Dress for Success Lone Star Derby 2011

The day couldn't have been more perfect to launch the Dress for Success first annual Lone Star Derby Luncheon at Lone Star Park to honor two amazing women: Shon Gables from WFAA and Katy Messersmith, founder of Katydid Collections.  Both ladies exemplify strength of character, perseverance, tenacity and grace under pressure.  They've been up, they've been down, but they never gave up. And although their stories are different, they are really still very much the same and I think every person there could relate to where they've come from and celebrate where they are today.

See fabulous photos from today's event on my Facebook Fan Page

Linh Quach

Keynote speaker Nancy Lieberman gave an inspiring and hilarious address all about girl power and never giving up on your dreams.  Funny, engaging,  great insight... she's a force to be reckoned with.  If you ever need a motivational speaker, she's worth every penny she's charging.  

But honestly, I was more moved by Dress for Success Board President, Linh Quach who immigrated to America when she was young.  She spoke of her Mother's struggle to integrate into the American culture.  It was their local church who gave her Mother a new dress and that one small gesture transformed how her Mother felt about herself and gave her a whole new confidence to go out and seek work.

Small moments change the world...

Marc Mattox & Katy Messersmith

We've all heard the saying, "Clothes make the man."  Emcee Kellie Rasberry described it best when she said, "We've all heard actors interviewed who say "I had learned the lines and watched the tapes, but it wasn't until I put on the clothes and makeup that I really felt like I became the character'.

That's what Dress for Success does for the disadvantaged women they serve. These ladies can have all the skills in the world, but unless they feel like they look the part, they don't believe it".

Angela Lone, Shon Gales & Bridget Lewis

Dress for Success Dallas is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.   

Dress for Success Dallas provides each woman in their program with one suit when she has a job interview.  When she successfully lands a job, she returns to Dress for Success Dallas for a second suit and up to a week’s worth of business appropriate separates. She also receives an invitation to join the Professional Women’s Group (PWG), our employment retention service.

To learn more about this organization, or how to donate, visit their website.