DFSA welcomes 6 new staff members!
We’ve got some news! Dress for Success Austin recently welcomed six new members to the team:
Nina Guilford, Program Manager
Julia Hathaway, Program Coordinator
Jessica Chandler, Development Manager
Liz Seither, Inventory Coordinator
Haley Poorman, Volunteer Manager
Harolyn Collins, Client Services Administrator
We sent along some rapid-fire questions to get to know them at a glance and here is what they had to say!
Tell us a little about yourself:
Liz: I went to the University of Miami in Florida! Go Canes! I was a musical theater major who did a lot of singing, dancing, and acting. I have been married to my husband since 2016. We have two girls, Violet is almost two and Harlow is four. Plus, another baby girl due September 1st!
Nina: I am a recent transplant to Austin, TX from Orlando, FL. I attended Rollins College and majored in International Business. I have three adult children with the youngest slated to graduate from the College of William & Mary in the fall.
I spent 20+ years with a career in Healthcare before transitioning to a life of entrepreneurship. As a professional coach specializing in helping leaders manage the messy middle. I have a love and passion for growing leaders. Over the last several years, I have slowly began to focus on my "Soul" work and that is helping women to heal their hurt, pain, shame and guilt to transform that into pure self love. It is the thing I was put on this earth to do.
Jessica: I have a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin. I’m married to my favorite person, Scott, and have four stepsons, ages 17-23. I’m also training to become an instructor at Barre3 Austin, and love how my wish to support women and lift them up is coming to fruition both personally and professionally.
Julia: I was born and raised in Austin, and I continued my time here while attending UT Austin and getting a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. In my free time, I enjoy boxing at an awesome all women’s gym (I’m now a yellow belt!), playing with my golden doodle puppy, and picking up new crafty hobbies.
Harolyn: I am a junior at Huston Tillotson University studying Psychology and a mother of two adult daughters.
Haley: I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor's in Recreation Administration and a Master's in Therapeutic Recreation. During my undergraduate years, I proudly played for the Texas State Softball team—Eat Em Up Cats! Following graduation, I relocated to Austin and dedicated over 13 years to working at a local nonprofit. Recently married, my life now includes the joy of caring for a spirited and adorable pup named River.
Q: What inspired you to work at DFSA?
Liz: I love helping women enter the workforce and find financial independence. I also think every woman should have the opportunity to feel beautiful and good about themselves with what they are wearing.
Nina: I started out as a volunteer to continue to give back and feed my soul and the mission is inspiring and aligns with my heart of service and my value to empower and transform.
Jessica: After 20 years in corporate marketing and events, I was looking for a change. I’ve been a volunteer and Circle of Impact member for the past year, and wanted to be more deeply involved with growing and promoting DFSA and all of the amazing programs available.
Julia: Through connections to the community, I was able to hear about all the wonderful work that DFSA does and the impact our programs have on Central Texas women. I came onboard as an intern this spring and was inspired by our supportive community of incredible women—clients, volunteers, and staff, alike. After my internship came to a close, I jumped at the chance to stay on with the DFSA team, and I am excited to continue supporting the women we serve.
Harolyn: After being a client with Dress for Success Austin, I was given the opportunity to apply for the Client Services Administrator position. Now that I'm part of the team, I'm excited to work with clients and the community. I cannot wait to see how we can continue to make a positive impact at DFSA.
Haley: When I discovered the Volunteer Manager position at Dress For Success Austin, I was actively seeking avenues for professional advancement. Upon learning about DFSA's mission, I was deeply inspired and immediately knew I had to apply. I am incredibly thankful for the chance to contribute to empowering women in Austin and feel privileged to be part of such a meaningful cause.
Q: What are you most excited about or looking forward to now that you're on the team?
Liz: Getting to work with such an awesome team!
Nina: I'm excited to get to meet new people in the community, serve women in a capacity I've never done before and see the impact DFSA can truly have as we continue to grow.
Julia: I look forward to meeting and getting to know even more of the amazing women we serve and work alongside. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with our amazing Programs Team as we expand our impact.
Haley: I am energized to be part of a team that is not only intelligent and kind, but also embodies a strong team mindset. Their drive is truly inspiring, and I am motivated to contribute in a meaningful and impactful manner.
Q: What women in your life have most inspired you?
Liz: My mother, and my mother in law. Both are extremely hard working women and women who inspire me to be better.
Nina: I would have to say ME! If you don't tell yourself good job, who will? If you don't celebrate yourself, who will? If you can't look yourself in the mirror everyday and find inspiration and love for self, you're looking for it in the wrong places.
That strength and sense of self comes from a long line of women in my family. So I continue to show up for me so that my daughter can learn how to show up and inspire and encourage herself along the way.
Jessica: Much of this attitude stems from my mother, who had an extremely vibrant personality and giving heart. My goal in life is to be more like her.
Julia: My mother has always been one of my heroes. After immigrating to the US when she was young, she put herself through college while raising my siblings and I. She went on to pursue an entrepreneurial endeavor later in life and now owns three businesses in Austin.
Haley: That's a profound question. I would say my mom and women in political roles inspire me greatly. As a single mother of four who re-entered the workforce after divorce, my mom's determination to provide for her children while never wavering in her role as our primary caregiver was both heartbreaking and uplifting. Her resilience continues to motivate me deeply. To all women in politics, your advocacy, support, encouragement, and decisive actions for significant change are truly appreciated. Please keep pushing forward for the betterment of your constituents.
We are so excited for these inspiring ladies to join our mission at full force! Our small, but mighty team is growing and we look forward to being able to serve more women as a result.
