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The Next Step
Dress for Success’ new mentorship program helps clients advance their careers.
by Karen Matthee

When May Huang graduated from the University of Washington, she was referred to YWCA Dress for Success to obtain her first “interviewing” suit. Now, three years later, she’s taking advantage of a brand-new program run by the nonprofit that helps low-income women get a foothold in the business world.

Through Dress for Success’ mentorship program, Huang has had help preparing herself for a career in real estate. Every two weeks for the past nine months, she has met with volunteer mentor Karen Calara, who owns not one, but two businesses: The Next Step Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, and KBC Intrepid Enterprises, through which she conducts real estate investments.

“When I get stuck, Karen is just one phone call or one e-mail away,” says Huang. “I love to learn, and I needed someone who knows what they’re doing — to show me the ropes.” Huang is working toward her master’s degree in business administration at City University and is forming her own business to wholesale houses — finding fixer-uppers for other investors.

This month, Huang is among the first five women to graduate from the Dress for Success mentorship program. Made up of members of the Dress for Success’ Professional Women’s Group, the program helps clients continue to develop skills and advance their careers even after they’ve found jobs. Each of the five recent graduates was matched with a mentor who works in an industry of interest to them. “It’s the ultimate dream,” says Dress for Success coordinator Tamika Vinson. “These mentors are helping the women realize their passions and narrow down interests they can turn into a profession.”

The mentors also help the women work out some personal issues, and in some cases have to be very candid, says Vinson. “Sometimes, these women need to hear things like ‘You’re spinning your wheels; let’s get all this other stuff out of the way first.’”

Calara has enjoyed working with Huang. “May really is a go-getter. She finds ways to get the education she needs.” Calara helped Huang figure out her goals and a strategy for breaking into real estate investment. “She’s gaining confidence, trying to differentiate herself from others out there,” says Calara. “The next step is getting that first house under her belt.”

The women in the mentorship program have different goals and different needs with which they need help, says Vinson. “One woman needed a car and was able to save the money to get her car. Another is in the process of getting her GED.”

In 1996, Dress for Success acknowledged the need for professional clothing for low-income women entering or reentering the workforce. Since then, the organization has provided clothing and career counseling to more than 170,000 women around the world. Dress for Success Seattle was founded two years later with an initial $30,000 grant from the Seattle chapter of Fashion Group International. And in 2002, the YWCA of Seattle, King County and Snohomish County assumed management of Dress for Success Seattle, which has served more than 4,000 clients.

©2006 Caliope Publishing Company