Leadership Programs
Step into your leadership.
Dress For Success Vancouver's leadership programs support women and gender-diverse individuals ready to grow their impact, their network, and their voice.
Working Women's Group
A free, six-month cohort program for working women and gender-diverse individuals. Three cohorts run each year. Sessions are held monthly on Saturday mornings. You must be working a minimum of 20 hours per week to participate.
You must identify as a woman or gender-diverse individual and be comfortable in a space that centres the experience of women. You need to be working a minimum of 20 hours per week and available to attend all six monthly Saturday sessions.
Monthly Sessions
Once a month on Saturday mornings, your cohort comes together to learn and discuss with an expert in their field. Topics cover leadership and civic engagement, financial literacy, health and wellness, work-life alignment, and navigating the workplace. Sessions are virtual or hybrid depending on the cohort.
One-on-One Mentoring
Members have the opportunity to be matched with a mentor for ongoing support. Mentor-mentee pairs meet at least monthly to work through short and long-term goals, address challenges, and develop strategies for what comes next.
Networking and Community
Connection happens both during sessions and through a dedicated online platform, where members and mentors share resources, experiences, and support between meetings.
Interested in Joining our Working Women's Group?
Applications are open for the fall of 2026! You’re invited to schedule a short screening conversation with a WWG team member to discuss your goals and confirm fit. If selected, you’ll receive a formal invitation to join the next cohort.
Questions? Email wwg@dfsvancouver.org.
Working Women’s Group Alumnae
WWG graduates are automatically part of the Alumnae Program upon graduation. A mix of in-person and Zoom sessions run monthly from September through June, with a focus on connection, professional development, and peer support. For many members, it becomes the community that keeps them growing long after the program ends.
Working Women’s Group Alumnae
Ambassadors are the face and voice of Dress For Success Vancouver in the community. If you’ve been through our programs and want to give back by sharing your story and connecting with new audiences, the Ambassador Program is your next step. It’s a leadership opportunity with genuine community and lasting impact.
Who it’s for: Ambassadors come from our client community. You know first-hand who we are and what we do, and you’re ready to represent that in the world.
Applications are not open this year. CTA reflects expression of interest only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Working Women's Group
What happens at a Working Women's Group session?
Sessions are structured but interactive, and held once a month on Saturdays over a six-month cohort. A typical session includes a welcome and check-in, a featured topic or workshop, group discussion, goal setting, and time for peer connection and networking. Participation is encouraged: you can share, ask questions, or simply listen as you find your footing. Sessions are led by a facilitator and run for approximately two to two and a half hours.
Do I need to have used Dressing Services or other programs to be eligible?
No. You do not need to have accessed any other Dress for Success Vancouver programs to apply for the Working Women’s Group. The program is open to anyone who meets the participation criteria and receives confirmation of their place.
Do I need to be employed to apply?
Yes. Working Women’s Group participants are required to be working a minimum of 20 hours per week. The program focuses on job retention, career advancement, financial stability, and navigating workplace challenges.
How do I apply?
Applications open three times per year. To apply: submit your application through the link on this page, then complete a short screening conversation with a Working Women’s Group team member to discuss your goals and availability. If selected, you will receive a confirmation and invitation to join the next cohort.
Working Women's Group Alumnae
What happens at an Alumnae session?
Sessions run approximately two to two and a half hours and follow a format similar to a regular Working Women’s Group meeting: a professional or personal development workshop, peer discussion, and community connection. Sessions are held in person, typically monthly from September through June.
How do I become part of the Alumnae Program?
As of 2026, all Working Women’s Group graduates are automatically enrolled in the Alumnae Program upon graduation. No application is required.
Do I need to be employed to participate?
No. The Alumnae Program is open to all Working Women’s Group graduates regardless of current employment status.
Ambassador Program
Who is eligible to become an Ambassador?
The Ambassador Program is open to current or former Dress for Success Vancouver participants whose lives have been positively impacted by our programming. You must have been through our programs to apply. The program is not open to community members who have not accessed our services.
What is the time commitment?
Ambassadors set their own minimum hour commitment at the time of application, which must include attending workshops, events, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
What do Ambassadors do, and what do they receive?
Ambassadors represent Dress for Success Vancouver at public and private events, share their story on our platforms and in our campaigns, and contribute as client advisors in shaping our programming.
In return, Ambassadors receive virtual and in-person workshops throughout the year covering public speaking, leadership development, storytelling, networking, personal branding, media training, and more. They also access opportunities to attend conferences, panels, photo shoots, and job fairs on behalf of the organization.
How do I apply?
Ambassadors are invited to apply on an annual basis from among actively engaged community members who align with the program’s goals. If you have questions or want to express your interest, email hello@dfsvancouver.ca.