Pictured (L-R): Erin Forbes (Executive Director, Dress for Success Central Alberta), Stuart Cullum (President, Red Deer Polytechnic), Heather Donald, John Donald, Lee Ann Waines (Chair, Board of Directors, Dress for Success Central Alberta). (Image Credit: Stacey Tompkins Photography/Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Support from Donald Family Fund

Dress for Success Central Alberta launches new Career Hub

Mar 16, 2026 | 4:34 PM

Dress for Success Central Alberta (DFSCA) has launched its new Career Hub with support of the Donald Family Fund and Red Deer Polytechnic.

The Career Hub is a digital platform that was created to expand access to skills training, career preparation, and confidence-building tools for women in central Alberta.

The Donald Family Fund, led by John and Heather Donald, made it all possible with a multi-year commitment of $100,000.

“We believe deeply in the power of education, confidence, and community support, and we know the Career Hub will open doors for women who deserve every opportunity to thrive. We are honoured to contribute to this important work because when you give a woman the skills and support she needs, there’s truly no stopping her,” said Heather and John Donald in a media release.

Dress for Success Alberta says Red Deer continues to face significant economic challenges, including one of the highest unemployment rates. They say women, in particular single mothers and newcomers, are affected.

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“Women in our community are facing real barriers, from unemployment to housing instability to the need for new skills in a changing job market,” said Erin Forbes, Executive Director of Dress for Success Central Alberta. “The Career Hub is our response. It’s a place where women can build confidence, gain practical skills, and take meaningful steps toward a stronger future.”

DFSCA also announced the first training initiative available through the Career Hub: the Professional Presence Accelerator Program, developed in partnership with Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP).

“This program is designed for women who are rebuilding, restarting, or reimagining their careers,” Forbes added. “Their courage and determination are the reason we do this work.”

DFSCA and RDP also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing a partnership focused on expanding educational pathways and collaborative initiatives.

“Our partnership with Dress for Success Central Alberta reflects Red Deer Polytechnic’s commitment to creating clear, supported pathways from education to meaningful employment. By connecting Dress for Success clients with career-ready supports and opening accessible routes into micro-credentials, certificates and degrees we are removing barriers and accelerating opportunity,” said Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “Together, we are strengthening workforce participation, advancing women’s leadership and building a more resilient and inclusive economy for Central Alberta.”

In addition, DFSCA and RDP are exploring future opportunities, including education pathways for DFSCA clients, joint research initiatives, shared advocacy, and collaborative funding applications.

The Career Hub represents a significant step forward in DFSCA’s mission to empower women to achieve economic independence through support, development, and community connection.

“This is more than a platform,” Forbes said. “It’s a promise, that women in Central Alberta will not walk their career journey alone.”