Don’t judge another woman without walking a mile in her stilettos! That is the advice Vicki Bowen Hewes likes to give to others. “You really don’t know what someone else is going through.” Vicki is the Founder and CEO of Dress for Success Columbus. The foundation is set-up to empower women to achieve financial independence by providing a network of support, professional apparel, and the tools to help women succeed in work and in life. All programs and services are free of charge.
While in Indianapolis for a work project in the late 1990’s, Vicki discovered Dress for Success and thought it was a cool concept. “I can help women put a great look together and understand why it matters.” Vicki eventually quit her job in corporate real estate and finalized plans with Dress for Success Worldwide to launch a Columbus affiliate. Dress for Success Columbus opened its doors in 2007 and has empowered over 10,000 women in central Ohio in those 10 years thanks to the generosity of hundreds of local companies, organizations, and individuals. They have grown into an incredible organization with a full-time staff of five, and an army of nearly 500 volunteers, 145 partner agencies, and tons of donors.
There was a moment in 2009 when Dress for Success’ doors were closed by a former partner. “It was a watershed moment for me. I realized that closed doors are what the women we serve encounter every day, and how important it is that when a door is closed, you find a way to open the door, get through a window, do what it takes to get that door open. And hold the door open for the women coming after you.”
Vicki gives a lot of credit and says she has a lot of support from her amazing team at Dress for Success and a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors. Her family is also very supportive, and they have sacrificed a lot because of her commitment to her calling. Vicki is truly inspired by the women who are so committed to moving forward for themselves and their families, who are struggling without resources but with inspiring dedication. “It’s truly inspirational to see women blossom into who they were born to be. Brings tear of joy to my eyes nearly every day!”
Vicki and Dress for Success are seeking to grow their mission with the addition of a dedicated space for their employment retention and career advancement programs that includes donation drop off locations. They also aim to help 20,000 women by 2020!
For more information on Dress for Success Columbus, please visit www.DFSCMH.org.