(Dreamstime)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Serving Women

Dress for Success Central Alberta marking 15 years

May 1, 2025 | 4:44 PM

Dress for Success Central Alberta (DFSCA) is celebrating 15 years of serving women in Central Alberta.

Officials note, DFSCA began operations in Red Deer in October 2008, receiving official charity status on April 30, 2010. Over the past 15 years, thousands of local woman have been helped on their journey to economic independence.

In 2024, DFSCA supported over 600 women through their career services, leadership programs, styling services, and community outreach initiatives. Last year, officials say their styling program helped 268 women secure employment, while they provided 156 with interview styling resources and 112 with employment styling resources.

The organization notes, their mission was supported by a dedicated group of volunteers collectively contributing 2,500 support hours.

“We know that to truly empower women economically and support them to achieve their highest potential we need to invest in a continuum of pre-employment and job-retention training, but also make sure they have access to professional networks and a community of support,” says Erin Forbes, Executive Director, DFSCA. “Our growth over the past two years has been significant, and we know there is more that can be done to support our clients and community.”

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In their next chapter, officials share that DFSCA has a bold strategic plan to expand their services, ensuring they can meet the needs of the central Alberta community and become the respected resource for workforce development for women.

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, DFSCA will launch its new initiative and kick off its 15 year anniversary celebrations at their event, Success Stories Unplugged. DFSCA says it has plans throughout the year to continue its 15 anniversary celebrations.

Success Stories Unplugged is a fundraiser and community builder for DFSCA that will feature a candid discussion with local community and business leaders; Terry Loewen, Brenda Rebman, Craig Haan, Garrett Scott, and Sheila Musgrove, where the topics will include leadership, defining success, the value of resilience and the impact of investing in your community.

RDP President Stuart Cullum will host the panel.

“I chose to participate in the event because I believe deeply in the potential of central Alberta to be an engine of growth and innovation in the province,” says Cullum. “We have strong businesses, talented leaders, and excellent organizations like Dress for Success that are making a real impact in our community. I am excited to engage in conversations about how we can elevate that impact for the benefit of all central Albertans.”

“This year’s panelists bring a wealth of experience and expertise across diverse fields, and I’m excited to join them to discuss how we build a supportive and thriving city that champions each other,” adds Cullum.

More information about the event can be found at www.dfsca.ca/events.