Dress for Success in Lawrenceville helps women returning to workforce
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Filled with shirts, shoes and purses, a nonprofit is helping to put women on the path to success.
"We know that when you look good, you feel good. It's very closely tied," said Tanya Vokes, Dress for Success Pittsburgh CEO.
The boutique in Lawrenceville is providing women the confidence they need to compete in today's challenging workforce.
"We are finding that coming out of the pandemic, women are being pulled in more directions than ever before," said Vokes.
The shop offers free business attire, resume help and valuable job advice for women in need. Vokes says more women want to get back to earning a paycheck but employers have to be flexible.
"The workforce traditionally was set up for men. And men who often had someone else taking care of everything at home. So, women are leaving roles more and more because they need the flexibility to at least have a hybrid situation," says Vokes.
Another important factor that's still an issue is equal pay.
"Women have a long way to go in terms of equity," Vokes said.
For years, women have worked towards breaking that barrier. But money, Vokes says, is a topic women have been conditioned to not talk about.
"In particular, women of color. And still, we're seeing women are less likely to be promoted," said Vokes.
Pair that with poverty still very much in today's society and inflation, some women find themselves stuck in many ways.
"Food insecurity or need to talk to someone from neighborhood legal. We're very good at making the connections to those partners of ours so women can receive everything they need."
And it's those connections that are really making the difference. In fact, Dress for Success says there's an "Employ-Her Pittsburgh" event on March 27. It's for women looking for employment or just needing additional resources. It's at the Community Engagement Center in Homewood. Registration is free.