Financial literacy, fashion and futures

In the heart of Houston, Dress for Success Houston stands as a beacon of empowerment, offering women the tools to secure economic independence and attain professional success. Amplifying this mission, Bank of Texas stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the organization in a powerful alliance.

Offering a range of diverse programming, including professional attire, career development and financial literacy initiatives, Dress for Success Houston (DFSH) focuses on addressing the multifaceted needs of women entering or re-entering the workforce, often after overcoming adversity.

"I helped a woman find a professional outfit for an upcoming job fair, and it was like I had given her glass slippers," said volunteer and Bank of Texas Community Relations Manager Angelia Williams. "As she tried on clothes, she stood taller and smiled. It was evident that just a little grace and help would give her the courage and confidence to find the job that could change her life."

Williams is one of the many Bank of Texas employees who support DFSH and the 2,500 women it served last year. These employees are enthusiastic supporters, volunteering to sort clothes, donating handbags and business attire and teaching financial literacy and interview skills.

More than a suit

Despite the name, Dress for Success Houston goes beyond business attire. For over 25 years, they have created change by equipping more than 47,000 Houston-area women with the resources needed to attain long-term employment and success.

"DFSH provides job preparation, stability and ongoing support for personal and professional development," said volunteer Audrey Schexnailder, who works in human resources at Bank of Texas. "They do not just suit them up and send them on their way. The organization supports women and helps put them on the path to pursuing their dreams. When you can change the trajectory of a family—from an educational, skills and income perspective—you can change future generations."

For example, one DFSH program is the Professional Women's Group (PWG), which is for participants who have secured a job. The PWG promotes job retention and career advancement by providing valuable information, tools and resources, all while creating a safe environment for connection.

"I am happier and more supported now than I have been in a long time," said program participant Sarai via the organization's website. "The Professional Women's Group challenges me while giving me hope and a sense of community."

Amplifying the good

Bank of Texas, a stalwart supporter of the nonprofit for more than five years, recently made a two-year, $50,000 commitment to boost Dress for Success Houston's financial literacy initiatives. This commitment includes teaching a budgeting boot camp for PWG members and underwriting a 13-week financial literacy program. Bank of Texas women leaders will also host a handbag donation drive during an upcoming networking event, ensuring every program participant who receives a suit also gets a purse to match.

During March, in celebration of Women's History Month, Bank of Texas is also supporting the DFSH campaign Her Path Forward, which is inspired by the belief that when a woman has access to education and job resources, her contributions strengthen communities, increase organizational effectiveness and help businesses and economies grow.

"There's an amazing synergy between Bank of Texas and Dress for Success Houston," said Williams. "We both understand the power of financial literacy to transform lives: financial freedom gives a woman the power to choose her own destiny."