August 2023
Executive Director's Message
New Board President
Overstock Sale
Donna Broder Scholarship Winners
Volunteer of the Month
Volunteer Orientation Meeting
August Professional Women's Group Recap
Next Road to Success
Become a Circle of Impact Member
Ways to Support Us
Hello supporters and friends:

The hottest news topic lately is the heat we’re all experiencing. Here at DFSPB, aside from the weather, the level of our activities is piping hot! 

We concluded our third annual Teacher Appreciation Shopping Experience, inviting local teachers and school personnel to select a free back-to-school outfit of their own as a thank you for their service. Over the course of two weeks at both our Palm Springs and Belle Glade boutiques 18 volunteer personal stylists helped 160 women find the perfect wardrobe additions to take them to the head of the class! 

Lynn Taylor, a Belle Glade Central High School teacher, told WPBF-TV News reporter Angela Rozier, who covered the first day of the program, “I’ve been teaching for 26 years, and I’ve never had this type of opportunity, so this makes me feel valued and special.” Watch the segment here

The growth of this initiative, which also included gifting each participant with a “swag bag” of goodies, is owing to the significant contributions of so many sponsors: AARP, Chick-fil-A, Costco, Guardians Credit Union, Massage Envy, PDQ, Promise Fund of Florida, Sam’s Club, Solid Waste Authority, Starbucks, TLC4Teachers, Truist, Whole Foods, and WhoopConnect. Thank you, all!

Road to Success hit a historic milestone with 22 women completing the six-week job readiness program aided by 14 volunteer mentors. The next RTS term is October 4-November 15, and the takeaway is a massive boost of self-esteem and realization of self-worth. So, if you know someone who might benefit from this offering or would like to be a mentor, please contact our coordinator Jodi Cutler, jcutler@dressforsuccesspb.org. 

Volunteers are diligently at work preparing for what promises to be one of our best-ever Shop for Success Pop-Ups: THE OVERSTOCK SALE! With unbelievable inventory additions over the past four months, it’s happening in our Congress Avenue boutique Thursday, September 7 through Saturday, September 9. Those who want a head-start on snagging some phenomenal fashion bargains can register for a $50 VIP ticket (free to Circle of Impact donors and a guest) and begin their spree at 4 p.m. until closing at 9 p.m. Friday we’ll be open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and it’s free those days (well, at least until you rack up all your purchases!)

Circle of Impact (COI) members (we now have 67 who have joined the ranks of $1000+ givers and who are publicly acknowledged via a plaque that hangs in our Palm Springs reception area) have other exciting thank you “perks” coming their way soon. See the “flyer” below for the schedule of special events and the newly defined levels of membership. Interested in stepping up your own commitment to become a COI member? Let’s talk, please. 

The volunteers who give so generously and tirelessly of their time to DFSPB are vital to our existence, and our gratitude for them is endless. So, the staff and I have established a “Volunteer of the Month” salute – and our first honoree, for July 2023, is Nilda Morales. In the year she’s been with us, she’s practically a daily presence: A stylish stylist for clients, and a jack-(er, jill)-of-all-trades helping at our Pop-Up sales, the Style for Hope Luncheon, the Belle Glade anniversary, and other events. Congratulations and huge thanks, Nilda.

We’ll be thanking ALL volunteers with Champagne Cheers, Wednesday, August 23, 5-7 p.m. It’s when I will share an update on our relocation plans and report on the status of our programs, fundraising, and operations goals. I hope to see you then.
Joe Ann Fletcher, M.Ed., ABD
Executive Director

Dress for Success Palm Beaches
2459 S Congress Ave, Suite 204
Palm Springs, FL 33406
(561) 249-3898 (Office)
(954) 263-1984 (Cell)
Lana Blackman, Board President

A special thank you to Board Member Lana Blackman who has stepped up to be our new Board President. Lana replaces our past president, Bridjette Shelfo.

You will hear more from our Board President in the September issue.

Thank you, Lana!
Executive Director, Joe Ann Fletcher pictured with two of DFSPB Scholarship recipients, Daphlie Cenat, and Morgan Anderson, along with Jay Broder from the Broder Family Foundation in honor of his deceased wife who served unselfishly at Dress for Success for many years.
Announcing the 2023 Winners of the Donna Broder Scholarship
We are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Daphlie Cenat and Morgan Anderson, the distinguished recipients of the Donna Broder Scholarship, presented by Dress for Success Palm Beaches. With immense pride, Dress for Success Palm Beaches honors these two deserving individuals for their exceptional dedication to education and personal growth. The $1000 scholarship awarded to each of them serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to pursuing higher education and realizing their dreams.
 
Named in memory of a devoted volunteer who selflessly dedicated numerous years to empowering women at DFSPB, the Donna Broder Scholarship embodies the spirit of empowerment, resilience, and community support. Daphlie Cenat and Morgan Anderson exemplify these qualities through their determination to excel academically and contribute positively to their futures. As Dress for Success Palm Beaches continues to uplift and transform lives, these scholarship winners stand as inspiring examples of the organization's mission in action.
 
Volunteer of the Month: Nilda Morales
Heartfelt congratulations to Nilda Morales on being named the July Volunteer of the Month for Dress for Success Palm Beaches! The staff unanimously voted for Nilda to win this award based on her dedication, passion, and outstanding contributions, which have truly set her apart and made a lasting impact on our organization.

Nilda’s commitment to empowering and uplifting women in our community through her exceptional styling skills is truly commendable. Her ability to transform not just their appearance, but also their confidence and self-esteem, is a testament to her remarkable talent and the positive energy she brings to every appointment.

Nilda’s hard work and genuine care have not gone unnoticed. We appreciate her presence in the Boutique, and her consistent commitment to making sure it is always stocked, clean, and organized. Nilda worked nonstop during Teacher Appreciation event. Nilda, your fellow volunteers, the staff, and, most importantly, the women you have assisted, all recognize the significant role you play in helping Dress for Success Palm Beaches fulfill its mission.

We are incredibly fortunate to have you as part of our team. Your creativity, kindness, and unwavering support exemplify the spirit of Dress for Success. Your efforts resonate deeply and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. 
Volunteer Orientation Meeting
At the volunteer meeting held on August 17th, the Executive Director welcomed community leaders who are interested in volunteering. We currently have over 120 active volunteers. The next volunteer orientation will take place in November (date TBA). Please visit our website for volunteer opportunities.
August Professional Women’s Group - Shaping the Future with Artificial Intelligence
The August PWG event unlocked the future with an insightful session on Artificial Intelligence (AI), hosted by the esteemed Tirzah Gabourel, Associate Director of Master Data Governance & Enterprise Systems at ZimVie, Inc. Tirzah led an illuminating exploration of AI's vast landscape, from its foundational principles to its profound impact on our lives by delving into the realm of AI, demystifying its intricacies, and showcasing its relevance in our daily routines.
 
Topics addressed ranged from Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing to Robotics and offered a deeper understanding of these dynamic facets and their tangible applications in various industries. As we navigated the AI landscape, we delved into the pivotal topic of ethics, shedding light on the crucial considerations of fairness, privacy, and the evolving employment landscape in the AI era.
 
The future of AI beckons, and Tirzah Gabourel insightfully guided us through its exciting potential and forthcoming innovations. Captivating prospects lie ahead, and we discussed the transformative power of AI and its role in shaping our world. This enriching session culminated in a hands-on demonstration, showcasing the tangible possibilities achievable through readily available tools.
 
Tirzah Gabourel's illustrious background as a visionary leader at ZimVie, Inc. and her significant contributions to advancing disruptive technologies, coupled with her dedication to empowering communities through engineering initiatives, made her the perfect guide on this enlightening AI journey.
 
Help Ensure Our Future by Becoming a
Member of the Circle of Impact
Our Circle of Impact is a select group of current and former business leaders who have pledged an annual minimum donation of $1,000. Members are acknowledged for their generosity, their names appearing on a distinctive plaque at our headquarters, plus they enjoy several exclusive perks throughout the year. View our flyer here for more information or to donate, please visit our website.
Company Matching Grants
Many organizations offer a company match program for donations made by their employees to nonprofit organizations, and some even offer volunteer grants. If your employer offers such programs, please consider requesting a donation to Dress for Success Palm Beaches.

Charitable Bequest
Leave a legacy! Please consider adding a charitable bequest to our organization to your will. Be sure to designate our organization by our full name: Dress for Success Palm Beaches.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS PALM BEACHES INC IS A 501(C)3. FL SOLICITATION #CH34892A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELPFLA, OR VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS PALM BEACHES