Professional Women's Group

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We at Dress for Success know that providing a woman with appropriate clothing is only the first step in achieving success in the workplace. The organization has evolved into an agency that is committed to helping women stay in the workplace once they have a job. 

 The Professional Women’s Group (PWG) serves over 200 low-income women, giving them the opportunity to network and problem solve -- to both get and give support.  We hold four meetings per month, three in Portland and one in Vancouver that are staffed by professionals and strongly supported by volunteers. The group meets with local and regional experts in job retention skills, career development, personal growth, workplace strategies, and interpersonal relations. The goal is to build a supportive group and offer new information that will help women unfamiliar with the workplace continue to develop their skills and transition into the economic mainstream.

Dress for Success Oregon launched its Professional Women's Group in January of 2001 with nine members. There are currently close to 160 members in two groups, Phase I and Phase II. Phase II was created in 2004 for PWG members who have been active in the group for more than one year.

Each regularly scheduled meeting consists of two key elements: an expert speaker leading a discussion, and a networking period.  Typically, speaker topics include such subjects as financial planning (budgeting, credit repair, homeownership, basic banking and investing), time management, the written and unwritten rules of the workplace, childcare, transportation and communication skills.  Equally important, members build new friendships and sources of mutual support.

Through attending the PWG meetings and developing one-on-one relationships with mentors, all PWG members can access the tools they need to advance in the workplace and provide greater leadership at home.

For additional information on PWG contact Pam Mason at pamela.mason@comcast.net
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Good News from our 
PWG Members!


MARIE started a new job 6 weeks ago and was unsure if she would get along with her new boss's high demands.  But she has since learned to work well with her, earning praise and recognition.  She also recently received a scholarship from Portland State to continue on-the-job trainings.
 
CAROLINE's employer is providing additional training to help her move up in the company.

LINDA accepted a full-time job with benefits at Clackamas Community College  in workforce development, after 4 years of part-time temporary work, saying yes to every opportunity that came her way.  

DIANE is an instructional assistant for Evergreen Schools.  As she has progressed, people have started requesting her when they need a substitute.  She gets the prime jobs and had a summer position in the superintendent’s office this summer.