Empowering Latinas in the DC Area: Suited For Change's Commitment to Community Outreach
Suited For Change is proud to serve the women and femme-presenting people of the greater DC area and we are excited to continue our Latina community outreach in the coming months! According to the US census bureau 2022 population estimates, 11.5% of the DC population is Hispanic or Latino, and with our partner organizations, SFC can connect to Latina women in need of professional clothing.
SFC has been a long-term partner with Kitchen of Purpose (formerly La Cocina VA) to provide excellent workshops on topics such as Marketing Strategies and Developing Your Personal Brand. Kitchen of Purpose’s mission is to create opportunities for social and economic change through feeding, educating, and empowering the minds of the community. This past April, SFC returned to Kitchen of Purpose to provide another workshop for their latest participants as they prepare to take the next steps in building their businesses. Our volunteers and staff always have a wonderful time connecting with our partners within the SFC community and we are constantly on the lookout for more organizations to partner up with.
Later that month, SFC’s Marketing and Program Manager, Fernanda Parreira Menezes, went to Conéctate Con Tu Comunidad in Tysons Corner and recognized Fanny, who had attended SFC’s previous workshop at Kitchen of Purpose and received additional coaching. Since then, Fanny opened her own business, Tango Empanadas & Bakery. What a beautiful, full-circle moment for the two of them!
After a joyful reunion with Fanny, Fernanda then ran into Jennifer Rios, a board member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County (HCCMC), another local organization that works to support Hispanics in business.
To cap off the month, SFC connected with Latinas Leading Tomorrow to suit participants of their CORE (Creating Opportunities to Reach Excellence) program. The participants of CORE receive mentoring and education to support their cultural identity and future professional pursuits. SFC had the privilege of suiting these young ladies and providing a professional workshop to support their efforts. We are very grateful to our volunteers who specially prepared the clothing and to Amy Cohen, who assisted in the suiting process. As part of the event, Melody Gonzales, the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics gave an inspiring speech about future professional Latina efforts.
Looking ahead, SFC has more marketing and personal branding workshops scheduled through the summer and into the fall at organizations including Kitchen of Purpose and Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC). Similar to Kitchen of Purpose, LEDC works to provide those of Latin descent with the tools they need for economic independence through employment and small business support. Suited For Change has the absolute pleasure to work with both of these organizations and more!
Moving forward, Suited For Change has more plans in store to bolster our workshop development program and continue to expand our outreach in the Latina community. We are excited for future partnerships with familiar and new organizations to support women in need! Together, we can create a supportive and empowering environment for all women as they strive for success and economic independence.
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About Eva Van Benschoten:
Eva is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 2022. Currently, she is a George Washington University Student majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Conflict Resolution and a minor in Applied Ethics. She has the privilege to be a part of many DC communities as a Foggy Bottom resident, dance team member, and Suited For Change Volunteer. In her spare time, she can be found at the reflecting pool taking a walk or enjoying tater tots from Tonic.
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