Who We Are
We are an organization fueled by the passion and dedication of hundreds of volunteers, a small but mighty staff, generous donors, and strategic partners whose collective energy moves the needle forward for women across the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina. Together, this community empowers women with the confidence, support, and opportunities to thrive.
Our Core Values
Empowerment with Dignity
We honor every woman’s inherent strength and meet her with encouragement, respect, and zero judgment. Every interaction is designed to uplift her confidence and support the next step in her career journey.
Community-Centered Support
We believe in the power of community to help women thrive. Volunteers, partners, donors, and staff come together to create a safe, welcoming environment where women feel seen, supported, and connected.
Equity & Access for All Women
We provide free, high-quality services and programs so every woman—regardless of background, income, or circumstance—can access the tools, coaching, and career pathways needed to build financial mobility.
The Ripple Effect of Success
We know that when one woman succeeds, her family, workplace, and community grow stronger. We are committed to creating long-term change that reaches far beyond the moment she walks through our doors.
Our Commitment to DEI
An inclusive and Supportive space
Dress for Success Triangle, a local agent of change, provides professional and personal support to unemployed and underemployed women, especially in communities where women are most vulnerable. We believe that when we strive to empower women, we positively impact their families and communities.
We do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. We endeavor to create a safe environment where every woman can access our resources and services. She is seen, heard, and respected. We welcome and serve all women regardless of age, ethnicity, race, nationality, socioeconomic background, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, differing abilities, and military status.
We commit to learn, evolve, and implement policies and programs aligned with our values. We will recruit a diverse team and board of directors; educate staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners on DEIA best practices; collaborate with like-minded organizations; and continue to speak up about issues impacting the communities we serve. We renew our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility daily.
We do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. We endeavor to create a safe environment where every woman can access our resources and services. She is seen, heard, and respected. We welcome and serve all women regardless of age, ethnicity, race, nationality, socioeconomic background, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, differing abilities, and military status.
We commit to learn, evolve, and implement policies and programs aligned with our values. We will recruit a diverse team and board of directors; educate staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners on DEIA best practices; collaborate with like-minded organizations; and continue to speak up about issues impacting the communities we serve. We renew our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility daily.
Our Board Members
Kimarie Ankenbrand – JLL
Stephanie Bass – Wells Fargo Advisors
Patty Carter – Community Leader
Melissa Chappell – NC GSK Foundation
Adam Hartzell – Southlight Healthcare
Windy Kohl – Community Leader
Gina Loften – Community Leader
Linda Sanders – Entrepreneur
Lisa Long Jackson – Pinnacle Financial Partners
Kurt Merriweather – The Diversity Movement
Margaret Millett – Seamless Horizons, Inc
Meg Ostrom – A|O Strategic Consulting
Tarkisha Poole – Coastal Credit Union
Donna Rhode – Vaco
Linda Sanders – Transition360 Partners, LLC
Our History
How it all started
After a successful career leading global organizations at Dell/EMC, Pat Nathan was encouraged to coach executives—but she felt called toward something deeper. She recognized that not all women had access to the support, tools, and opportunities needed to build lasting success, and she wanted to change that.
While living in London, Pat Nathan began volunteering with Dress for Success and witnessed firsthand the transformation that happens when women are met with encouragement, practical resources, and a community that believes in them. She fell in love with the mission and carried it home with her.
In 2008, Pat Nathan founded Dress for Success Triangle. What began as a vision has grown into an organization that has supported more than 32,000 women across Triangle and Eastern NC through free coaching, professional attire, and career development programs. Pat could have chosen a quieter retirement, but instead she built a legacy of empowerment—one that continues to uplift women, strengthen families, and spark a ripple effect that transforms communities for generations.
While living in London, Pat Nathan began volunteering with Dress for Success and witnessed firsthand the transformation that happens when women are met with encouragement, practical resources, and a community that believes in them. She fell in love with the mission and carried it home with her.
In 2008, Pat Nathan founded Dress for Success Triangle. What began as a vision has grown into an organization that has supported more than 32,000 women across Triangle and Eastern NC through free coaching, professional attire, and career development programs. Pat could have chosen a quieter retirement, but instead she built a legacy of empowerment—one that continues to uplift women, strengthen families, and spark a ripple effect that transforms communities for generations.
Our Generous Corporate Partners
Together, we're helping women across North Carolina build brighter futures.
