Meet Cristina
Cristina’s journey with Dress for Success NSW & ACT is a powerful reminder of how support and styling can help women step back into their careers with confidence and self-assurance.
Originally from Brazil, Cristina moved to Australia six years ago with a wealth of experience as a corporate lawyer and executive assistant for C-suite Executives. Despite her qualifications and over 20 years of experience, relocating to a new country as a single mother brought unexpected challenges. To support her young daughter and navigate this unfamiliar environment, Cristina made a significant career shift, choosing to work as an Early Childhood Educator. For five years, she focused on this path, adapting to her surroundings and dedicating herself to her daughter. However, in early this year, Cristina felt it was time to return to the corporate world and pursue the work she was trained and experienced in.
The job search was daunting. Cristina describes feeling insecure and overwhelmed as she navigated a job market in a different language, culture and with new technologies. But a recommendation from her SkilledMax teacher at TAFE introduced her to Dress for Success – a resource that would change her career life. “It was the best advice I received during the course”, she recalls.
Cristina’s first styling session with Dress for Success at Summer Hill boutique was transformative. She returned 3 months later with exciting news: she was offered a position as a Legal Secretary. The volunteer stylists, whom she describes as “rock stars”, selected outfits that combined sophistication with her personality. With every outfit and styling tip, the styling volunteers helped her see herself in a new light, bringing out her inner confidence and empowering her to embrace colours and combinations she had never considered before. Her favourite moment was wearing a lilac outfit with Adidas sneakers and a beautiful Michael Kors handbag.
“I couldn’t stop smiling. The experience was an enormous confidence boost.”
Now, as she begins this new chapter, Cristina reflects on the support she received from Dress for Success. “My journey started there, and I am grateful for being embraced by those amazing women genuinely committed to helping me succeed.”
Help us Empower more women like Cristina
Our Empowering Services and Programs
All of our services and clothing are free and open to any woman who feels she needs them.
There are no criteria to access our services.
Styling and Presentation Skills
- Job interviews
- Starting a new job
- Starting work for further education
- Court appearances
- On release from prison
- Affirming gender as a woman
- Important life events
Our Styling Services
Career Support Program
We offer a holistic suite of practical workshops job search and personal development workshops to help women develop the skills and confidence to maximise chances of job search and career success.
We partner with industry experts to deliver tailored individual assistance:
- Resume Review
- Cover Letter Review
- Resume & LinkedIn Profile Review
- Mock Interview
- Career Coaching
Online Career Hub
Jobseekers will find an abundance of career resources, practical tips and advice that can be accessed 24/7. Weekly Live Online Workshops are facilitated by industry experts in a supportive, engaging environment.
You can make a difference today
Your generous donation, regardless of its size, transforms the lives of women, enabling them to embark on their career journey, secure a brighter financial future, and enhance their overall well-being.
We appreciate your generosity and support of our mission.
