News
Board members Bansari Mehta (left) and Andrew Noland (right) pictured holding Oklahoma City Young Professionals Horizon Awards
Suited for Success Board Members selected for Award
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Award Winners!
We would like to congratulate our board members Bansari Mehta and Andrew Noland for being recipients of the Oklahoma City Young Professionals Horizon Award. They are both outstanding examples of up-and-coming young professionals, and we could not be more proud that they are members of our Board. It is an honor to work alongside you both! Congrats, Bansari and Andrew!
Suited for Success Workshop March 20, 2018
News 9 recognizes the March 20, 2018 workshop
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Thank you to News 9 for the wonderful recognition of this important workshop!
Suited for Success Celebrates 20-year Anniversary
Plans to build on 20 years of success
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success is celebrating 20 years of providing professional clothing to low income women actively seeking employment. To celebrate their 20-year anniversary, Suited for Success is hosting an invitation-only event at Gaillardia on September 8th, 2017, from 6-10 pm. The event will include a live DJ, dancing, light hors d’oeuvres, a wine pull and silent auction. The organization is inviting past clients and community supporters to celebrate the organization and recognize women who are striving for a better life for themselves and their children.
From humble beginnings in the remodeled basement of the old Catholic Charities building, Suited for Success has risen to their current location at street level on Highline Boulevard. They offer a personalized shopping experience for women to receive free professional clothing. During their two decade journey, they have added 65 referral partners and assisted more than 9,000 women. The organization also hosts career training and workshops to help their clients launch new careers.
“Our goal is to help women start a new chapter in their professional lives,” said Susan Walton, executive director. “When women feel that they project a professional appearance, they are empowered, self-confident and ready to approach their career search with enthusiasm.”
In celebrating their first 20 years, the organization’s leadership plans to build on past successes. Their immediate goals include adding quarterly training classes to reinforce the information that clients received from other sources. They also plan to expand their resume program so that every client can produce a standout resume, helping clients secure the job that will further their independence.
The organizations challenge is the need for more space. Suited for Success hops to serve more women, provide additional services on site, and have space for a resale area that will help to financially sustain their ongoing needs. The long term goal is to add a mobile boutique, to better serve their furthest referral partners such as Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center in Choctaw and Langston University in Langston.
Walton credits the organization’s past accomplishments and hope for the future to the unwavering support of volunteers, staff, referral partners and donors. “I am profoundly grateful for those who make our mission, ‘Helping Women Achieve Self Sufficiency,’ a reality. Our future growth and success depends on the benevolence and philanthropy of our donors and volunteers,” Walton said. “Our wish when we blow out our birthday candles includes a building big enough to hold all of our plans and dreams and a truck to transport services and hope to the women who need them.
Suited for Success Fundraiser, PURPLE! Featuring Mama Durant
Event Raises Funds for Under-served Women Joining the Workforce
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success hosts their signature fundraising event of the year, PURPLE!, April 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Paramount, 701 W. Sheridan on Film Row in Oklahoma City. Wanda Pratt is this year’s special guest speaker and event emcee. Tickets are available for $50 each.
Attendees will hear Wanda Pratt, lovingly known as Mama Durant, tell her inspiring story and how she encourages women to take control of their lives and achieve the future of their dreams, a mission she has in common with Suited for Success. Guests can also enjoy a selection of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while watching a live fashion show throughout the evening with past Suited for Success clients and models.
There will be a silent auction and raffle for a variety of items such as a night’s stay and dinner at the Grand Casino in Shawnee, OKC Riversport Adventures tickets, murder mystery dinner tickets at the Stone Lion Inn in Guthrie, tickets to a the Nut Cracker by the Oklahoma Ballet, jewelry and more.
“PURPLE!, our largest fundraising event, is our chance to raise the vital funds that allow us to continue our mission to provide women with professional clothing and the tools they need to become self-sufficient,” said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “Last year we were able to positively impact the lives of more than 500 women with our program. We are thankful for the support we receive from our community and look forward to providing resources to many more women this year.”
During the event board members and staff will present the "Client Achievement Award” recognizing a previous client who has achieved growth in both their self-confidence and professional success and the “Hand-Up Award” recognizing an individual or organization that has assisted Suited for Success in better serving the public and executing their mission.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit SuitedforSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089. Funds raised from the event will contribute to the mission of Suited for Success and be used to provide women in central Oklahoma with professional clothing who have completed a job-readiness program and are actively seeking for employment. Professional attire is provided to the client at no cost, creating an opportunity to empower women to find and keep jobs that provide them with economic independence.
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedforSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited for Success Celebrates Women's History Month by Honoring and Empowering Women Through National Event
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success joins several organizations across the country to celebrate the fourth annual national Smart & Sexy Day on March 26. In conjunction with Women's History Month, Smart & Sexy Day creates awareness of opportunities available for disadvantaged and low income women to gain skills training, self-confidence and professional attire so that they may join or return to a professional work environment. A proclamation was signed by Governor Mary Fallin in support of the day.
As part of the celebration, Suited for Success will host training to provide attendees with the tools they need to secure a job through the interview process. Seminars will include “Body Image Training” with Eureka Calhoun, Velvet Lope Styling; “Dressing For Your Body Type” with Bryon A. Dickens, Covington Image Consulting and Professional Development; "Workplace Training: Getting and Keeping a Job" with Mary Ramsey, Marketing and Sales Director Express Employment Professionals; “First Impression Makeover: Interview Makeup” with Diana Boyd, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant and special garment fittings hosted by Ariela & Associates International.
“At Suited for Success, we provide women with many tools and opportunities for a successful job search far beyond a suit,” said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “Smart & Sexy Day is a chance for attendees to learn skills to prepare them for the workforce and receive properly fitted garments to complete professional outfits so that they are ready to put their best foot forward when meeting with a prospective employer.”
Smart and Sexy Day was developed through a partnership with the Alliance of Career Development Nonprofits and Ariela & Associates International, a privately held lingerie company. Suited for Success is a member agency of the Alliance of Career Development Nonprofits, a national organization of independent, community-based organizations who provide professional clothing and career training to low income women.
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who are referred through a job training or social service agency and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Support Suited for Success by Donating During “Spring Cleaning Week”
Assist Women Joining the Workforce with Business Attire Donations
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success has once again teamed up with metro-area Curves and Mademoiselle locations for its annual “Spring Cleaning Week” clothing drive March 16-21. Donations of business and interview appropriate clothing will be accepted at participating Curves and Mademoiselle locations as well as the Suited for Success office. Contact the drop-off location of your choice for hours of operation.
Suited for Success accepts professional clothing donations including suits, jackets, slacks, skirts, dresses and blouses. The organization also welcomes accessories such as conservative jewelry, scarves, shoes, purses and briefcases as well as new, unopened hosiery, makeup and toiletries. All sizes of donations are accepted as long as the clothing is conservative in style, clean and on hangers so the clothing can be worn immediately for job interviews and to the workplace.
If you have a business or organization and are interested in hosting your own clothing drive benefiting Suited for Success, please contact us at (405) 521-1089.
“More than 95 percent of our clients report an increase in self confidence and professionalism and that they feel more prepared for their job search after being suited,” said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “We have been able to make such a difference in the lives of these women thanks to the continued support and donations we receive from our community.”
Start “spring cleaning” out your closet and donate your items at one of these locations:
Suited for Success: Curves locations:
4149 Highline Boulevard, Oklahoma City 610 S. Kelly, Edmond, (405) 715-1150
(405) 521-1089 1621 S. Douglas, Midwest City, (405) 739-0409
17408 NE 23rd Street, Choctaw, (405) 390-0295
Mademoiselle locations:
7700 S. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, (405) 686-0051
2950 NW 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, (405) 848-1199
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Swap Spring Clothing with Metro Women at Suited for Success
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success will host a Spring Clothing Swap on March 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Suited for Success office located at 4149 Highline Blvd., Suite 370 in Oklahoma City. Guests can enjoy networking, refreshments and the clothing swap.
For admission into this event, Suited for Success asks that each guest bring a donation of two new, unopened makeup or toiletry items. Attendees can bring up to five clothing items to swap from the Suited for Success Treasure Room or from the items brought by other guests. All of the makeup and toiletry items collected as admission will go to Suited for Success clients as well as any clothing items that are not swapped at the end of the event.
“Our Spring Clothing Swap is such a fun opportunity for the women in our community to come together, give back and also walk away with something new for their own wardrobe,” said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “I think we all have a few pieces in our closets that we wouldn’t mind swapping out. When people donate to Suited for Success, they often forget that we need new, unopened makeup and toiletries in addition to clothing. This admission is a great way for us to collect those items.”
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited for Success Plans 'Power Lunch' Event
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success hosts their first 'Power Lunch' event Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Greens Country Club, 13100 Green Valley Drive in Oklahoma City. Linda Cavanaugh, veteran television anchor of Oklahoma's News Channel 4, will be the guest speaker.
Attendees will enjoy lunch, networking and messages from Linda Cavanaugh, Lisa Poston, a former Suited for Success client and Nora Pugh-Seemster, director of the Career Transitions Program at Oklahoma City Community College, a referral partner of Suited for Success.
“Our goal for the luncheon is to engage new mission partners to continue our efforts to assist women in their pursuit of economic independence," said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “This past year we have been able to impact more than 500 women with our program. We hope that participants at the Power Lunch will embrace our theme of 'empowering women one suit at a time' and join us as active donors."
While there is no cost to attend the Power Lunch, guests must RSVP by Oct. 20 by calling
(405) 521-1089. For more information or to make a donation prior to attendance, please visit SuitedforSuccessOKC.com. Donations to impact the lives of women across Oklahoma will also be accepted at the luncheon.
Funds raised from the event will contribute to the mission of Suited for Success and be used to
provide professional clothing to central Oklahoma women who are actively seeking employment. Professional attire is provided to the client at no cost, creating an opportunity to empower women to find and keep jobs that provide them with economic independence.
Suited for Success is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the good will of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited for Success Welcomes 2014-2015 Board of Directors
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success, whose mission is to help women achieve self-sufficiency by providing professional clothing and career development services, has announced its 2014-2015 board of directors.
The returning members of the 2014-2015 board of directors include Jane Crabtree as chair, Joyce Burch as co-chair, Diana Boyd, Bryon Dickens, Kelly McIntosh and Tatiana Vanderslice. Newly appointed members include Lisa Bevel, Jill Cassil and Ana Herrera.
“We are very excited to announce our new board of directors," said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “We have many goals for the next year to expand our referral partners and further our mission. The collective leadership and support from our new board will make achieving those goals possible and ensure that the women who visit Suited for Success are always well taken care of."
Suited for Success has suited more than 7,800 clients since 1997 and is dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged women secure and retain employment. After being appropriately dressed, more than 95 percent of Suited for Success clients report feeling an increase in self confidence and professionalism and are more prepared for their job search or interview.
Suited for Success is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited for Success Accepting Clothing Donations for “Spring Cleaning Week”
Donate Business Attire to Assist Women Joining the Workforce
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success, metro-area Curves and Mademoiselle locations, are partnering for the Annual “Suited for Success Spring Cleaning Week” clothing drive May 27-31. Donations of spring and summer business and interview appropriate clothing will be accepted at participating Curves and Mademoiselle locations as well as the Suited for Success office. Contact the drop-off location of your choice for hours of operation.
Suited for Success accepts donations of in-season clothing that is appropriate for a professional setting including suits, jackets, slacks, skirts, dresses and blouses. In addition, the organization utilizes accessories such as conservative jewelry, scarves, shoes, purses and briefcases as well as unopened hosiery, makeup and toiletries.
“Spring Cleaning Week is a way members of the community can directly impact the lives of underserved women who are making their best effort to join or reenter the workforce," said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “We work with local schools and agencies to assist women who are striving to take the next step in their career. After being appropriately dressed, more than 95 percent of our clients report feeling an increase in self confidence and professionalism and are more prepared for their job search or interview."
All sizes of donations are accepted as long as the clothing is conservative in style, clean and on hangers so the clothing can be worn immediately to job interviews and to the workplace. Donate your items to “Suited for Success Spring Cleaning Week,” at one of these locations:
Suited for Success: Curves locations:
4149 Highline Boulevard, Oklahoma City 610 S. Kelly, Edmond, 405-715-1150
405-521-1089 1621 S. Douglas, Midwest City, 405-739-0409
17408 NE 23rd Street, Choctaw, 405-390-0295
Mademoiselle locations:
7700 S. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, 405-686-0051
2950 NW 63rd, Oklahoma City, 405-848-1199
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited for Success to Host Annual Fundraiser, PURPLE!
Event Raises Funds for Underserved Women Joining the Workforce
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success hosts their signature fundraising event of the year, PURPLE!, April 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Exchange, 700 1/2 West Sheridan on Film Row in Oklahoma City. Chellie Mills, KFOR-TV anchor, will serve as event emcee.
Attendees can enjoy a selection of wine and hors d’oeuvres while watching a live fashion preview throughout the evening with past Suited for Success clients and models showcasing the latest trends from Ruth Meyers, J. Spencer and Nancy Farha's Women's Clothing and Accessories. Tickets will be available at the event to enter a raffle or attendees can participate in a silent auction for a variety of items such as a fox-trimmed scarf from Koslow's, a night's stay and murder mystery dinner tickets at the Stone Lion Inn in Guthrie, tickets to a Lyric Theatre production, jewelry and more.
Individual tickets are available for $50 each and student tickets are available for $25. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit SuitedforSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
“More than 95 percent of our clients report feeling an increase in self confidence and professionalism after being appropriately dressed,” said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “This past year we have been able to positively impact the lives of more than 500 women with our program. We are thankful for the support of the community and look forward to providing resources to many more women this year.”
During the event board members and staff will present the "Client Achievement Award” recognizing a previous client who has achieved growth in both their self confidence and professional success and the “Hand-Up Award” recognizing an individual or organization that has assisted Suited for Success in better serving the public and executing their mission.
Funds raised from the event will contribute to the mission of Suited for Success and be used to provide women in central Oklahoma with professional clothing who have completed a job-readiness program and are actively seeking for employment. Professional attire is provided to the client at no cost, creating an opportunity to empower women to find and keep jobs that provide them with economic independence.
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedforSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited for Success Celebrates 3rd Annual National Smart and Sexy Day
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success joined several organizations across the country in celebration of the third annual national Smart and Sexy Day on March 19. In conjunction with Women's History Month, Smart and Sexy Day creates awareness for opportunities for disadvantaged and low income women to gain skills training, self-confidence and professional attire to join or return to a professional work environment.
As part of the celebration, Suited for Success hosted training seminars at Metro Tech Spring Lake Campus with the goal to enable attendees with the tools and training they need to secure a job through the interview process and enhance the quality of their lives. Seminars included "Body Image Training" with Lukeesha Thompson, Miss Black Oklahoma City, "Wardrobe Training: Build an Affordable Professional Wardrobe That Looks Like a Million!" with Bryon A. Dickens, Covington Image Consulting and Professional Development and "Workplace Training: Life and Balance" with Sharon Barrows-Cooper, professional executive leadership coach. Also, Ariela-Alpha International, hosted garment fittings for attendees.
Smart and Sexy Day was developed through a partnership with The Women's Alliance and Ariela-Alpha International, a privately held lingerie company. Suited for Success is a member agency of The Women's Alliance, a national organization of independent, community-based organizations who provide professional clothing and career training to low income women.
“By providing women with professional clothing that fits them well, we find they automatically have a confidence boost," said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. "Our goal through Smart and Sexy Day, and every day, is to present women with all the tools they need to become self-sufficient and put their best foot forward when meeting with a prospective employer."
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who are referred through a job training or social service agency and are actively seeking employment.
Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited For Success Receives $1,000 Product Donation from Local Regis Salons
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success received a donation of hair care products and other personal care items valued at $1,000 from three Regis Smart Style Salons, two in Norman and one in Mustang. The organization will distribute the products to clients to help build a professional image and self-confidence for job interviews.
“A donation like this makes a positive impact on our program,” said Susan Walton, executive director for Suited for Success. “Not only do we provide professional clothing items, but also our clients receive personal care items to create the ideal image for a job interview or new career.”
The three salons are members of the Regis Corporation. The donations were made available through Suited for Success’s partnership with Good360, an international non-profit that improves lives and strengthens communities by mobilizing businesses to donate goods.
“Regis Corporation has a history of volunteering and donating to natural disaster relief efforts, community support programs and campaigns that support breast cancer research,” said Dan Hanrahan, Regis Corp. Chairman and CEO. “Our stylists and team members are proud of the communities we live and work in, and we believe in making a positive impact on the neighborhoods we serve.”
In July and August 2013, more than 7,000 Regis Corporation salons across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico partnered with Good360 to donate these products directly to regional and neighborhood nonprofits. Suited for Success was one of more than 1,000 nonprofits that received products for their communities from Regis area salons.
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited for Success to Assist Women Affected in Recent Tornadoes Rebuild Professional Wardrobes
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success is helping Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) registered women affected by the recent tornadoes rebuild their wardrobes. Women may receive clothing by scheduling an appointment with Suited for Success and presenting their FEMA Public Assistance Program card through Sept. 30.
“As an extension of our mission to present women with appropriate work wear at no cost to them, we would like to assist women who have been affected by the recent tornadoes and severe storms,” said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “We want to help them return to work quickly, aid in rebuilding their lives and start the healing process."
Those who have been affected can schedule an appointment at Suited for Success by calling (405) 521-1089. Interested women must present their FEMA issue Public Assistance Program card. If you have been displaced and would like more information on FEMA assistance, visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
Suited for Success accepts clothing donations of new or gently used professional attire that is clean and on hangers during regular business hours, Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the third Friday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited for Success, Johnathan Kayne, Host Pretty in Purple May 2
Event Raises Funds for Underserved Women Joining the Workforce
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success will host their signature fundraising event of the year, Pretty in Purple, May 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Montgomery Event Center, 500 West Main Street in Oklahoma City. Johnathan Kayne, fashion designer and Project Runway All Star, will serve as event emcee.
Attendees can enjoy a selection of wine and hors d’oeuvres while watching a live fashion preview throughout the evening with the latest trends from Nancy Farha's Women's Clothing and Accessories and Johnathan Kayne's latest creations. Tickets will be available at the event to enter a raffle for prizes such as a Michael Kors handbag courtesy of Dillard's, a Kindle Fire courtesy of Allegiance Credit Union, Johnathan Kayne Shoes, gift certificates and more.
“Since last year, we have been able to provide 496 clients with professional clothing and the self-confidence boost necessary to secure the job they have been trained for,” said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “We are very thankful to the community for their contributions of time, clothing and funding and we look forward to being able to provide the best possible resources for many more clients this year.”
Individual tickets are available for $50 each. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit www.suitedforsuccessokc.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Funds raised from the event will contribute to the mission of Suited for Success and be used to present business-appropriate clothing to women in the Oklahoma City metro who have completed a job-readiness program and are actively seeking for employment. Professional attire is provided to the client at no cost.
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited for Success Celebrates 2nd Annual National Smart and Sexy Day
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success joined several organizations across the country in celebration of the second annual national Smart and Sexy Day. Smart and Sexy Day creates awareness for opportunities for disadvantaged and low income women to gain skills training, self-confidence and professional attire to join or return to a professional work environment. A Proclamation by the Governor deemed March 13 as "Smart and Chic Day" in Oklahoma.
Smart and Sexy Day was developed through a partnership with The Women's Alliance and Ariela-Alpha International, a privately held lingerie company. Suited for Success is a member agency of The Women's Alliance, a national organization of independent, community-based organizations who provide professional clothing and career training to low income women.
As part of the celebration, Suited for Success hosted training seminars at Metro Tech Spring Lake Campus with the goal to enable attendees with the tools and training they need to secure a job through the interview process and enhance the quality of their lives. Seminars included "Body Image Training" with Pat Robinson, Suited for Success volunteer, "Wardrobe Training: Build an Affordable Professional Wardrobe That Looks Like a Million!" with Amber Leach of Wal-Mart and "Success 101" with Cayla Patzke of Chesapeake Energy. Also, Ariela-Alpha International, hosted garment fittings for attendees.
“By providing women with professional clothing that fits them well, we find they automatically have a confidence boost," said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. "Our goal through Smart and Sexy Day, and every day, is to present women with all the tools they need to become self-sufficient and put their best foot forward when meeting with a prospective employer."
Other events were held in conjunction with Smart and Sexy Day throughout the country by other The Women's Alliance organizations:
-Jackets for Jobs in Detroit
-Bottomless Closet New York in New York City
-The Career Wardrobe in Philadelphia
-Image for Success in San Rafael
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited for Success, Curves and Mademoiselle Partner for Annual “Spring Cleaning Week”Donate Business Attire to Assist Women Joining the Workforce
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Suited for Success, metro-area Curves and Mademoiselle locations, are partnering for the Annual “Suited for Success Spring Cleaning Week” clothing drive March 18-23. Donations of spring and summer business and interview appropriate clothing will be accepted in participating Curves and Mademoiselle locations as well as the Suited for Success office.
Suited for Success accepts donations of in-season clothing that is appropriate for a professional setting including suits, jackets, slacks, skirts, dresses and blouses. In addition, the organization utilizes accessories such as conservative jewelry, scarves, shoes, purses, briefcases, unopened hosiery, makeup and toiletries.
“Spring Cleaning Week is a way to invite members of the community to participate by cleaning out their closets which in turn, can help metro-area women who are either returning to the workforce or entering the workforce for the first time,” said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “We work with local schools and agencies to assist women who are striving to take the next step in their career. Often, career wear is all they need to boost their confidence and help them secure a job and reach their goals.”
All sizes of donations are accepted as long as the clothing is conservative in style, clean and on hangers so the clothing can be worn immediately to job interviews and to the workplace. Donate your items to “Suited for Success Spring Cleaning Week,” at one of these locations:
Suited for Success
4149 Highline Boulevard, Oklahoma City
Curves locations:
610 South Kelly, Suite G, Edmond
1621 South Douglas, Suite C, Midwest City
17408 NE 23rd Street, Choctaw
Mademoiselle locations:
7700 South Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City
2950 N.W. 63rd, Oklahoma City
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.
Suited for Success Bestows Awards at Appreciation Luncheon
(OKLAHOMA CITY) - Board members and staff of the non-profit organization Suited for Success hosted their annual appreciation luncheon and awards ceremony Saturday, Feb. 16 at the North MacArthur Church of Christ.
Several award winners were recognized at the event including those nominated for the "Client Achievement Award." This award recognizes previous and current clients of Suited for Success who have achieved growth in both their personal self-esteem and professional success as a result of their coaching. Nominees are recommended by a referring program or agency and voted upon by the Suited for Success Board of Directors. Nominees were Ariel Coleman, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Sandra K. Miller, OIC of Oklahoma County and Arnice Upchurch, EmPower Program at Rose State College.
Sandra K. Miller was awarded the 2013 "Client Achievement Award." Miller came to Suited for Success in 2007 and has since completed several additional educational courses and has been employed with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse for five years.
"I'm so thankful for the Suited for Success programs and how many women just in my program it has helped," said Pam Emmons of the EmPower Program at Rose State College.
Don and Carol Kaspereit were awarded the 2013 "Hand Up Award." This award recognizes individuals or organizations that assist Suited for Success with better serving the public and executing their mission. The Kaspereit's have generously donated their time and resources to help fulfill the needs of the organization since 2005.
“Our mission is to provide women with professional clothing and the tools they need to become self-sufficient,” said Susan Walton, executive director of Suited for Success. “We have assisted more than 7,100 women since we suited our first client and we wish to continue to provide programs and job readiness assistance to as many women as we can.”
Suited for Success is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services across central Oklahoma to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment. Services are provided free of charge and the organization relies heavily on donations and the goodwill of all Oklahomans. For more information visit SuitedForSuccessOKC.com or call (405) 521-1089.