Service/Advocacy
(Left to right: Ashley Dwyer, Employment Relations, Office of Career and Professional Development, Debra Delbelso, Director, Office of Career and Professional Development, Jessica DeJesus, Director, Dress for Success Albany, Jennifer Stoner, Program Manager, Dress for Success Albany, Kathleen Kiernan, Office of the President)
(Left to right: Ashley Dwyer, Employment Relations, Office of Career and Professional Development, Debra Delbelso, Director, Office of Career and Professional Development, Jessica DeJesus, Director, Dress for Success Albany, Jennifer Stoner, Program Manager, Dress for Success Albany, Kathleen Kiernan, Office of the President)

 

Having the right outfit for a job interview can make a huge difference in feeling confident – and landing that job. Siena College was recently honored for its support of an Albany outreach organization that helps women acquire the clothing – and interview skills – necessary to achieve economic independence.

To help those who may not have the resources to purchase that all important interview outfit, Dress for Success provides business attire and accessories for women who are looking to restart their lives with a new job or career.  Siena has been partnering with Dress for Success Albany by hosting boutique sales for women featuring new and gently used suits and dresses donated by supporters and area businesses. Siena also provides them with job interview, networking and career track counseling through the College’s Career Education and Professional Development center.

Albany Community Action Partnership (ACAP), the umbrella organization for Dress for Success, recently honored Siena as a Community Partner at its 50th anniversary dinner for its long-standing support. Kathleen Kiernan from the office of the president, and Debra Delbelso, director of career services, accepted the award on behalf of Siena. Students from Delta Sigma Pi, Siena’s business fraternity, were on hand as well.

In addition to providing support for Dress for Success, Siena has worked with ACAP by helping them conduct an extensive community needs assessment. Siena students have taught Spanish at ACAP classes, developed food pantry programming and more.