By Ayana Brodeur-Edmonds | Observer Contributor
Photo by Ayana Brodeur-Edmonds
Bigger than ever before, MWCC’s annual Dress For Success Fashion Expo made its return on March 21. The event is usually held by the Parent Support Group club, but this year they joined hands with SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance) and WOW (Women of the World).
Taylor Rameau, president of the SAGA club, explained the importance of SAGA’s role in the event. She said that PSG (Parent Support Group) invited the club to “add the LGBT aspect.” Rameau clarified, “LGBT is a big aspect because there are so many people in the community and PSG wants to help everyone as much as they can.”
SAGA ran an informational table for the event, Rameau stated. The club offered pamphlets about interview tips that also provided information on LGBT and non-LGBT rights of employees. Rameau explained the importance of the pamphlets saying, “LGBT rights are something that not everyone thinks of. Students will learn their rights which is extremely important to know.”
The SAGA club also provided “Thank You” cards to attendees to send to employers after an interview. Rameau said that the gesture is something that “not many people think to do.” In addition to the cards, there were papers with the format for “Thank You” emails.
Rameau also provided some insight on how WOW and PSG contributed to the event. Members from Women of the World modelled professional clothing and assisted students in picking professional outfits. The Parent Support Group club made sure that the event went smoothly, and they provided the racks of professional clothing.
According to Rameau, students were given the chance to learn how to dress properly and they could purchase professional clothing at low prices. Rameau said, “Sadly, some people lose their job opportunity because they are not dressed properly.” Free professional headshots were offered at the event. Headshots can be used for LinkedIn profiles and resumes. Hair and makeup touch-ups were also available to attendees.
The Dress For Success Fashion Expo is separate from the Career Fair. For the Career Fair, Rameau explained, “Networking is the most important part of the Career Fair.” She explained that the Fair has events such as assistance with resumes and networking. Since the Expo is not allowed to interfere with other events, they are not able to provide the same opportunities.
The Fashion Expo ran from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, and all students were allowed to attend the entire time. For the final hour of the event, Dress For Success was opened to the general public. Rameau said she loved the event because, “it not only benefits the students but it benefits anyone who wants to participate in the community.”
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