The Oklahoma State University Women's Club in Technology needs local help with clothing donations for an upcoming event.
The club will be holding a “Dress for Success” event on Aug. 28 to kick off the fall semester.
Local business owners Hannah Thompson of Jo & Co, Rachel Leslie of Polka Square and Stillwater Chamber of Commerce president Alane Zannotti will be on hand to offer fashion tips and wardrobe advice to help members feel confident at job interviews, career fairs and networking events.
WIT will host a “Career Closet” from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 6 to give enrolled students the opportunity to pick out business attire for free, said Kim Strom, co-advisor for the club. Thompson, Leslie and Zanotti will help students with their selections.
That same day, from 2-3:30 p.m., WIT will host a “Career Closet Connection” in the Spears School of Business’ Keystone Lobby. All clothing donors will be invited to attend, and students will have the opportunity to show off their newly acquired business attire while interacting with donors.
But Strom said the event relies on one key aspect: community support in providing work clothes for club members.
WIT is seeking donations of business clothing in a variety of sizes and colors to help members look their best. Appropriate items include business suits, jackets or blazers, dress pants or skirts, dress shirts or blouses, and business dresses.
All donated items must be in good condition, preferably less than three years old and have been professionally cleaned.
“Our goal is to offer a variety of sizes and styles to meet the needs of every student,” Strom said.
There are four donation drop-off locations for donors across the state, including:
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., OSU-OKC campus, 136 Student Center. Friday: 9 a.m. to noon, OSU-Stillwater campus, Spears School of Business, Room 345. Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., OSU-Tulsa campus, 103 North Hall. Aug. 30: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.
Donors must fill out a form at bit.ly/WITCareerCloset stating their donation and whether they would like to participate in a Career Closet Connections event.
Strom said the club aims to “educate members about different sectors and aspects of the tech industry, provide insight into the current state of women working in tech and offer advice on how to navigate challenges they may face.”
Club president Hadley Dowers said donating clothes not only frees up space in a closet, it can also make a big difference in someone's life.
“It's hard not to remember how much of an impact nice clothes can have on a person, instilling confidence and dignity,” Dowers said. “It's a simple act of kindness that can really make an impact on a student's early career.”
Industry liaison Mary Welch said part of helping people succeed is “creating a tailwind.”
“We believe our Career Closet initiative has a simple impact by providing immediate and tangible value to emerging professionals,” Welch said. “Every donation is a way to help Oklahoma State University students feel more confident as they navigate the early stages of their careers.”
