A Partnership to Empower More Women in the Workforce

Cincinnati Works and Dress for Success Cincinnati are excited to announce a partnership that will enable both organizations to streamline services and empower more women in the local workforce. As part of the arrangement, a Cincinnati Works coach will be embedded in Dress for Success to manage its workforce development programs.

“As Dress for Success Cincinnati celebrates its 20^th anniversary, we are pleased to join our strengths with those of Cincinnati Works in a partnership that shares a mission of empowerment, support and effective programs in a stable, safe and caring environment,” said Lisa Nolan, Executive Director of Dress for Success Cincinnati.

Dress for Success clients will receive job-readiness training and career coaching through the renowned Cincinnati Works model. They also will have access to the full range of Cincinnati Works services, including financial coaching, a behavioral health counselor, a legal advocate, and other resources to address the barriers they face to ongoing employment. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Works Members (clients) will have access to the full suite of services at Dress for Success Cincinnati, including the organization’s signature suiting program, Professional Women’s Group and a network of volunteers.

“The two organizations have been partners in the fight against inequality for more than two decades, and they each bring something different to the table,” said Calista Hargrove, Vice President of Programs at Cincinnati Works. “By coming together, we ensure that our clients get the best service available while our organizations remain focused on what we each do best.”

Dubonna Dawkins, who is currently a workforce coach at Cincinnati Works, will become Workforce Development Programs Manager at Dress for Success Cincinnati. She brings a wide range of skills and experiences to the role, including human resources management and consulting, retail management and early-childhood education.

“I was drawn to this position because of the mission of empowering women,” Dawkins said. “I have worked with a lot of women over the years at various stages of their careers, and I have seen how important it is to address internal factors like self-esteem as well as external factors, and Dress for Success and Cincinnati Works address them so well.”