Dress for Success -Helping Women Thrive in Work and in Life

Dress for Success Winston-Salem: Helping Women Thrive in Work and in Life
By Meghan E.W. Corbett

Winston-Salem is a beautiful city with a remarkable sense of community.  The people who call it home are constantly developing ways to give back and improve the lives of those in need.  Glynis Bell is a driving force behind this effort, and she is making a real difference for many Winston-Salem residents through a local chapter of Dress for Success.  As an international nonprofit organization, Dress for Success focuses on promoting “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 Winston-Salem is something that I have wanted to bring to our community since the early 2000’s,” said Bell, the executive director of the Winston-Salem chapter.  “I wanted to combine my passion for fashion with my desire to give back.  Empowering women and girls is something that is close to my heart.”
In 1997, Dress for Success got its start in New York City when Nancy Lublin decided to turn a $5,000 inheritance into something even more.  In the nearly 15 years since its beginning, Dress for Success has served more than 500,000 women worldwide by giving them confidence in the business world. 
Bell’s desire to bring this wonderful opportunity to disadvantaged women in Winston-Salem has been very well-received.  On November 11, 2011, The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem announced a $10,000 grant for Dress for Success.  “We were grateful that the organization and its members feel that the work that we are doing in our community is worth the funding,” said Bell.  “This valuable funding will enable us to support our office and boutique as a location in which to provide client services.  I feel that our space is a place that we can call home and a foundation to continue building our program.”
One of the most important features of Dress for Success Winston-Salem is the organization’s emphasis on a hand up rather than a hand out.  It gives women a sense of dignity in a time when confidence is of the utmost importance.  “Dress for Success Winston-Salem is a program that offers our clients a hand up for success, never a hand out,” said Bell.  “Our goal is to help women on the road to self-sufficiency by giving them the support, encouragement and tools to become successful in work and in life.  Having a space helps establish our footprint in the community – stilettos of course!”
In just three short years, Bell has gained the attention of many reputable organizations in the area, and it is her hope for the attention to continue for all involved!  “We want it to be a place where our clients and volunteers are safe and enjoy coming to visit,” said Bell.  “We want it to be a place that transforms lives from the outside in!”  Transforming lives in Winston-Salem through Dress for Success Winston-Salem began with a small vision and big faith and will continue for many years to come with continued support from the community.
For more information about Dress for Success Winston-Salem, including upcoming events, volunteer information and how to make a monetary or clothing donation, visit www.dressforsuccess.org, email Glynis Bell at winstonsalem@dressforsuccess.org/winstonsalem or call 336.816.3058.