|
On the occasion of my retirement, I want to tell you what a privilege it’s been for the last 12 years to be part of this amazing organization changing the lives of women in our community.
My Dress for Success Charlotte journey started in some ways, not unlike many of the women we serve. I was unemployed for the first time in my life and was unsure of what kind of job I wanted next and what skills were transferable.
So while job-hunting and soul-searching, I started volunteering as a style consultant. I quickly fell in love with the experience of lifting up other women and seeing the success of the programs and services here. It wasn’t the clothing alone that helped these women gain confidence. We offered them tools and skills to help them get prepared for a job, learn how to go about job-hunting and how to become employed. The network of support offered through the Professional Women's Group to help newly employed women retain and advance their careers is a valued core program in our continuum of workforce development services..
A little over 3 years as a volunteer I was given the opportunity to join this small but mighty team as the 4th full-time staff member, where I have been for the last 9 years. There have been extraordinary experiences, highs and lows, but the thing that stands out most - it’s the people I’ve met along the way. To the women we serve, volunteers, donors, corporate partners and the board, I can’t thank you enough for your support, advice and friendships over the years. It’s been an honor.
Although I can’t name everyone because this would go on several pages and I know I’d forget someone, I would be remiss not to name my remarkable co-workers! To Kerry Barr O’Connor, thank you for giving me a chance 9 years ago and believing in me. Thanks to the effervescent Pam James for always showing her heart for this work, and for being a sounding board and now, for being a lifelong friend. To my “newer” colleagues: Caren Knox, Rachel Bonnell and Victoria Scott, thank you for embracing your roles, doing great work and adding your passion to this organization. And to Dr. Emily Jensen Wheeler, thank you for your trusting and steadfast leadership during a time of transition. Also thanks for giving me so much grace after I told you during your second week that I would be retiring in 5 months. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you! There is no doubt in my mind that Dress for Success Charlotte is going in the right direction to impact many more women and families in the future.
Charlotte has been my home for 25 years and I’m not going anywhere. Should you want to connect after May 30, please leave a message with Dress for Success and they’ll get it to me. Who knows, you might see me back as a volunteer sometime in the future!
With gratitude,
Sally Ganz
| 
