Austin women
empowering women
Since 2003, Dress for Success Austin has served over 18,000 women+ in Central Texas through referrals from 100+ non-profit and government agencies.
Through our six active career development programs, we provide women with the resources, tools and support they need to not only secure gainful, fulfilling employment, but to continue growing personally and professionally long after their last appointment.
Our History
In 1996, Nancy Lublin, a second-year law student, received a $5,000 inheritance from her great-grandfather and decided to turn this gift into one that would keep on giving. She teamed up with three nuns in her area and, identifying a crucial need that was not being filled, founded Dress for Success in the basement of a church in Manhattan that same year.
From that original basement boutique, the mission of Dress for Success spread over all North America and then across the globe, demonstrating that achieving economic independence is a challenge that all women face regardless of their location, language, customs or culture. Today, there are nearly 150 Dress for Success affiliates in 25 countries. Year after year, Dress for Success is able to achieve monumental milestones by rallying the support of each local community.
Upcoming Events
Who We Are
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Mia Johns
Executive Director
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Laurie Annear
Director of Development
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Alexia Lopez
Communications Manager
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Nina Guilford
Program Manager
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Jessica Chandler
Development Manager
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Julia Hathaway
Program Coordinator
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Liz Seither
Inventory Coordinator
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Harolyn Collins
Client Services Administrator
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Haley Poorman
Volunteer Manager
2024 Board of Directors
Executive Board
Sarah Wasaff, President, ML&R Wealth Management
Andrea Nicholas, Vice President, Consultant
Trena Robinson, Secretary, Vivent Health
Paula Harmon, Treasurer, Insurance Council of Texas
Board Members
Mimi Bond, Keller Williams Realty, Inc.
Teri Evans, Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa
Greta Gonzales, Texas Mutual Insurance Company
Lisa Lucero, AT&T
Leanne Metcalfe, Aon
Diane Ramos, AMD
Dubravka Romano, Consultant
Vandana Singh, Schneider Electric
Dottie Watkins, CapMetro
Teresa Brinson
Thank you for your support!
FAQs
How do I make an in-kind donation?
We are now accepting clothing donations on the third Friday of every month from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Please bring us your very best 20 items! And remember we ALWAYS accept handbags, shoes, jewelry, and unopened toiletries or cosmetics!
West Bank Dry Cleaning locations are not accepting donations on our behalf at this time.
Can you pick up my in-kind donations?
We are not able to pick up in-kind donations from a third party location. Contact us to coordinate drop off of large donations.
How does your affiliate operate?
Each Dress for Success affiliate location is a member of Dress for Success Worldwide and is an independent nonprofit with its own policies, staff and board of directors. The Worldwide office licenses the Dress for Success name to affiliates, but each affiliate provides all services at no cost to the community, and relies on community partners for support.
Do you accept men’s clothing?
We do not accept men’s professional clothing donations at this time. Visit heartening.org for a list of locations in your area that accept men’s professional clothing donations.
What is Dress for Success Worldwide?
Located in New York City, Dress for Success Worldwide was established to oversee and provide support to our affiliates around the globe. The Worldwide office also focuses on strengthening and promoting the Dress for Success brand internationally and developing relationships with corporate, media and other sponsors.
How do I host a donation drive?
If you are interested in hosting a donation drive, you can download our guide here to learn more.
What type of in-kind donations do you accept?
We accept clothing; including dresses, suits, jackets, skirts, pants, and blouses; accessories, including shoes, jewelry, scarves and purses; and toiletries and cosmetics. All clothing and accessories must be business professional and in new or like-new condition, and all toiletries and cosmetics must be unopened. See our donation guidelines for more details on accepted items.
Who is eligible to receive free services from Dress for Success Austin?
Probably you! We serve all women+* who are seeking jobs, better jobs or career advice with no income or referral requirements. Make your first appointment here.
What is the Success Starter Program?
The Success Starter Program is designed to help aspiring female entrepreneurs gain the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to start and grow their businesses. The program provides comprehensive training, mentorship, and support over a 12-week period. For more information, visit here.
*Dress for Success Austin serves anyone who identifies as a woman+, including trans women, nonbinary and gender nonconforming folx!
Hours & Location
Tuesdays & Thursdays
10am–4pm (in-person services)
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & weekends
Closed (virtual services available)
Holiday Hours
Closed (December 18-January 1, 2024)
Contact Us
Media Inquiries
Volunteer Opportunities + Clothing Donation Questions
Career Services + Client Outreach
Monetary Donations, Sponsorship Opportunities + Corporate Partnerships
General Inquiries