Dress for Success Toronto

Last week's Learning & Connection Day focused on one of the most valuable job search skills: Networking.

A special thank you to Samantha Summers for creating such a welcoming space, facilitating engaging exercises, and sharing insights that will help participants strengthen their networking skills. The workshop focused on every aspect of networking - from making the first outreach (by phone if possible) to following up after a meeting, participants practiced strategies and gained expert insights to help grow their professional connections.

A few key takeaways:
* Do your research
* Be clear about your skills & goals
* Follow up and stay connected

Stay tuned for our next session.

The Youth Employment Summit is 2 days away!

There are still a few spots left. Don't miss this chance to explore career possibilities, build confidence and make meaningful connections in a supportive, low-pressure environment. And if that's not enough, there will be giveaways, gift bags and TTC passes!

See our website for details and registration. https://na3.hubs.ly/y0wlkR0

We're counting down to our Youth Employment Summit on June 24th! This event is powered by an incredible group of partners who are actively supporting young women as they build confidence and career-ready skills:
* Recruitment readiness
* Financial wellness
* Guided networking
* Leadership

Plus - a photographer on site for professional headshots and so much more! Spots are still available, register today!

Thank you to RBC for their generous support and TMU’s Fashion Zone for hosting us on campus.

https://na3.hubs.ly/y0w8Xy0

This Pride Month, we celebrate the power of showing up authentically and being welcomed for who you are.

At Dress for Success Toronto, we are committed to fostering a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. We celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and the unique perspectives, talents, and experiences that make our workplaces and communities stronger.

Thinking about attending our upcoming Youth Employment Summit? We heard great things from last year's attendees: 95% made at least one meaningful connection and 82% left feeling more confident about networking.

Join us on June 24 at the Sears Atrium, TMU, for this free event for women ages 18-29 who are navigating the workforce. Through panel discussions, engaging activations, and networking with professionals across a range of industries, you'll gain practical career skills, build connections, and feel more equipped to take the next steps in your career.

Register today!

https://dressforsuccesstoronto.org/client-events/yes-2026/

Networking is an important part of any job search, but it takes practice. Join us at our next Learning & Connection Day June 18 for an interactive afternoon designed to help you build confidence, strengthen your networking skills, and make connections in a supportive environment.

Thursday June 18 from 1-4 at the Dress for Success Toronto Boutique

This session is open to job‑ready women at all stages of their career journey. See our website for details and registration.

https://na3.hubs.ly/y0vNm90

* Show impact, not just experience - identify the value you bring
* Human skills matter more than ever
* Determine how you will apply any training before investing time or money

These are just some of the many takeaways from our online discussion on What Hiring Managers Actually want in 2026. What was your takeaway? Share in the comments.

We're so grateful to our moderator, Amanda Cupido (https://na3.hubs.ly/y0vLmX0); and panelists Laveen Jose, Vanuessa Duarte and Sharon McBean for this valuable discussion. Thanks also to the nearly 60 attendees who tuned in and asked questions.

Next session in our Future of Work Series: August 11th

Our new downtown clothing donation drop-off location is up and running until June 25th! Thanks to our partners at JCares for making it easier to support women in Toronto. For donation guidelines & details, visit our website.

Donations support the DFS Toronto Boutique Experience, empowering women to build confidence and job readiness through career support, community, and work attire. Last year, DFS Toronto provided 5,850 clothing items to women in Toronto.

Meet the amazing women joining us for our opening panel at the Youth Employment Summit on June 24th! We're bringing together Sunira Chaudri, Wasifa Noshin, Miriam Buttu, and moderator Jenny Okonkwo for a candid conversation about shaping the future of work for youth.

Get to know our panel:
Sunira Chaudhri – Founder of Workly Law, employment lawyer, Toronto Sun columnist, and Newstalk 1010 panelist.
Wasifa Noshin – Public service professional whose work spans finance, librarianship, community engagement, and equitable access.
Miriam Buttu – Director of External Relations & Engagement at Fora: Network for Change, business coach, and keynote speaker helping social impact leaders build values-aligned sustainable ventures.
and moderator Jenny Okonkwo – CPA, social entrepreneur, award-winning DEI leader, author, and founder of the Black Female Accountants Network

Don't miss this honest conversation about navigating the job market and building pathways to meaningful employment for young women. Spaces are still available – register today!

https://na3.hubs.ly/y0vD3-0

Pride Month is a celebration of authenticity, inclusion, and community. At Dress for Success Toronto, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in work and in life exactly as they are.