We are all familiar with the feeling you get when you wear a new outfit for the first time… the sidewalk becomes your runway and you feel like you can accomplish anything. Although it may seem like a petty detail in the grand scheme of things, it is obvious that clothing and confidence are inextricably linked. After all, where would Wonder Woman be without her star-spangled spankies?

Dress for Success, a non-profit organization founded in New York City in 1997, directly addresses the role fashion plays in gaining the necessary confidence for underprivileged women to become self-sufficient super heroines in their own right. Each of their clients struggles with the same basic dilemma: without a job, how can she afford a suit? But without a suit, how can she get a job? During her initial visit, each woman receives an interview-appropriate outfit and a mentor to provide career guidance. Once she finds a job, she can then return for additional clothing and accessories, providing the foundation for a professional wardrobe (which we all know is essential!). Dress for Success has helped more than 500,000 women around the world to become economically independent by providing professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools.

As chic women looking for careers of our own, I know we can empathize with Dress for Success’ mission, and luckily, the SocialVibe widget makes it easy for us to help. I encourage you to click on the icon in the sidebar and fill out a “Cup of Confidence” note that will be sent to a Dress for Success client – it only took me a minute to do! For every five notes we fill out, Coffee-Mate has pledged to sponsor four days of career guidance to underprivileged women.

Think of the impact such a small gesture can make!