4 minute read
Celebrating Founders Day By Empowering Local Women
By: Kirsten Heck, Gamma Pi
Energized by the experience of hearing Joi Gordon, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide, speak at Convention, Nia Yahaya, Sigma, returned to Buffalo determined to bring her Sisters on board and along for the ride. “As soon as we got back from Convention I was able to reach out to the head of Dress for Success in our local area,” Nia recounts. “I explained to her our passion for helping our local [affiliate], and why we wanted to partner with her in the near future.”
Nia invited Michelle Barron, Executive Director of Dress for Success Buffalo, to attend the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter’s Founders Day luncheon as their special guest and speaker. Much to Nia’s delight, Michelle was quick to respond and did so with enthusiasm. “She immediately emailed us back confirming that she would be able to [attend], and asked what we wanted her to touch on when speaking,” Nia says. Nia stayed in touch with Michelle as the planning committee organized their annual event.
More than seventy-five Buffalo-area Alpha Sigma Tau Sisters gathered on November 3, 2018, to celebrate our 119th Founders Day and directly support local women. Collegians from the Epsilon Rho Chapter at SUNY Geneseo and Sigma Chapter at SUNY Buffalo State joined their Buffalo Alumnae Sisters at Crazy Jake’s in Tonawanda, New York, to enjoy lunch and learn more from Michelle about our National Service Partner’s efforts in their area. “Michelle spoke not only about the Dress for Success program itself, but she also gave our young women suggestions,” says Cassie Pershyn, Sigma Chapter alumna and President of the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter. “They’re just starting their job search and careers, and Michelle gave a lot of great tips about résumé building, and what to wear—even going so far as to caution us to watch what we share on social media because employers look at that. She was very sharp and entertaining, and we enjoyed having her. It was a really neat experience.
“She talked about how every woman should have a black suit for her first interview,” which Cassie thinks was Michelle’s most memorable tip. “In a black suit, you’re commanding the room. It’s always acceptable.”
During their planning conversations, Nia made the extra effort to ask Michelle how the chapter could help the affiliate and its clients. “While emailing back and forth, I asked her what she needed for Dress for Success in our area,” Nia says. Michelle explained to her that the affiliate has an abundance of clothing but is constantly in need of cosmetics and feminine products, as well as cash donations to keep things moving forward.
When Alpha Sigma Taus come together to empower other women, amazing things can happen. To support the needs expressed by Michelle and the affiliate, Nia and her planning committee included a donation request on the event invitation, and Sisters arrived with their contributions in hand. Together, the luncheon attendees presented Michelle with over fifty personal hygiene items and a $300 cash donation.
“I really wanted her to inspire our collegiate members and keep our alumnae interested, and she was able to do both,” Nia says. “She spoke about the reality of what women in our area are going through, what Dress for Success really does, and how we could be a part of it." Cassie added, "They're really mentoring these women, and it's not just, 'here's a suit to wear.' It's much more," referencing additional client services beyond basic interview styling. Dress for Success affiliates offer a variety of other programs to help women achieve financial independence, building their confidence as well as their marketable skill set through workshops and mentorships.
Michelle’s remarks made an impression on collegiate attendees as well. “This presentation opened my eyes to an organization that does a lot for women who are in need of proper professional clothing to land job interviews and internships,” Heather Robinson, Epsilon Rho collegian, says. “It...inspired us to delve deep into philanthropy and empower the women around us.”
The experience connected Heather and her chapter Sisters not only to Dress for Success, but also to local alumnae Sisters. Heather traveled to Buffalo with her Big and several other close Sisters and was quite pleased to break ground on some new relationships, specifically with an alumna and her own Little! “We had a great bonding experience and shared our stories of meeting one another,” Heather says. “All around it was a great experience, and I am so excited to go back again!”
After the meal and following her remarks, attendees were able to chat with Michelle and talk about potential future projects. The Buffalo Alumnae Chapter is eager to remain involved with Dress for Success and is in the beginning stages of planning a hands-on work day at the affiliate for both collegiate and alumnae Sisters. To those groups who would like to coordinate with their local Dress for Success affiliate on a similar event, Cassie says, “Be patient, but persistent. Realize that they have a lot of stuff going on as a busy nonprofit organization. If you don’t hear back, keep following up.” Be clear about what you’re asking of the affiliate and its representatives, but be flexible in your expectations and requests.
Michelle Barron, CEO of Dress for Success Buffalo
“I was honored to be the featured speaker during the Founders Day Luncheon,” Michelle says. “It was great speaking to an organization aligned with Dress for Success’ mission of empowering women and breaking the cycle of poverty, and more importantly, achieving self-sufficiency.”
When asked about her final thoughts, Nia says, “Alpha Sigma Tau is much more influential on the world than many of its members believe. We strive to do so much for others and it’s what makes us great.”
Dress for Success appreciates all nearly new, contemporary, seasonally careerappropriateapparel, accessories, handbags, shoes, and jewelry. However, theyhave a particular need for sizes 00 to 2 and sizes 14 and above. Some affiliates alsocollect personal hygiene items and cosmetics, and financial contributions are alwayswelcome. Check with your local affiliate for specific requests.
To find the Dress for Success affiliate nearest you, visit dressforsuccess.org/affiliate-list/.
