Sorority donates business attire to Dress for Success

Janeal Downs
Contributing Writer

Sigma Lambda Upsilon collected donations of business attire from VCU students for disadvantaged women on Monday afternoon in the Student Commons lobby.

The sorority is collecting donations from the VCU community this week for the group Dress for Success, a nonprofit company that works to provide professional attire for low-income women worldwide.

The sorority collected professional jackets, pants and slacks. All items that were collected by the sorority will be distributed by Dress for Success to women who can’t afford business attire that could help them gain a needed job.

VCU librarian Megan Hodge said she hoped her donations would help women get jobs who need them.

“I’m hoping that the donations will help people look professional and be able to get the jobs,” said Hodge.

Hodge donated a tan business jacket with matching business slacks.

“Just look in your closet. I mean what woman doesn’t have stuff that she doesn’t wear anymore?” Hodge said. “Or if you’re having a real hard time look for it as an excuse to go shopping for new business wear for yourself and get rid of yourself and help out someone else in need.”

The sorority hopes to donate five complete outfits to Dress for Success by the end of the week.

“We’re extremely passionate about empowering women, marginalized groups and our community and we do whatever we can to help each other out,” said sorority president Wanda Hernandez.

Sigma Lambda Upsilon/ Señoritas Latinas Unidas will be collecting donations throughout the week. The sorority was able to collect about 40 articles of clothing on the first day.

The sorority will also collaborate with Dress for Success representatives to present to students a “what not to wear” discussion for advice on attire during interviews and other professional settings on Tuesday night.