Hiring Hoosiers is a new initiative from RTV6 that works to connect Hoosiers to employment opportunities, career development resources, training programs and educational paths. In our Hiring Hoosiers reports we are taking a closer look at barriers to employment and things that get in the way of people getting the jobs they need to support themselves and their families. For more information, visit HiringHoosiers.com. See new stories weekdays at 6 a.m. on RTV6!
INDIANAPOLIS — In light of our Hiring Hoosiers campaign, Dress for Success was given a $5,000 grant on behalf of RTV6 and the Scripps Howard Foundation for their efforts in helping women gain employment.
Ericka Boyd is outfitted with the attitude and aptitude to grow professionally.
"There's always room for advancement, there's always room for improvement," Boyd said. "You have to believe in yourself for this program has taught us so many things about believing yourself going up there and striving to be the best person that you can be."
Boyd is among the 17,000 women Dress for Success has helped over the past 20 years. The organization started by providing professional attire needed for job interviews.
LEARN MORE | Dress for Success Indianapolis
Beyond its Suits for Success program, the group has expanded services. Its Career Development Center focuses on building job skills and the Professional Women's Group targets networking and career development.
"One of the things we are working on this year is leveraging our corporate partnerships that we have with companies who are struggling to fill job positions, who want skilled workers and communicating those job opportunities to them, to our clients and preparing those clients so that they could interview for the job openings," Julie Petr, Dress for Success executive director, said.
Boyd is open to learning a new skill everyday not only for herself but for her first priority, her family.
"I want them to be able to see that there is hope in life and their advancements but you actually have to take steps, you just can't sit around and do nothing you actually have to get out there and try to succeed you have to be able to do that," Boyd said.
Dress for Success Indianapolis is celebrating 20 years of service in Indiana. The organization with the leadership of then Executive Director Talene Shuck was founded in May 1999. In 2000, the Indianapolis group served 79 women which in the past two decades has grown to more than 17,000. The women have been assisted by more than 800 volunteers involving 144 referral partners.
The next clothing collection is set for April 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dress for Success is located at 820 N. Meridian St.
