Gina Tolliver

"I was introduced to the D.C. Chapter of Dress for Success years ago via a local clothes drive. It all began with me just donating clothes for this event. I learned more about the organization and all of the wonderful tools and resources it provides to women to help them achieve economic independence. I began volunteering by becoming a mentor to clients in the Professional Women’s Group and participating in special events. My volunteering was limited because I had a hectic work schedule and often travelled out of town.

I retired and relocated to Arizona last year and one of the first things I did was to find the Phoenix chapter of Dress for Success. I was blown away by the beautiful boutique and career center—this place and the people gave me such a warm feeling that I knew I just had to volunteer here. I decided to volunteer in the Career Center because previously I had worked for over 23 years in Human Resources/Talent Management so I thought I could be helpful in this area. I love meeting with clients and helping them with their resumes, job searches, interviews or just listening to their stories. I get almost as excited as they do when they get an interview or a job! Recently I followed up with a client to check on her job status and not only was she in a rewarding, full time job, she also told me she wants to be a DFS-Phoenix volunteer and help others in the same manner that she was helped. I wanted to hug her through the phone. This is what it is all about, for me."