A New Chapter in Canada: Ghazal Shaloodegi’s Journey

Ghazal Shaloodegi, a 37-year-old single mother from Kelowna, B.C., embarked on a life-changing journey when she moved to Canada a few years ago to pursue her education at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBC-Okanagan). Leaving behind the familiarity of her home country, Ghazal faced the daunting task of building a new life in a foreign land. As she navigated the challenges of cultural adaptation, language barriers, and rebuilding her self-esteem, Ghazal discovered an invaluable lifeline: Dress for Success, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women to overcome employment barriers.

For Ghazal, the transition to Canada was not just about learning a new language or adapting to a new culture—it was about reclaiming her confidence and finding her place in a society where everything felt foreign. "It’s not only a language barrier but it’s also a culture barrier," Ghazal explained. "Also, it’s about the self-esteem because you’re completely new." As a single mother, juggling the responsibilities of raising a child while pursuing her education and career, Ghazal needed more than just resilience; she needed support. It was here that Dress for Success stepped in, offering her a sense of belonging and the tools she needed to thrive.

Dress for Success: A Global Movement with a Local Impact

Dress for Success has been a cornerstone of empowerment for women worldwide for nearly three decades. While the organization has a strong global presence, its Kelowna chapter is relatively new, having been established just six years ago. Despite its youth, Dress for Success Kelowna has quickly become a vital resource for women in the community, particularly for single mothers, newcomers, and those facing other barriers to employment.

According to Lori Stevenson, the executive director of Dress for Success Kelowna, the organization serves women of all ages, backgrounds, and career stages. "We serve women from just under 18 years old to over 60," Stevenson said. "All walks of life, all educational levels, and all stages in their career because we never know when life circumstances are going to throw a curveball at us or things are going to change." Whether it’s helping a young woman enter the workforce for the first time or supporting a seasoned professional navigating a career transition, Dress for Success is committed to providing the resources and support women need to achieve their goals.

Empowering Women Beyond Clothing

While Dress for Success is perhaps best known for providing professional attire to women in need, its services extend far beyond clothing. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of programs designed to address the multifaceted challenges women face when entering or re-entering the workforce. From personal and professional development workshops to mentorship programs, career services, and resume and interview preparation, Dress for Success equips women with the tools they need to succeed.

For Ghazal, the organization’s impact was transformative. "They are very welcoming," she said of the team at Dress for Success. "They gave me that self-confidence, that self-esteem." Beyond the tangible support, Dress for Success provided Ghazal with a sense of connection and validation, reminding her that she was not alone in her journey. The organization’s holistic approach to empowerment has made it a lifeline for countless women like Ghazal, helping them navigate the complexities of building a new life and career in a foreign country.

A Growing Need for Support

In recent years, the demand for Dress for Success’s services has grown significantly. According to Stevenson, the number of clients seeking support has tripled in the last three years alone. This surge in demand is not surprising, given the rising cost of living, unprecedented housing costs, and the influx of new arrivals to Canada, including refugees from Ukraine and other parts of the world. "We are looking at unprecedented housing costs and costs of living," Stevenson explained. "We have a lot of new arrivals to the country, we had the war with Ukraine that brought a lot of people in, we have the Middle East."

As the number of women seeking assistance continues to rise, Dress for Success Kelowna is preparing for one of its most important fundraising campaigns of the year. Called "Your Hour, Her Power," the campaign runs throughout the month of March and coincides with International Women’s Day. The campaign calls on the public to donate one hour of their salary—or any amount they are comfortable with—to support women in the community achieve their employment and financial goals.

Your Hour, Her Power: A Call to Action

The "Your Hour, Her Power" campaign is more than just a fundraising initiative; it’s a movement to empower women and create a more equitable society. By donating even a small portion of their income, individuals can make a meaningful difference in the lives of women like Ghazal, who are working tirelessly to build better futures for themselves and their families.

For Ghazal, the support she received from Dress for Success was a turning point in her journey. "They give you that opportunity to hear you, to see you, and to give you that self-esteem that OK, you can do it," she said. With the help of Dress for Success, Ghazal is now on the path to achieving her goals and creating a brighter future for herself and her child.

As Dress for Success Kelowna continues to grow and expand its reach, the organization remains committed to serving the diverse needs of women in the community. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about their mission, individuals can play a vital role in empowering women to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

To learn more about Dress for Success or to donate to the "Your Hour, Her Power" campaign, visit their website. You can also support their mission by donating gently used business attire at their office located at 1272 St. Paul St. Together, we can help women like Ghazal find the confidence, resources, and support they need to thrive in their new lives.