“Dress for Success Tampa Bay empowers women by providing them with professional attire, career development tools and a support network to help them succeed in the workforce and in life,” said Lisette Parsons, her words heavy with an almost church-like reverence. The Executive Director knows she has big shoes to fill, coming into the role after the unexpected death of the non-profit's longtime leader, Katie McGill, in September 2023. In Parson’s mind, and the thousands of local women helped by this organization, ‘Miss Katie’ wasn’t just Dress for Success’ leader for 16 years, she was an icon.
“Her legacy is woven into every corner of DFSTB, and I am committed to carrying that torch forward,” explained Parsons. “What strikes me most, as I step into this role, is the deep sense of community that Miss Katie cultivated. She wasn’t just about the programs; she was about the people—about the women who come looking for a chance to change their lives. She knew them by name, understood their struggles, and celebrated their victories. That’s what DFSTB has always been about: a place where women feel seen and heard.” It’s important work that continues thanks to the small but mighty team at DFSTB and an army of committed volunteers. To date, it has served an estimated 40,000+ local women.
Adapting to meet needs in the community, it now has a strong focus on workforce development and skills training for women. “We’re finding that upskilling and access to professional development resources are more important than ever,” said Parsons. The non-profit provides job readiness programs, partnering with local businesses for mentorship, as well as internships. “We are bridging the gap between education and employment. It’s about helping women gain the skills, confidence and experience they need to thrive in today’s job market. Our goal is to break down the systemic barriers to career advancement and create a pipeline of skilled laborers who are ready to take on leadership roles in their communities.”
DFSTB training programs are as diverse as the population it serves. They teach everything from hard skills in technology and financial literacy to soft skills they deliver through coaching and confidence-building workshops. The organization serving Tampa Bay for 25 years says both are necessary to create “a more equitable and sustainable future for the community at large," explained Parsons. "Participants are entering high-paying, stable jobs. The results speak for themselves.”
The non-profit is tracking emerging needs in the region and it’s taking action. Its operating model built around donated professional attire distributed to women in need is now a multi-layered business model with corporate partners and a heavy emphasis on workforce development. Currently, its most vital need is funding to expand programming in workforce training and development. “Financial donations help us fund critical programs like job readiness training, mentorship, access to professional development resources,” said Parsons. “We also use funds to purchase items that we either can’t keep in stock because of demand, like maternity clothes, and to buy new under garments likes bras and underwear, and shoes in larger sizes. Our ability to provide services depends on the generosity of our community.”
How can Chamber Member companies, and the community at large, help DFSTB? The answer is not a one-size-fits-all – think volunteering, business partnerships, financial contributions, and yes, donations of women’s professional attire.
“We are growing our partnerships with local businesses to create more pathways to stable, higher paying jobs. When our corporate partners provide internships, job shadowing opportunities, and mentoring, they can play a pivotal role in helping our participants transition successfully into the workforce. These partnerships are vital to us,” explained Parsons. “Also, if you have time, volunteering with us can make a huge difference in a woman’s life. Every little bit counts. Every hour volunteered, every dollar donated, and every connection made strengthens the fabric of this community. Your actions empower more women to take control of their futures.”
A member of the Tampa Bay Chamber since 2015, Dress for Success Tampa Bay describes the relationship as invaluable. “This partnership model allows us to expand our reach and resources… These partnerships have helped create long-lasting, sustainable transformations! It’s that kind of ‘community-first’ approach that makes our work with local businesses so meaningful,” explained Parsons, grateful for the attention and generosity of Chamber Members who engage with the non-profit each year. “The ripple effect of those positive changes goes far beyond the workplace.”
Wrapping up our interview, the conversation turns back to ‘Miss Katie’ – as it often does within the DFSTB community of supporters. Parsons’ predecessor was a volunteer with the non-profit for many years even before she became its Executive Director. Parsons worked alongside her in later years, seeing Miss Katie’s magic touch firsthand. “The truth is, I will never be able to fill her shoes,” admits Parsons. “She wasn’t just a leader, she was a beacon of love, compassion, and hope for so many women. Coming into this role has been deeply emotional and honoring for me.”
Katie McGill, longtime leader of Dress for Success Tampa Bay - Photo Courtesy DFSTB
Did You Know its free services include:
- Career & Image Coaching – including 1:1 coaching
- Financial Education – courses are 3-6 weeks
- Job Acquisition Class – 3-week program
- Professional Women’s Group – monthly meetings
- Host Workplace Attire Appointments upon request