Women at Work: Range Resources Supports Dress for Success in Washington County
When it comes to interviewing for a job – any job – first impressions are critical. And for many job seekers, making that great first impression starts with professional attire: appropriate business wear that, for women, can range from a suit, to a dress and may even include a purse, jewelry and shoes. But for women who don’t have the means to purchase new clothing or the right pair of pumps, the interview may stop before it ever gets started.
Dress for Success is an international non-profit organization that is focused on promoting economic independence for women. Liz Mims is the Branch Manager of the group’s Washington County location which provides services to women in Washington and Greene counties. Liz and her team work to ensure that local women are provided with the tools they need to get their foot in the door at local businesses, while also making sure that foot is clad in a professional looking shoe. But while the right outfit can help to convey the right attitude, the services that Dress for Success provides go far beyond clothing.
“While we do focus on providing women with the professional attire that they need, not only for interviews, but also employment and training programs, we also want to make sure that women have professional support and the career development resources that can help them succeed at work and in life,” says Mims.
Corporate support is a key component of the organization’s success. “We receive state funding through the Department of Human Services, but we also rely on corporate partners to help fund items for all of the women who need a helping hand as they work toward financial independence.”
Marcellus shale driller Range Resources is one of those corporate partners. “Range Resources has provided generous support to our clients through career development workshops focused on interviewing tips and professional culture. A team of women from different departments at Range participate in each session and share a wealth of information with our clients. And the sessions with Range are so well received that we’ve had a packed room every time,” reports Mims. “Range was also among the sponsors for our annual signature fundraiser, Women Rock Pittsburgh.”
Engineering and Operations Analyst Leagha Courtney is one of the Range employees who volunteer at Dress for Success career development workshops. “I love the fact that these women are comfortable with us and open up about the specific challenges they are having entering or re-entering the work force.”
Leagha is a long-time supporter of the organization. “I’m really passionate about Dress for Success, and have been volunteering with the organization for about twenty years. It’s very rewarding to be able to share perspective on work-life balance, and to encourage the clients of Dress for Success – to help them believe there is a successful future waiting for them!”
Liz and her coworkers at Dress for Success are grateful for the continued support. “The women at Range Resources have been a real gift to us – they have made it possible for us to reach women that we may not otherwise have been able to assist. Every woman’s story is different and the obstacles we face vary, but we overcome those obstacles in order to achieve success, and that’s something to which we can all relate.”