BEYOND THE SUIT

Empowering Women. One Suit at a Time.

Quarterly Newsletter | Summer 2025

A Message from the Executive Director:

Welcome to Beyond the Suit — Your Inside Look at Suited for Change

Dear Friends of Suited for Change,

Thanks to your continued support, Suited for Change is entering an exciting new chapter—and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have you on this journey with us.

Today, I’m proud to reintroduce our revamped newsletter, Beyond the Suit. With a fresh look and renewed purpose, this newsletter is designed with you in mind—our dedicated supporters who make everything we do possible.

Each issue of Beyond the Suit will give you a closer look at the impact of your generosity. From program milestones to powerful client stories and behind-the-scenes updates, we want you to see exactly how your partnership is helping women across the DC region walk boldly toward economic independence.

We’re also celebrating growth within our team—another sign of exciting things to come. Please join me in welcoming three new staff members who are already making an incredible difference:

Natalie Bennett, Director of Development
Jayla Felder, Program Manager
Destiny Glee, Development & Program Assistant

With this expanded team, we are launching new initiatives, deepening our client engagement, and enhancing the services we provide. Our commitment remains the same: to meet each woman where she is and walk alongside her as she builds a future full of dignity, confidence, and opportunity.

There is so much ahead—and it’s all possible because of you. Thank you for being an essential part of the Suited for Change family.

With gratitude,

Liz Reinert

Executive Director

P.S. If you’re inspired by what you read, please consider making a gift—or share Beyond the Suit with a friend who believes in empowering women. Every action you take helps extend our reach and deepen our impact.

Donor Spotlight - Junior League of Washington

Suited for Change is proud to announce a new partnership with the Junior League of Washington (JLW), whose recent grant is providing essential support for one of the most critical roles within our organization—the Program Manager.

Goodwill Excel Center: Boutique Day with SFC

This month, we're thrilled to spotlight Goodwill Excel Center (GEC); a unique, tuition-free adult charter high school in the District that awards industry-recognized certifications and high school diplomas (not GEDs) to adult learners.

New Suit ~ From Career Coaching, Empowered Client

"When I first came to Suited for Change, I felt like a human ruin–professionally speaking. After years of struggling to get a job due to lack of experience and a phobia of, well, people, I was prepared to join a convent where I would spend the rest of my days in solitude writing daily devotionals for room, carrot, and board. Though that still doesn't sound like a bad idea, Patricia Blackshire, a job coach whose resume is too monumental to summarize, helped to convince me that I was capable of getting and keeping a job." - Suited for Change Client

In the Volunteer Circle:

SFC's Glam and Glow Counter

Meet Michelle T., our incredible Beauty Lead! Michelle curates beauty donations from around the world for our Glam & Glow Counter—personally identifying, coordinating, and managing each donation with care and precision.

Since launching the counter, Michelle has brought in standout contributions, including natural heating patches from Lola, clean and cruelty-free Korean skincare from Innisfree, and USA-made makeup palettes that are paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-GMO.

Michelle, thank you for bringing glam, glow, and global generosity to Suited for Change. Your dedication adds a touch of beauty and self-care that uplifts every woman we serve.

Our Dynamic Volunteer Duos!

Terri and Sylvia, two of our dedicated Workshop Leads, have teamed up with Suited for Change to bring the Career Coaching Suite directly to the communities we serve. They’ve co-developed engaging workshops designed to meet women where they are.

Since the relaunch of our Career Coaching Workshop Program, they’ve played a critical role in reaching over 298 women. From launching sessions with DC Central Kitchen to leading dynamic discussions with at N Street Village, their work exemplifies commitment to empower women.

Terri and Sylvia, thank you for your expertise, energy, and deep compassion. Your partnership helps power the heart of our programming.

Spotlight Behind the Scenes

Chris is a dedicated Career Coach who consistently shows empathy and care in every client interaction. Working quietly behind the scenes, Chris meets women where they are and helps guide them through meaningful steps toward their career goals.

So far in 2025, Chris has helped four women secure employment through resume rewrites, personalized coaching, and mock interviews. Chris ensures each woman feels supported throughout her journey. She has supported with securing direct job placement for four (4) women.

Chris, thank you for your steady presence, thoughtful leadership, and the lasting impact you make every day.

Volunteer Spotlight: Diedra Yates - Sewing Seeds of Impact

Diedra has gone above and beyond; coordinating the donation of three essential Boutique items: purses, shoes, and custom self-care kits designed with love by her community and organizational teams.

From weekend donation pickups to rallying her network for support, Diedra shows what impact in action looks like. And, if that’s not impact enough, an added bonus! Diedra, sews, too! She's the creative force behind our beautiful new velvet gold pillows in the SFC Boutique dressing rooms!

Program Highlight: Suited For Change's Inaugural EntrepreneurHER Workshop

There’s value in alignment. Many of us carry a dream we can’t stop thinking about and a career vision only we can fully create. But knowing where to begin, or how to build the foundation, can often be the biggest barrier. It can leave us stuck on imaginary timelines or shoving our ambitions away altogether.