My name is Ruky, and I am honoured to serve as an Ambassador for Dress for Success Vancouver.
If you had told me years ago that a simple conversation in a WhatsApp group would lead me to where I am today, I might not have believed you. But that’s the power of connection. Not just the professional kind, but the kind that builds community, creates belonging, and opens doors you didn’t even know existed.
My journey in Canada began in 2013 when I emigrated from Nigeria to Lethbridge, Alberta, a small city that, while welcoming, often felt a world away from everything I had known. Like many immigrants, I arrived with big dreams and a strong work ethic. But I quickly realized something crucial: in Nigeria, networking happens quietly, almost behind the scenes. But in Canada, networking is done openly, intentionally, and strategically. Success here isn’t just about what you know, it’s about who you know, who knows you, and how we lift one another up.
In 2018, I moved to British Columbia, seeking new opportunities and stronger professional connections. But it wasn’t until 2022, just after COVID, that I truly found my community, through Dress for Success Vancouver and the Working Women’s Group, formerly the Professional Women’s Group.
It all started with a message in a WhatsApp group from a fellow DFS alumna, Tracy Adole. She mentioned the program, and something told me to look into it. That one moment of curiosity connected me to a world of possibility and to my mentor, Gopi Chand.
Gopi saw something in me that I hadn’t fully seen in myself. She challenged me to dream bigger, to pursue my MBA, and to trust that even in moments of professional uncertainty, there’s a path forward.
Throughout my MBA, I began to understand that networking isn’t just a strategy, it’s a mindset. One of my professors emphasized nurturing dormant connections, staying engaged with our communities, and making time to build relationships intentionally. Dress for Success became that place for me. A place where the lines between networking and genuine connection blurred in the most beautiful way.
Through PWG/WWG, I built meaningful relationships with women who, like me, were navigating their careers. We shared struggles, celebrated victories – the yaya moments, and found inspiration in each other’s stories. These connections became more than networking; they became a support system. They provided a psychological safety net, a space where I could be open about my career challenges without fear. We held space for setbacks. Together we formed a community where we could all grow professionally and personally.
What makes this community so special is that it’s not only about giving your time – it’s about building a diverse, vibrant network where women empower women in every way imaginable.
I’ve learned that networking is not just about formal events, exchanging business cards, or sending LinkedIn requests. More often it’s about small, everyday moments, a casual introduction, a shared experience, a willingness to say hello. Meaningful professional growth is rooted in genuine connections and mutual support. Through WWG, I found exactly that. I built lasting relationships with women who were also navigating their careers. Together, we shared challenges openly, celebrated wins, and supported one another in an environment of trust and understanding.
Think about the stylist and client who meet for coffee after a dress fitting for the client’s very first job interview in Canada. Or the guest speaker who not only shares her email with an attendee, but follows up the next day on LinkedIn to continue the conversation. Or the two volunteers sorting donations side by side, practicing English together, building confidence, and forming an unexpected friendship along the way.
These are the small moments that define our community. These are the real stories of Dress for Success Vancouver. This community became more than a professional network, it became a space of belonging, a place where I felt empowered and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. My experience is proof that one conversation, one introduction, or one act of kindness can open up new possibilities and shape the future in ways we could never anticipate.
Donate today to help more women like Ruky feel seen, supported, and strong.
