Collaboration champions women’s empowerment, fashion pathways to economic independence
Dress for Success Indianapolis (DFSI), a nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence, today announced it will be partnering with global online fashion and lifestyle retailer, SHEIN.
The funds from SHEIN will help support day-to-day operations for DFSI, which in turn will be used to support programs and services provided by the Indianapolis chapter to help women thrive in work and in life, such as its Professional Women’s Group (PWG) and Career Development Center. SHEIN will also serve as the title sponsor of the annual Stepping Out in Style fashion show event, including its Model Luncheon this year.
The support of corporate partners like SHEIN has allowed DFSI to impact women with their programs and services. In 2023, DFSI served over 800 women with professional interview and workwear attire, as well as career coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development, 56% of their Professional Women’s Group (PWG) members earned either a raise or promotion, and 48 women who participated in the Career Development Center coaching received full time employment directly due to participation.
“Funding from SHEIN allows Dress for Success Indianapolis to provide over 800 women with interview and workwear attire this year,” said Julie Petr, Executive Director of DFSI. “We’re appreciative of the generous financial support that will help us provide women with the programs, workwear attire, and services they need to be successful.”
“At SHEIN, we recognize the transformative power of fashion as a tool for empowerment and positive change. Our collaboration with Dress for Success Indianapolis reflects our commitment to support women who may face barriers to success and create opportunities for them to access their full potential. This underscores our shared vision with Dress for Success to provide women with the skills, resources, and network to confidently build their careers and shape their futures.” George Chiao, President, SHEIN U.S.
In addition to supporting Dress for Success Indianapolis, SHEIN announced collaborations with Dress for Success affiliates across the US, UK, Italy, and Singapore. The new relationships established with affiliates in the US, Italy and Singapore build on SHEIN’s existing relationship with Dress for Success Greater London. Through this collaboration, SHEIN provided financial sponsorship and clothing donations that impacted the lives of more than 400 women since 2019. In October 2023, SHEIN also launched a 23-piece capsule “Curve” collection with Dress for Success Greater London, which was specially crafted for women ranging from UK sizes 16-24 and featured dresses, blazers, jumpsuits, tailored trousers, and blouses.
There are multiple ways to get involved with Dress for Success Indianapolis, including becoming a referring agency, clothing donations and drives, and volunteering. To learn more, visit https://indydfs.org/get-involved/.