Women Making Change is a celebration of connection, leadership, and tangible impact, bringing together local trailblazers and community leaders to honor the women shaping North Carolina and to raise critical funds for the women Dress for Success Triangle serves on their path to building successful careers and financial mobility.
Hosted by Dress for Success Triangle NC, this annual event brings together 330+ professionals, employers, and community leaders to honor the strength of women navigating career transitions and life challenges, while investing in their futures.
Why Attend
Women Making Change is a movement. Your presence directly fuels life-changing services like career coaching, job readiness training, professional attire, and the ongoing mentorship women need to thrive.
You’ll enjoy:
Powerful stories from women whose lives have been transformed
Networking opportunities with community leaders, advocates, and changemakers
Inspiring speakers who will leave you motivated to create change in our community
A day of connection in a warm, welcoming atmosphere with lunch provided
We are honored to welcome Dr. Laura Demarse as a presenting speaker at Women Making Change. A nationally recognized leader in workforce development, Dr. Demarse has shaped careers across higher education, private industry, and philanthropy. She founded the Accelerate to Industry Program (A2i), now implemented in more than 30 institutions worldwide, and her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Career Development Association. Recipient of awards including the Blackburn Award for Excellence and the NAGAP Exemplary Programs Award, Dr. Demarse now serves as Vice President for Future of Work at the Charles Koch Foundation, where she continues to equip people with the tools, confidence, and connections to thrive in today’s workforce.
We are honored to welcome Jes Averhart as a moderating speaker at Women Making Change. A fourth-generation entrepreneur and best-selling author, Jes is the creator of the Reinvention Road Trip programs, bringing more than 20 years of experience coaching leaders to build confidence and embrace bold career moves. She has partnered with global brands including Google, Amazon, Boston Scientific, Cisco, and Palo Alto Networks, and her career also includes roles with the NFL, NBA, Procter & Gamble, and PepsiCo North America. Jes co-founded Black Wall Street Homecoming, a nonprofit dedicated to closing funding gaps for Black and Brown tech founders, and has been recognized nationally for her contagious energy and unwavering belief in the power of reinvention, which continues to inspire executives, teams, and communities to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.
Your Impact
By joining us, you’re helping equip women with the tools, resources, and support systems they need to step confidently into new opportunities, break cycles of poverty, and build a brighter future—for themselves, their families, and our community.
Proceeds of this event help fund the career development services for women across North Carolina, including:
Career coaching and career growth programs
Job search support
Interview, raise and salary negotiation prep
Skills and trade training
Styling and Apparel for work
Together, we are Women Making Change. Purchase your tickets here to join the movement of change for women in our community.
Interested in making an even greater impact?
Sponsorship opportunities are available! As a sponsor, you’ll showcase your commitment to advancing women’s careers while gaining valuable visibility among community leaders and changemakers.
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact:
📧 Melissa Pierce | melissa.pierce@dfstrianglenc.org
🌐 www.dfstrianglenc.org
