A first-generation American of Lebanese and Polish origin, Rachelle understands the importance of hard work. Her family came to this country and built a new life for their children. It was a struggle that caused rifts in their familial relationships. Rachelle often felt unsupported and alone. Although she had worked as a teacher for several years and earned three degrees (MBA, Master of Arts in Education and Master of Applied Science), she had little confidence and often felt isolated. During her struggle, she met Ann Klein, who was working for another nonprofit, Grant a Dream. Rachelle helped Ann with admin work as well as anything else that was necessary. When Ann joined the Dress for Success Denver team, she remembered Rachelle and encouraged her to join the program.

Rachelle is now a valuable member of the group. She started as a client attending the program and immediately stepped into a leadership role. Rachelle volunteers at meetings welcoming members and encouraging them to make connections with each other. She is selfless and pursues donations of food, venues, and beyond. She works with a team that collaborates, appreciates her, listens to her and helps renew her self-confidence that was previously shattered by various life events. She feels empowered by Dress for Success Denver to strive higher in her career and be a role model for the community.

She says, “Dress for Success Denver has helped me in many ways, by providing professional clothing so I feel more confident at work, and also by providing workshops that will help me achieve my business goals.”

Furthermore, Rachelle dedicates all her free time to volunteering for animal rescues like the Colorado Pet Pantry. This year, she helped the organization raise over $100,000 to support the program. Rachelle has rescued and fostered over 2,000 animals and wants to invest in a larger property to expand her animal rescuing efforts.