Whether you’re returning to work after time away, recently laid off or stepping into the workforce for the first time, a blank resume and a wall of job listings can leave you wondering: Where do I begin? Do my skills still count?

They do. Raising a family, caring for others, managing a household, and getting through hard seasons all build real skills: resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving. What you may need is help putting those strengths into words employers recognize. That is where AI can come in.

Rachael’s journey demonstrates that holistic support can transform a life from survival into long-term success. Through determination and the support of a dedicated community, she has reclaimed her narrative and redefined what comes next.

AUSTIN, Texas (October 6, 2026) — Dress for Success Austin (DFSA) today announced the appointment of Brittany Clay as its new Executive Director. Clay steps into the role as outgoing Executive Director Mia Johns retires after 15 years of transformative leadership.

Rebuilding your life isn’t always a straight path: it’s a series of intentional choices, hard-earned lessons, and the courage to step forward even when the future feels uncertain.

For Tana Plescher, President and CEO of Grace After Fire, that journey meant navigating an eight-year hiatus from the workforce following her service in the Navy. During that time, Tana enrolled in intensive therapy, working tirelessly to piece her life back together. Yet, her self-esteem was deeply shaken and the thought of transitioning careers felt overwhelming. Tana had known her calling from a young age—at just seven years old, she knew her purpose was to help people. But after years of trauma, loss, and self-doubt, that purpose felt far out of reach. Her turning point began with a single outfit and a powerful moment of restored dignity.

We are proud to unveil a rebrand that mirrors the rapidly shifting world around us. As women’s career paths become complex and non-linear, the barriers to economic mobility continue to evolve; our new identity reflects our commitment to meeting those challenges with modern solutions.

Our 2025 Impact Report has arrived! This year, we aren’t just looking back at the milestones we've achieved; we’re looking forward at the shifting landscape of gender equity to ensure our mission evolves as fast as the world does with our 2026 Trend Report.

In April 2025, we held the Inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Event in honor of Global Volunteer Month where we recognized all volunteers including those who received our first DFSA volunteer awards.

October is National Work and Family Month, a time to acknowledge the complex reality of balancing professional ambition with the fundamental priority of family. For me, this month resonates deeply, intersecting with the core of my responsibilities both at CapMetro and as an avid supporter of Dress for Success Austin.

Roya is a shining example of professional resilience, combining her deep commitment to leadership with an exciting entrepreneurial vision. A Texas native, Veteran, and single mother, Roya’s career journey is a powerful testament to the value of building a strong personal brand and never giving up on a dream.

My name is Sarah Wasaff, and I’ve proudly served on the board for Dress for Success Austin for the past five years. I’m also a Wealth Manager with Creative Planning, an independent firm dedicated to helping clients create customized financial plans that support their goals and values. In my work, I guide families toward financial freedom, and through DFSA, I help women gain the tools and confidence to achieve economic independence. Both roles share the same heart — empowering people to take control of their futures. Over the years, I’ve seen that when women feel confident about their money, it opens the door to new opportunities in every area of life. That’s why I’m excited to share these financial tips and a decade-by-decade playbook to help you build strength, stability and freedom at any stage of your journey.

A special thanks to Flash Party Photo Booth for an incredible partnership for many DFSA events to come, starting with our 12th Annual Little Black Dress Soiree. To view the full gallery of photos from LBD 2025, visit here.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I find myself reflecting on the deep roots and meaningful traditions that have shaped my life. This month is a time to honor the generations who came before me, those whose journeys and sacrifices paved the way for my existence. My heritage comes from Spanish, Portuguese, and Native American cultures, and knowing how many people survived for me to be here today amazes me.

Meet Blessing Tate — a mother, a Veteran, and an absolute powerhouse. Blessing is a woman who embodies resilience and a relentless pursuit of her passions. In 2020, she completed her undergraduate studies in Earth & Environmental Science at Brooklyn College. She's now on the cusp of earning her master's degree in Earth & Environmental Policy from Johns Hopkins University.

I jumped at the chance to write this post for National Wellness Month —because I’m deeply passionate about spreading the word on well-being.

As a former medical and healthcare reporter, I had the privilege of covering some of the most exciting breakthroughs in science and medicine. Today, as a public relations professional working with medical and healthcare brands, I still get a front-row seat to innovation and life-changing advancements. But my interest in wellness runs deeper than my career. It’s personal—and it’s become a true passion.

Alexandria's connection to our services runs close to home, thanks to her sister, an educator at IDEA Public Schools, who consistently refers women our way. It was this network of support that brought Alexandria to our doors, and left her feeling empowered following a resume review session. With some quick tweaks now in progress, Alexandria is set to make her next move.

Her career philosophy is beautifully simple, but profound: "Be happy in a role knowing that you're helping someone help themselves."

When Monique first walked into DFSA in 2021, she was referred by Safe Alliance and came seeking support, guidance, and a path forward. What she found was a community ready to uplift her.

Myranda just graduated from Austin Community College with her associate’s in visual design, but this is just the beginning. She is currently prepping for her fall semester at Western Governors University to pursue a bachelor’s in marketing through their award-winning online degree program.

Rachel is originally from Portland, Oregon but moved to Austin eight years ago in pursuit of warmer weather. Prior to moving, she went to the University of Oregon where she completed the Communication Disorders and Sciences undergrad program and attended Eastern Washington University for grad school.

With a passion for working with kids, Rachel always knew she wanted to specialize in speech therapy. She liked that it was a more niche field with the ability to work with small groups.

As a card-carrying member of Gen X, we were not taught about mental health as kids. We were expected to get through it, no matter what it was or how hard it was, and there really wasn’t going to be anyone on the other side to console us when it was over. Now, I see how this generation of kids are being taught about mental health and rightfully so.