Dress for Success: Empowering Students with Confidence and Opportunity
Ghaida Bouchaala, Product Manager at OpenReplay in Paris, France, benefitted from the Dress for Success Program while studying at Shawnee State University.
At Shawnee State University, the Dress for Success program is more than just a service—it's a steppingstone that helps students to reach their full potential. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Dress for Success helps SSU students who may not have access to professional clothing. Through the program, students are able to purchase business attire, allowing them to present themselves with confidence at job interviews, meetings, conferences, and career fairs.
One such student, Anthony Abrego, recently shared his experience with the program in a heartfelt letter to donors: "This program allows students like me to present ourselves professionally, even when we cannot afford professional attire. It is invaluable, enabling us to make a serious impression on potential employers and collaborators." Anthony’s story highlights the true impact of the Dress for Success initiative, ensuring they look the part in professional settings.
For students like Ghaida Bouchaala, the support of the program made a lasting difference in her professional journey.
"I’ll never forget the day Austin and Christina took me to JCPenney. I had never done anything like that before, and their support meant the world to me," Ghaida recalls. The personalized assistance she received in choosing the perfect outfit gave her the confidence she needed to excel in interviews and career events. "The outfit we chose felt like a turning point. I wore it with pride at many career events later and for professional interviews, knowing I looked the part and that people had believed in me enough to help me get there."
Dr. Austin Raines has been instrumental in establishing the Dress for Success program on campus. In his role as Associate Director of Career Services at Shawnee State University, Raines sees first-hand just how important this program is for students in need.
“This program is deeply personal to me because I empathize with those preparing for or beginning their careers with limited or no funding available for professional attire. Professional attire is essential for creating a great first impression during presentations, interviews, and other career-building opportunities. Yet, this often-overlooked hidden cost can be a significant barrier for many students. It was imperative to bring this initiative to the forefront as we strive to truly embody Shawnee State University’s mission to prepare today’s students to succeed in tomorrow’s world.”
With the help and support of the Shawnee State University Foundation, the Dress for Success program has continued to attract interest and support from individual donors, as well as off-campus organizations like the Scioto Foundation and Bob's Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation. For those considering donating to the program, Ghaida offers a powerful message:
"You’re giving more than you think. It might just seem like an outfit, but it’s really a steppingstone. That suit was with me during my first interview for my dream role, a product manager, and again when I needed it for career events. Each time, it reminded me of that first feeling of confidence."
Ghaida emphasizes that donors are investing in more than just a piece of clothing—they are investing in a student's potential. "When you donate, you’re helping students take that first step toward a professional future. You’re giving them the chance to walk into a room and make a strong first impression. More than that, you’re helping them feel proud of themselves."
Dr. Sheena Shifko, Associate Professor and Program Director for the Shawnee State University Radiologic Technology Program, is a key on-campus supporter of the program. She also believes in the transformative power of Dress for Success.
"Programs like this are so important—something as simple as clothing can make a big difference at pivotal moments in a career, and it certainly has in mine."
Interested in donating to the Dress for Success program? Click the button below: