Dress For Success Tulsa

Dress for Success Tulsa is an affiliate of the Worldwide Organization called Dress for Success that was founded in 1997 in New York City. Dress for Success Tulsa is one of 127 affiliates in 9 countries throughout the world. The local office opened in 2001 and is the only affiliate located in the State of Oklahoma. Since their inception, Dress for Success Tulsa has served in excess of 10,000 women. Their mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional business attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. All clients receive one complete outfit for their job searches and once employment is obtained, the Dress for Success Tulsa client is eligible for additional clothing and accessories to compliment her new job. This includes clothing as well as shoes, purses, hose, jewelry, and cosmetics. Executive Director of Dress for Success Tulsa, Ronda Adkisson, says this past year Dress for Success Tulsa has provided 1167 women professional clothing and accessories at no cost. Adkisson explains that there are 130 agencies in the greater Tulsa area that refer women to Dress for Success Tulsa. Dress for Success Tulsa also provides each woman with a personal shopper to assist her in finding the right attire as well as serve as a mentor to give advice for the interviewing process and workplace protocol. Adkisson extends an invitation to come by their 3000 square foot boutique which is located at 1109 S. Peoria.

Saturday May 11th is the Third Annual Dress for Success Tulsa 5k Power Walk/Run. Adkisson says last year’s fundraiser included 35 Dress for Success affiliates nationwide and was very successful. This year’s 5k Power Walk/Run will start and finish at the Blue Rose Café on Riverside at 19th. They will also have their Dress for Success Tulsa Stiletto Sprint that will include both a men’s heat and a women’s heat. The Stiletto Sprint is 150 meters before the 5k Power Walk/Run. Adkisson says that the Stiletto Sprint is a great highlight at the event and such a blast to watch men and ladies run in heels- and all for the celebration of empowering women on their journey to self-sufficiency.

Both events are presented locally by Simmons Homes. Additional Sponsorships provided by Jumar Services, Mingo Aerospace, Nameplates Inc., Pepsi, The Ross Group and Verizon. BancFirst, Chinowth & Cohen Realtors, Flight Concepts, Grant Thornton, PF Chang’s South Shore at Grand and United-Tech also sponsored. American Staff Corp, AMSOIL, Banana Republic, Career Specialist, Cherlynn & David Pennington, Citizens State Bank, Green Country Landscapes, Holmes Organisation, Platinum Protection, and Tulsa Revolution provided additional support. Special thanks to the Blue Rose Café, Tulsa Runner and Time Line Results. Entry fees if purchased before race day are $15 for the 150 Meter Stiletto Sprint; $20 for the 5k Power Walk/Run; $30 for both. All Student entries are free and those under 18 are free with parental consent. In-kind products/services and sponsorships starting at $250 are still available.

Visit www.dfstulsapowerwalk.com for more information. Beginning May 6th, register at Tulsa Runner (9708 S. Riverside Pkwy Tulsa, Ok). Race day registration will begin at 7:00am in front of the Blue Rose Cafe. The 150 Meter Stiletto Sprint begins at 8:00am and the 5k Event begins at 9:00am. Contact Dress for Success Tulsa 918.599.8892; email [email protected] or Tulsa Runner 918.494.8800 for more race information.

Adkisson explains the Career Services Programs of Dress for Success Tulsa. The Going Places Network is sponsored by a grant from Walmart and focuses on pre-employment skills. It covers the skills necessary to obtain employment. Another program is their Professional Women’s Group. This networking group meets once a month and helps women who have obtained employment learn how to be a more valuable employee and the focus is on job retention. Over 70% of the Dress for Success Tulsa client base are single mothers trying to make the best of their busy lives. These two programs will assist women in a work/life balance along with health and wellness and financial matters. No clients are ever charged for any of the programs and services provided by Dress for Success Tulsa.

Employers with interests in providing their women employees with some additional work place skill sets would be interested in the Professional Women’s Group and can contact Dress for Success Tulsa for more information on this opportunity. Companies, business groups or organizations can also make an impact by hosting a clothing drive, serving as a mentor, presenting at career services events or sponsoring a program meeting.

For more information on either one of these programs, contact Dress for Success Tulsa at 918-599-8892 or visit www.dressforsuccess.org/tulsa.

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