May 2022
Welcome Joe Ann Fletcher
Thank You & Farewell to Mary Hart - Join Us!
Client Spotlight
Boutique Shopping Event
By now, most of you know that I am leaving Dress for Success after six wonderful years. I am not leaving
for another organization (will just be dabbling in some consulting), and I am absolutely leaving on a high
note! So why leave?!! Well, it comes down to a few simple things. When I accepted the role, I committed to three-to-five years. I felt that in that amount of time, I could achieve the type of exponential growth that I love to see in an organization. And, I believe we have!

  • We have improved our revenue position such that we have a full year of operating expenses in reserve.
  • We have increased the programs and services we have available for clients (in-person and now virtually as well).
  • Prior to the pandemic, we were increasing the number of women we served each year.
  • We have increased awareness in our community regarding our full continuum of services (“beyond the suit”!).
  • We opened a second location in Belle Glade to better serve women in our western communities.
  • We have talented and committed staff members in place (the inimitable Bianca Montalvo and Pat Stidham, and our newest staff member, Alex Ramos), who have complementary strengths.
  • We have a dedicated and more diverse board of directors.

While there are a few things that I was hoping to accomplish but did not (e.g. a mobile unit!), it is my personal belief that it is time for me to move on to allow a new Executive Director to take us to the next level. I believe that our Board of Directors did a stellar job of sourcing and vetting candidates, and have selected the perfect person to do just that! (Read more about Joe Ann Fletcher below).

Before I leave, please allow me to thank you one more time for all your support. Your commitment of time, talent and treasure is what helped us to get where we are. You helped us not only survive but thrive through the pandemic – such a trying time for the women we serve! (Sadly, a number of Dress for Success affiliates closed their doors as a result of the negative impacts of the pandemic.) You believed in our ability to deliver upon our mission of empowering women to achieve economic independence, and empowered us to deliver upon that mission. My gratitude is endless and as I plan to continue to support Dress for Success in any way that I can, I'm sure our paths will cross again at some point.

A Most Heartfelt (and Hart-felt!) Thank You,

Mary Hart
Executive Director

PS – Happy to share my personal email should any of you wish to stay in touch:
maryghart1979@gmail.com.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Executive Director, Joe Ann Fletcher.

Joe Ann comes to Dress for Success with over two decades of leadership experience in nonprofit management, fund development, and organizational development. 

She holds a master’s degree in Counseling and Staff Development and has also completed her doctoral studies “all but dissertation” in Adult Education and Human Resource Development at Florida International University (FIU). 

Joe Ann has been recognized as one of South Florida’s Most Influential Leaders by Legacy Magazine. She is a graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXVI and a graduate of The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, Small Business Executive Program which is a part of Florida State University's College of Business. 

Joe Ann has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the National Organization of Victim Assistance (NOVA) board. She has served two consecutive terms as president of her local AKA Sorority Alumni Chapter and recently served two consecutive terms as President of the North Broward County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, a national friendship and community service organization.

Joe Ann strongly feels that her experience, creativity, energy, and strategic thinking ideas can help take our organization to the next level. She is ready to lead DFSPB and help to make a difference in the community and lives of so many others. 
Please join us to celebrate Mary Hart and raise much needed funds for our organization!
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