Volunteers gather with just a portion of the two tons of donations they gathered in 2016 for Suits 4 Success.A dozen years ago, members of the newly created Commission on the Status of Women had an idea to help disadvantaged women enter or advance in the workforce: dress them for success.
They cleared their closets of work-appropriate attire and accessories, and encouraged their friends and colleagues to do the same. The annual Suits 4 Success event has generated great support in the community in successive years, and this past year the commission collected 70 hanging wardrobe boxes of clothing, accessories and toiletries — about two tons worth — for My Sister’s Closet, an outreach program of the YWCA of Central Alabama.
“This is an important component of our mission — to enable women to be viewed and treated equitably by helping them put their best self forward when applying for work or striving to advance in the workplace,” said CSW Chair Anita Clemon. “The response of our colleagues and women in the community has been tremendous, and we are proud that Suits 4 Success is part of an enduring legacy of the Commission on the Status of Women.”
The 12th annual Suits for Success will accept donations 7-10 a.m. April 3-7 at the Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall in the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Boxes also will be placed in additional locations throughout campus. Donations accepted for women include work-appropriate attire such as clean suits, jackets, skirts, casual pants, shirts, formal and casual dresses, plus accessories such as shoes, handbags and jewelry.
To volunteer, contact Nicole Wright, ncwritght@uab.edu, or Laura W. Tull, laurawtull@uab.edu.