For over two decades, Dress for Success Vancouver has been a pillar of support for women seeking economic independence. Under the leadership of Executive Director Amanda Sayfy, the organization empowers more than 2,000 self-identifying women across the Lower Mainland each year, providing them with professional attire, career development programs, and leadership opportunities. With a dedicated team and over 400 volunteers, Dress for Success Vancouver continues to break down barriers to employment, ensuring that all women have access to the resources they need to build successful futures.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
I lead the team at Dress for Success Vancouver, empowering more than 2,000 self-identifying women across the Lower Mainland each year into good jobs, financial independence, and personal success. As Executive Director, I ensure that my staff and our community of 400+ volunteers have the resources and support they need to serve our clients.
What problem does it aim to solve?
One of my core values is fairness; the barriers to employment that our clients at DFSV face are often a direct result of having been equity-denied, making this such a values-aligned fit for me and the difference that I want to make. Our programs at DFSV give our clients a chance at the jobs and lives that they already deserve. I feel so fortunate to play a small part in this impact.
When did you start/join it?
I started with DFSV in March 2024 – just a year ago – after many years focused on fund development in the non-profit sector. Now, given the economic uncertainty we face, I am hopeful that my experience can help strengthen and sustain the critical services we provide.
What made you want to get involved?
I was drawn to the opportunity given the organization’s essential mission, which felt very personal at the time. When approached, I was recently separated, navigating a new reality as a single parent. I knew how privileged I was to be able to make such a big life decision this freely, and given the chance, wanted to be able to give other women the same freedom of choice in their lives. Good jobs and financial independence gives women just that.
What was the situation like when you started?
Dress for Success Vancouver was founded in 1999 by one woman with a $5,000 donation, making it the first international affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide. Early planning meetings were held in founder Astrid Levelt’s parents’ living room, where she and a small group of supporters laid the groundwork for the organization. Together, they secured space in the former nun’s residence at St. Patrick’s Parish on Main Street in East Vancouver. Volunteers worked to transform the space, painting, removing carpets, and setting up clothing racks to create the first boutique. This grassroots effort formed the foundation of the organization, which began with a strong commitment to empower women through professional attire and support services aimed at professional success.
How has it changed since?
Since its founding, Dress for Success Vancouver has grown significantly to meet the evolving needs of self-identifying women in our community. The need for our services is greater than ever, as women face rising barriers to securing stable, well-paying jobs due to economic uncertainty, shifting workforce demands, and the increasing cost of living.
In response, our programming has expanded far beyond our original Dressing Services, which continue to provide professional attire for interviews, employment, internships, court appearances, and more. In addition, we now offer Trans & Gender Diverse Suitings to ease the financial burden for individuals going through wardrobe transitions.
Our comprehensive Career Programs have been developed to assist women in securing and retaining employment, including workshops, one-on-one appointments, mock interviews, LinkedIn and CV updates, job search guidance, career exploration, and support navigating government services.
We have also introduced Leadership Programs, like our Working Women’s Group (WWG), which provides job-retention support, peer mentorship, and workshops to help women develop leadership skills and achieve long-term success.
Additionally, our Volunteer to Work program helps newcomer women gain valuable Canadian work experience, setting them on the path to meaningful employment.
Our programs have grown significantly in 25 years, but we still have a long way to go!
What more needs to be done?
We’ve made a lot of progress, but there is still a lot of progress needed to achieve gender equity. The 2025 International Women’s Day theme, Accelerating Action, calls us to push beyond awareness and towards tangible change in a world that is free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
At the current rate, it will take 131 years to close the global gender gap – far too long! To accelerate change, we must raise our voices, lift as we climb, and step into leadership roles unapologetically. Gender equity isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s an economic and societal imperative that requires collective action. The impact of our support extends beyond the workplace – when a woman secures fulfilling work, she uplifts herself, her family, and her community, creating a lasting ripple effect of economic empowerment. The power of one woman’s success can transform entire generations. By continuing to provide women with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in their careers, Dress for Success Vancouver is helping to accelerate this change – one woman, one job, and one success story at a time.
How can our readers help?
There are many ways to support Dress for Success Vancouver, and every contribution makes a difference! One of the most impactful ways is to make a one-time gift, or become a monthly Success Donor, providing steady support that allows us to make lasting and long-term investments.
You can also help by:
- Hosting a Fundraiser: Become a champion for Dress for Success Vancouver.
- Organizing a Donation Drive: Professional attire, handbags, and personal care items help women step into interviews with confidence.
- Becoming a Mentor: Share your expertise and guide another woman as she navigates her career journey.
- Engaging Your Company: Advocate for corporate sponsorships and community partnerships.
Every action, big or small, has the potential to help women achieve economic independence. Get involved today and learn more at Ways to Give.
Do you have any events coming up?
We have two exciting events coming up that are essential to our mission and community:
Annual Volunteer Appreciation: This event is dedicated to recognizing the incredible contributions of our volunteers. Volunteers are essential to the success of our organization, and we are thrilled to celebrate and acknowledge their gifts, talents, and commitment. This year, we’ll be hosting the event on April 29th. If you’re interested in getting involved or supporting this event, please reach out to us!
2025 Success Luncheon: Our largest annual fundraiser, the Success Luncheon, will be held in November 2025. This event brings people together to network and support women’s empowerment. If you or your company are interested in getting involved, there are many ways to contribute through donations, sponsorship, silent auctions, and more. Please contact our team for details!
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Having worked with the organization for six years, the impact of Family Services of Greater Vancouver is still very close to my heart! The programs help children and families access the tools they need to be happy and healthy, helping create better outcomes for them and their communities, both in the short and long term.
