Anchor House was excited to be part of Dress for Success (DFS) Central New Jersey’s Women’s Empowerment Breakfast on April 2. Two of our amazing young people, Ke’Asia and Myasia, were invited to be speakers alongside our Director of Young Adult Services, Mereides Delgado, during the event’s fireside chat.
Dress for Success Central New Jersey is one of Anchor House’s valued community partners. “My favorite part of the event was my fireside chat with Anchor House, Inc. and the girls who bravely shared their stories to inspire others,” said Melissa Tenzer, CEO of Dress for Success Central New Jersey.
Myasia and Ke’Asia both spoke about the impact Anchor House had on their lives and how they benefited from our services. Part of Anchor House’s services includes referrals to partners like Dress for Success Central New Jersey. DFS has helped our young people build their resume writing and interviewing skills and have invited them to go to shop in their boutique (for free!) to pick out professional attires for interviews. “Representing Anchor House and Dress for Success was an honor and a terrific experience,” said Myasia. “It was nice to know you believed in me to manage such an excellent opportunity.”
“After the fireside chat, I received so many compliments on how well I did,” said Ke’Asia. “It was so much confirmation and I was told I should be a speaker/host. It was amazing and I would do it all over again! This face will be seen again!”
Mereides Delgado, our Director of Young Adult Services, spoke about our longstanding partnership with DFS and how our young people learn not only from DFS staff and volunteers but from other young people they meet through DFS having similar experiences to them.
The guest speaker at the Empowerment Breakfast, Priscilla Loomis (pictured, center), a track and field Olympian, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder, was also very inspiring to Myasia (pictured, left) and Ke’Asia (pictured, right) and the entire audience. The powerful message that Priscilla gave which resonated particularly with Ke’Asia was that the best thing a woman could wear was confidence. “I enjoy being a proud, strong woman,” exclaimed Ke’Asia. “The speaker reminded me that I do have power! I felt unstoppable and I will always remember the feeling.” As Myasia explained, “Priscilla was incredible; her spirit absolutely lit up the room, and I must say I drove home happier than I had ever been. I love that she doesn’t let the world hold her back and that she just continues going no matter what obstacles she faces.”
One of the takeaways Ke’Asia had is one we all can benefit from: “And no matter what you do, never forget to just be you!”
Below is a gallery featuring more photos from the event.
