Empowering Women Through Power Suits: How SouthState is Celebrating International Women’s Day
3/6/2020 - Stories & Insights
One suit blazer, dress pant and tailored blouse at a time, female team members from South State gave women in their community the opportunity to walk into a job interview with confidence.
South State commemorated International Women’s Day on March 8 by partnering with Dress for Success, asking team members across its footprint to donate gently used professional attire for women entering or returning to the workplace. Since 1997, Dress for Success has helped more than one million women gain more independence.
A relaxed dress code recently implemented at South State left many team members with suits and other professional attire hanging unused in their closets. The Dress for Success clothing drive allowed them to give directly to women in need.
In just two weeks, South State collected nearly 30 garment boxes full of clothes, shoes and accessories.
Amy Vincent, loan officer assistant team lead in Richmond, Va., quickly volunteered to coordinate donations for her region after hearing about the clothing drive.
“I see so many women who, through different circumstances such as death of a spouse or divorce, have to reenter the workplace after many years removed. This is a daunting task for them and having professional clothes can give them the confidence that they need to go after a job that can change their family’s life,” she said.
For Jane Brissette, a private banker in Columbia, S.C., the clothing drive gives her wardrobe a second life ahead of her upcoming retirement.
She says, “I love feeling that I have helped someone who is just getting started or changing jobs by contributing clothing that I no longer use. Whether business suits or business casual attire, if someone can use it, it makes me feel good knowing that I can help another woman who wants a new or growing opportunity.”
Amy Cox, director of employee strategy, said, “What a perfect partnership for a company with 75% women — to help those who need it most and who we hope may someday be a team member at South State.”
South State commemorated International Women’s Day on March 8 by partnering with Dress for Success, asking team members across its footprint to donate gently used professional attire for women entering or returning to the workplace. Since 1997, Dress for Success has helped more than one million women gain more independence.
A relaxed dress code recently implemented at South State left many team members with suits and other professional attire hanging unused in their closets. The Dress for Success clothing drive allowed them to give directly to women in need.
In just two weeks, South State collected nearly 30 garment boxes full of clothes, shoes and accessories.
Amy Vincent, loan officer assistant team lead in Richmond, Va., quickly volunteered to coordinate donations for her region after hearing about the clothing drive.
“I see so many women who, through different circumstances such as death of a spouse or divorce, have to reenter the workplace after many years removed. This is a daunting task for them and having professional clothes can give them the confidence that they need to go after a job that can change their family’s life,” she said.
For Jane Brissette, a private banker in Columbia, S.C., the clothing drive gives her wardrobe a second life ahead of her upcoming retirement.
She says, “I love feeling that I have helped someone who is just getting started or changing jobs by contributing clothing that I no longer use. Whether business suits or business casual attire, if someone can use it, it makes me feel good knowing that I can help another woman who wants a new or growing opportunity.”
Amy Cox, director of employee strategy, said, “What a perfect partnership for a company with 75% women — to help those who need it most and who we hope may someday be a team member at South State.”
