Dress for Success Greater New York City has transformed my life, boosting my confidence and professional growth. Through workshops and networking, I’ve gained invaluable support. Now, ‘my inside matches my outside,’ and I’m excited to reach my full potential with their ongoing guidance.
Rudele “Rudy” Alexis was born in Haiti and migrated to New York with her family at age two. The oldest of five siblings, a working single mother and caregiver of her brother with special needs, Rudy’s determination as a problem-solver and passion to help her family and community, stood out since an early age and are some of the many features that make Dress for Success Greater New York City so proud of her.
She first heard about Dress for Success in 2012 when she was referred to us for suiting. Her employment ended after five and a half years, and she realized she did not have the proper attire for a job interview. Rudy had forgotten how to interview and did not know how to advocate for herself as a working mother. She previously kept a job that did not foster a healthy work-life balance due to the imperative need for consistent funds to raise her child.
After Rudy received her styling session and completed her interview practice, she landed a job in early 2013 and joined the Professional Women’s Group (PWG) at the Bronx chapter. She then participated in the specialized LeadHership program by Dress for Success, where she learned how to advocate for herself. Rudy initially did not apply because she did not see herself as a leader and only saw herself as a mom trying to make ends meet. The manager of the Greater New York City office convinced her that she is in fact a leader; a leader at work, a leader of her family and friends, and of her community. The program also developed a desire for her to get involved in the community and share the information she learned, to help others improve their own lives.
Rudy became a mom to a beautiful boy named Ethan. Over the next 11 years, through various programming like LeadHership, Dress for Success has supported her to advocate for herself as woman, a Black woman, and a working mom in the workplace.
She now pays forward to what Dress for Success has taught her, within her school community. Once the recipient of social services who was almost evicted from her apartment, Rudy has not only found stability but is now helping others in need and is now ready to further her education and pursue a degree in business management.
As Rudy experienced many adversities including migration, unemployment and single-parenting, Dress for Success was one of the important places she turned to, helping to refocus on her life. She has completely rebuilt her self-confidence and her self-worth.