2016 ACDN National Smart & Sexy Day Highlights

In honor of Women’s History Month, members of the Alliance of Career Development Nonprofits (ACDN) held events in March in select cities in the U.S. aimed at helping women prepare for employment. Smart & Sexy Day events inspire women – boosting their self-confidence so that they feel assured, confident and, most of all, employable. The holiday was launched in 2012 by the Alliance and sponsored by Ariela & Associates International, one of the largest privately held lingerie companies in the country.  The official holiday designation is on March 13th. 

We asked our ACDN Member Smart & Sexy Day hosts to offer a snapshot of their event in their own words and its impact on their clients:

IMAGE FOR SUCCESS (SAN RAFAEL, CA) – March 9th

Twenty low-income women gathered at Image for Success (IFS) in San Rafael to celebrate “Smart and Sexy Day” in connection with Women’s History month. The women learned about local job search resources and strategies from Caren Cuneo of the Marin Employment Connection.

They discovered the wardrobe colors and styles that not only flatter your figure but dress you for success from Jenny Bailey, a style consultant.  Plus, the women were shown practical and fast make-up application techniques from Grace Pescador, Mary Kay beauty consultant.   “It was a fun, uplifting day full of information and tips I’ll use in my professional life,” said one attendee.  Another added, “It was a beautiful day! I was made to feel special.”

Each participant received a bra fitting and complimentary Smart & Sexy bra from Ariela & Associates. As one attendee said, “ You have to have the right undergarment so your whole package shines.”

This is the fourth year Image for Success has held the event. – Diane Ettelson, Executive Director, Image for Success, San Rafael, CA

LADIES OF VALOR EMPOWERMENT (NORTH MIAMI, FL) – March 12th

This year, the 2016 L.O.V.E. Empowerment / Smart & Sexy Day was a huge success with over 60 attendees to include many elected officials and member from the media.  The event Mistress of Ceremony was Ms. Janey Tate, Reporter, Miami Times.  The Mayor from the City of North Miami, Dr. Smith Joseph presented a certificate of appreciation to founder Lady Alourdes Pierre for making a difference in the community.  The event was also visited by three members from the City Councils who brought greetings to the audience and shared their contentment for the work the Ladies of Valor Empowerment (L.O.V.E.) is doing in the community.  The (L.O.V.E.) organization is now working with high school middle and senior high schools called the Youth of Valor Empowerment (YOVE), they are dressed in pink and black, they will be joining with me as we continue to promote Smart & Sexy in the North Miami community.

During the event, the organization was presented with a $1,500.00 from State Farm to assist with Financial Literacy Training. In addition, the group dressed in black and pink suits is the LOVE team.

The Ladies of Valor Empowerment (L.O.V.E.) has been hosting the National Smart & Sexy Day holiday event in Celebration of Women’s History Month in partnership with ACDN for the past three years in the City North Miami, a city with the largest Haitian immigrants in the State of Florida.  This annual event has really impacted the L.O.V.E. program being the only one hosting this type of event in the community where each L.O.V.E. ladies receiving bring new undergarments upon their participation at the event.  Each year the event is getting bigger and better, Smart & Sexy is the name of the brand in the community.  In addition to the ladies, now the youth it was an “aha moment” and it is a new experience for them, arriving early to assist with setting up and to have their measurement taken, it was the first for them.  Everyone who came to the event, left excited including the elected officials, and filled with hope that tomorrow will be a better day in the community with the L.O.V.E. organization, and with supporter like ACDN and Smart & Sexy, we can not go wrong. – Alourdes Pierre, Founder/CEO, Ladies of Valor Empowerment (L.O.V.E.), North Miami, FL

BOTTOMLESS CLOSET (NEW YORK CITY, NY) – March 15th

To celebrate the 5th annual Smart & Sexy Day in New York, Bottomless Closet expanded the reach of the day by including a broader group of stakeholders.  We partnered with our supporters at Wells Fargo to host the event in their beautiful Executive Events Center located in Wells Fargo’s Midtown corporate offices.  By bringing the event to a corporate partner, we were able to involve Wells Fargo’s key staff in the planning of Smart & Sexy Day and the day’s activities.  After the event, Bottomless Closet Volunteer Roberta Dougherty, who had led a presentation at the Smart & Sexy Day on understanding workplace culture and clothing style, shared her experience of that day with almost 40 Bottomless Closet volunteers at Bottomless Closet’s Volunteer Lunch and Learn.  Volunteers who were not previously familiar with the Smart & Sexy brand or the Alliance of Career Development Nonprofits are joining Twitter so they can tweet what #SupportMeans to them!

29 women attended Smart & Sexy Day to hear from speakers on topics including business etiquette and cubicle culture as well as dressing for a job interview on a budget.  The bra fittings and bra giveaways were a great hit, with clients gushing that they “loved this workshop” and were “inspired to look [their] best and be confident in the workplace”. – Patrycja Warda, Program Director, Bottomless Closet, New York City, NY

CAREER WARDROBE (PHILADELPHIA, PA) – March 14th

This year, Career Wardrobe’s Smart & Sexy Day fell on a cold and rainy Monday morning. But the dark and stormy weather didn’t stop twelve passionate and driven Philadelphia women from partaking in 2016’s Smart & Sexy Day at Career Wardrobe! These women brought not only themselves but their rich, inspirational life stories. Kimberly Saunders, CEO and “Energy Innovator” at the National Charity of Education and Humanity, gave a talk entitled “Ways to Remind Yourself How Powerful & Beautiful You Are!” Kimberly helped attendees focus on leveraging their inner beauty and strength to bridge the gap between their present state and their future goals.

By the afternoon, the rain had stopped and the clouds began to give way to some sunshine. It was the perfect opportunity for our guests to get fitting for their brand new Smart & Sexy bras! Soon it was time for the upbeat entrepreneur, Sammy Davis, to take the stage. Sammy D spoke from the heart as she described the pitfalls of trying to reach perfection. Sammy led the group in a wonderful activity aimed at loosening the emotional bonds we place on ourselves when we struggle with never achieving perfection. Sammy D taught us to let go of perfection and embrace ourselves for who we are! Attendees were delighted when Sammy stayed afterwards and signed complimentary copies of her book “Love Your Life!” Everyone left the event with a wonderful sense of personal empowerment and a real appreciation for the outpouring of support from Smart & Sexy and ACDN. – Ken Fenimore, Education Program Associate, Career Wardrobe, Philadelphia, PA

SUITED FOR SUCCESS (OKLAHOMA CITY, OK) – March 17th

Smart & Sexy Day was celebrated in Oklahoma City on March 17, at OSU-OKC.  We had 30 students from four of our Referring Partners, 3 guest speakers, and 5 board members attend.  The day started with How To Show Off Your Professional Self Image presented by Donna Rynda, Make It Matter. Then Building Your Professional Wardrobe, with a few tips from Susan Walton, Suited For Success Executive Director and lots of group participation putting outfits together and changing them up using 12 key pieces of clothing. There was a break for lunch and a few motivational thoughts from Elizabeth Larios with the YWCA Economic Empowerment Program.   One of our favorite Smart & Sexy Day speakers Sharon Barrows Cooper, BarrowsCooperCoaching, stressed the importance of Work Life Balance.

The highlight of the day is the bra fitting; the participants learn how to properly measure for their exact size and receive a beautiful Smart & Sexy bra.  Each participant received a measuring tape to take home so they can continue to wear the correct size bra and help family and friends do the same. #SupportMeans wearing the correct size bra for comfort and support.   – Susan Walton, Executive Director, Suited for Success, Oklahoma City, OK

Smart & Sexy Day at Image for Success, San Rafael, CA

Attendees of the Smart & Sexy Day in San Rafael, CA. 

Smart & Sexy Day at Ladies of Valor Empowerment (LOVE)

Pictured:  Alourdes Pierre, Executive Director, LOVE, North Miami, FL); Sevi Sari, President of Turkish Business Women of Florida; Janey Tate, Report, Miami Times

Smart & Sexy Day at Ladies of Valor Empowerment, North Miami, FL

Smart & Sexy Day at Career Wardrobe, Philadelphia, PA

Smart & Sexy Day at Bottomless Closet, NYC

Pictured: Gineyda Diaz, Operations Director, Bottomless Closet and Kia-Lee Manlove, Wells Fargo

Smart & Sexy Day at Bottomless Closet, New York, NY

Pictured: Roberta Dougherty, Bottomless Closet Volunteer

Smart & Sexy Day at Suited for Success, Oklahoma City, OK

Pictured: Smart & Sexy Day participants

Smart & Sexy Day at Suited for Success, Oklahoma City, OK

Smart & Sexy Day at Suited for Success, Oklahoma City, OK

Pictured: Smart & Sexy day participants

#SmartandSexyDay, #SupportMeans

What to Wear on the First Day of Work

The hard part is over: you nailed the interview and got the job. But you’re not out of the woods yet; now you have to figure out what to wear on your first day of work! Luckily, DRESS FOR THE DAY has got you covered. We’ve selected the perfect outfit for men and women to make sure you’re dressed to impress as you start your new gig! And best of all, the pieces we’ve chosen are very wallet friendly so you won’t be making any dents in your new paycheck. For more outfit inspiration, don’t forget to check out our website and mobile app!

WOMEN:

You’re still making a first impression with your new co-workers and managers, so it’s best to keep it conservative on your first day while still showing a bit of your personality! This means no short, tight clothing or overbearing jewelry, hair or makeup.

Opt for some chic, black slacks like these that fall just above the ankle. Pair with a printed, button down blouse like this for an elegant touch, while still adding color. Next, go for a structured handbag like this one, which is stylish enough to make a statement, yet practical enough for your commute.  Some classic gray pumps like these will quickly become your closet staple and easily go from day to night. Finally, finish the look with delicate drop earrings like these and a perfectly peach lip color here. Voila!  

MEN:

Unless instructed otherwise by your supervisor, there’s no need for a suit and tie on your first day. However, jeans and sneakers are a definite no, so it’s all about striking the perfect balance.  

Start with some navy blue slacks like these, which go with just about everything and can be worn year-round. Wear with a classic, checkered button down like this one. Don’t forget to accessorize with a nice belt and some cap toe oxfords like these. Finish off with a subtle scent like this and you’re good to go!

Every Time a Bell Rings...

In the classic holiday film It’s a Wonderful Life, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.  At Bottomless Closet, every time a bell rings, one of our clients has gotten the job!

This small but valuable addition to our client experience was the direct result of a Brag & Steal session at a past ACDN conference (one of the many benefits of membership!).  When we heard about WHW’s Bell of Success, we thought, “What a great way to celebrate a client’s accomplishment!”

At Bottomless Closet, we see clients for at least two appointments:  pre-interview appointments that prepare women for their upcoming interview through outfitting, coaching and resume revision, and post-hire appointments for clients who have become employed and need additional outfits to carry them through the work week until the paychecks start coming in.  We placed our own “bell of success” in the front of our office and now ask each post-hire client to ring that bell before her appointment begins so that we can all celebrate her accomplishment.  We cheer, we applaud, and we recognize the efforts that have taken her one step closer to self-sufficiency!

We anticipated that in ringing the bell, the client would feel empowered and celebrated in her accomplishment – which has proven to be true.  But the effects of hearing the bell ring in the office have reached further than we could have imagined. 

Pre-interview clients who await their appointment curiously ask, “Why is she ringing that bell?”  When they learn it is because another client has gotten a job, they see hope, maybe for the first time.  It is not uncommon for a pre-interview client to say after her appointment, “I'm going to be ringing that bell soon!”

For our volunteers, the bell reinforces the critical work they do here. No matter where they are in the office, whether in the boutique or in the back room sorting inventory, the bell’s sound reaches them and they know they are making a positive impact in our clients’ lives. The effect of hearing the bell is similar for the staff. Even as we are busily plugging away in our offices, we are able to enjoy the auditory reminder that lives are changed for the better through the work done at Bottomless Closet. 

Lastly, it is not uncommon for potential volunteers, donors dropping off clothing, or corporate volunteer groups to be at our office on any given day.  I always know that if they happen to be here when that bell starts to ring, they are going to be hooked! 

So thank you WHW for your fabulous idea, and thank you ACDN for providing a forum at our conference to steal such a gem!

Contributed by Stacey McFadin, Director of Volunteerism and Partnerships at Bottomless Closet.

BOOTS2SUITS Event Assists 75 Veterans

Contributed by Elizabeth Hart, Founder & Executive Director, Tailored for Success, Inc. 

Tailored for Success held its first ever BOOTS2SUITS event at the Boston State House in the Hall of Flags on Tuesday, November 17, 2015.  The purpose of the event was to honor all veterans (women and men) whether they have recently separated or are retired from the military; and to provide them with the resources and tools to successfully transition from military to civilian life.  According to Elizabeth Hart, Tailored for Success Founder & Executive Director, “with this event, we were hoping to provide a life-changing experience that focuses on assisting men and women veterans who are struggling to find employment after separating from the military.

The BOOTS2SUITS event began with a free continental breakfast during registration.  Then, in partnership with State Representative Linda Dean Campbell, who is a veteran herself, the veterans were given the opportunity to listen to senior level Veterans’ Service Administration officials including Massachusetts Veterans’ Secretary Francisco Urena and Women’s Veterans’ Network Coordinator, Viviana Marcotte.   The panel participants gave brief remarks and then fielded questions from the veterans.  After the panel discussion, each veteran had the option of participating in three career building workshops on topics such as “Boots to Scrubs”: How to Get the Job in Healthcare or any Industry, “Using your Status to your Advantage with the Civil Service” and “Managing Stress on the Job Search”. However, the most popular aspect of the day was the suiting event where each veteran was given a complete professional interview suit, shirt and accessories. Throughout the half day event, veterans could also take advantage of speaking with vendors from veterans’ administration offices, employers who have made a commitment to hiring veterans, as well as representatives at a local vocational training school.

Feedback from the veterans was overwhelmingly positive making the BOOTS2SUITS event the model for future events for veterans.  However, the event could not have happened without the support of Tailored for Success staff, sponsors, volunteers and board members who worked diligently to make this event a success.

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Elizabeth Hart is the Founder & Executive Director of Tailored for Success, Inc., (TFS) a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization that has been serving the Greater Boston area for 15 years.  The mission of TFS is to empower job seekers to become economically self-sufficient by providing resources, skills training and supportive reinforcement.  TFS aspires to be the community leader in workforce development.  We are committed to moving job seekers from dependency to economic self-sufficiency by enhancing their self-esteem, self-confidence and skills.  For more information about the programs and services of TFS, please visit www.tailoredforsuccess.org.  Tailored for Success is a member of the Alliance of Career Development Nonprofits (ACDN). For a full ACDN member list, click here.