achieve our goals of a successful career. Thanks for the devotion and care you have given us.