Rooted in Community, Fueling the Collective

In Philadelphia—where the poverty rate stands at 22.7% and Black residents face double the poverty rate of White residents—achieving economic mobility requires far more than polishing a resume. It requires systemic access, community, and connection. The women who walk through our doors are navigating complex lives constricted by gender and racial discrimination embedded in every aspect of the economy.

Lived Experience and Trusted Leadership

We are not just managing programs—we are leaders rooted in the very communities we serve. Executive Director Kelly Davis, MPA, brings over 15 years of public health and racial equity leadership, while Senior Program Manager Sanovia Garrett, MA, drives our on-the-ground client engagement. Our strength comes from combining professional expertise with personal lived experience. We understand the nuanced barriers our clients encounter because we experience them too. That authenticity allows women to seek judgment-free support, career coaching, and wardrobe styling with dignity.

Local Independence and the Philanthropic Gap

While we share a globally recognized name, Dress for Success Greater Philadelphia is a lean, independent local organization. We do not receive automatic national funding; every service we offer is sustained by what we raise and earn right here. Despite doing critical ground work, organizations led by and serving Black women historically receive a tiny fraction of total philanthropic giving.

This August, during Black Philanthropy Month, you can help shift that narrative. Givebutter is offering a 5% match on donations to Black-led organizations made through the Givebutter Wallet!

Where Your Support Goes

As we approach our 5th anniversary, we are raising $5,000 to expand two vital local initiatives:

Walk-In Wednesdays: Launching designated open-door days so clients can access resume coaching, interview prep, and professional styling on demand without an appointment.

Professional Women’s Group (PWG) Expansion: Growing our post-hire support network with peer mentorship, financial literacy, and leadership workshops to help women keep their jobs and advance.

Your Direct Impact

$25 — Covers 1-on-1 resume reviews and interview materials during Walk-In Wednesdays.

$50 — Funds complete head-to-toe styling for an upcoming interview.

$100 — Supplies materials and workshop resources for a Professional Women’s Group member.

$250 — Directly powers a full day of open-door Walk-In Wednesday operations.

$500+ — Acts as a 5th Anniversary Catalyst to scale access and hire more support.

Rooted & Rising: Fueling Philly’s Black Women Leaders

High 5 for Her Future: 5 Years, $5K, Lasting Impact

Team Leaderboard

Team Members