“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” – Serena Williams

On March 1, Dress for Success Winston-Salem kicks off a new Women’s History Month Campaign, #EmpowerHer – 1 Hour at a Time!

This campaign is inspired by the belief that when a woman has access to opportunities that can change her life for the better, she becomes powerful beyond measure.

Our “Empowerment Champions” will rally allies throughout the community to join this movement. Champions were selected because they inspire hope, confidence, and resilience among women.  Throughout March their words and their own stories of empowerment will be featured on Dress for Success social media platforms. They will ask you to join them in giving one hour of your work compensation in support of women needing a little help taking the next step on their journey toward economic independence.

By giving the equivalent of just one hour of pay, you give a woman access to programs and services that move her out of poverty and you join this celebration of female leaders who are pooling resources to ensure the success of every woman.

Locally, the success of this campaign translates to the tangible outcomes of new starts, moves out of generational poverty, and the personal transformation that comes with empowerment.

“We are so honored to have these Champions as the faces of our very first #EmpowerHer campaign.  This incredible slate of people realize what can happen when we all put in a little to help a whole lot,” says Robin Ervin, executive director. “We want everyone to be a part of this. It doesn’t matter what your hour of pay is. What matters is that you, like our Champions, believe in empowering women.”

Why #EmpowerHer?

• Studies show that when a woman is employed, as many as six individuals in her household may follow out of poverty.
• 25% of women who participate in a mentoring program receive pay increases, compared to only 5% without mentors.
• Dress for Success’ critical work helps women gain and sustain employment and develop support systems.

“Ladies like me are really trying to get ahead in life. I needed a little help and encouragement — and that’s what I received at Dress for Success!” – Client, Heather M.

#EmpowerHer  Today with an Hour of YOUR Time at   https://bit.ly/3Jp3qpY

Florence Corpening – Retired Non-Profit CEO; Women’s Advocate

One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that it is not about me or anything I have done.

It’s about what I can do for others. Helping other women is part of all of our journeys as women.

Brooke Eagle – Publisher, Forsyth Woman Magazine

“I am honored to have been raised by a woman who unknowingly taught me the meaning of women’s empowerment. My mom instilled in me that I was capable of achieving absolutely anything! Nothing is out of reach – certainly not because I was a woman. She is independent and strong and I am proud she passed those values to me. Using Forsyth Woman as a platform to empower women is a blessing we don’t take lightly.”

“I do not wish for (women) to have power over men; but over themselves.” – Mary Wollstonecraft

Terri Stockton Foulks – Champion of People and Leader of Change, Sr Director Human Resources Reynolds American, Inc.

“By breaking down barriers and challenging biases we promote women and thus the success of generations to come. Join me in the journey.  Lead-On!”

Mary Haglund – Retired Owner of Mary’s Of Course Cafe

“As a female entrepreneur who started my own business over two decades ago, I know first-hand that women have to work twice as hard to get half as far. Once I had found my footing and my business was successful, I pledged to support other female entrepreneurs, and frankly, all women. It brings me joy to empower other women. When one of us rises, we all rise.”

Mary Jamis – President, M Creative

“Advice I’d give to my younger self— carve out space for yourself, but also carve out space to be with other women; own your power; and use that power and influence to lift other women.  Oh, and a favorite quote:

“There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” – Madeleine Albright.”

Tamara Jarrett –

“To me, empowerment is the bridge between preparation and opportunity. The first step of the journey is gaining the skills needed to achieve your dreams. The second is finding the opportunity to apply them. Part of our mission is bridging the chasm that can exist between the two. In that space, is empowerment.”

Sam Metzler –

“In my last career as a prosecutor for the US Army, I dealt with a lot of domestic violence cases.  I saw how a lack of financial independence could cause many women to feel trapped in a terrible situation.  When I learned about Dress for Success after moving back to Winston-Salem, I hoped volunteering my time to the organization might help support the DFS vision of helping women achieve financial independence so that no one has to feel powerless to change their circumstances.”

Renee Shipko –

“Show up and make time for each other. Share your story and empower another woman who might be in the same situation. As women, we need to learn from each other.”

Sharon R. Smith –

“As women, if we support one another and offer a helping hand, there is nothing we cannot accomplish together!”

Nancy Young –

“I was fortunate to learn a valuable lesson in the sixth grade – the special joy in being a part of someone else’s success.  It can feed the soul and inspire your efforts toward your own goals.  Throughout my career, I found that my sense of success was heightened when I could empower others to strive to reach their potential.  Helping someone else, especially another woman, not only made the world a better place, but always taught me something I also needed to know for my own journey.”