Suited for Success Dress for Success Miami: An Overtown Anchoring Organization Celebrates 30 Years!

In this series, OCYC highlights organizations that positively impact the residents in our Overtown Community. The inspiration behind Suited for Success is to empower individuals by providing them with career development tools, professional attire and a network of support.

What is the inspiration behind your organization?

The inspiration behind Suited for Success is to empower individuals by providing them with career development tools, professional attire and a network of support. Suited for Success seeks to break the cycle of poverty by helping individuals gain financial independence through stable employment, which has a ripple effect, positively impacting families and communities.

Who benefits from your organization and how?

Suited for Success benefits individuals who are economically disadvantaged and seeking to achieve financial independence through employment or career advancement. We offer various programs and services for women, men, youth and Veterans.

Why does Overtown need your organization?

Suited for Success is essential in Overtown to help address economic and social challenges, support individuals in achieving economic independence, and contribute to the community's overall growth and development.

What message do you have for Overtown’s children and youth?

To the Future Leaders of Overtown: At Suited for Success we believe in you and your dreams. You have the power to shape your very bright future and the future of your community. We believe in your potential and are here to support you every step of the way.

What do you want the residents of Overtown to know about your organization?

Suited for Success is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. By taking advantage of the resources offered at Suited for Success, residents of Overtown can gain the tools and confidence needed to pursue their career goals and achieve economic independence. We're here to support you every step of the way!

How do you select participants?

At Suited for Success participants are selected through a structured and inclusive process designed to ensure that our services reach every individual who can benefit from them. Many of our participants are actively seeking employment or need support to advance in their current jobs. Many of these individuals are often faced with barriers to employment, such as financial constraints, lack of professional attire, or limited access to career development resources.

What challenge(s) do you see for your organization’s success?

Suited for Success, like many non-profits, faces several challenges in terms of maintaining strong partnerships and sustainable funding sources. These challenges can impact our ability to effectively serve our mission of empowering individuals to achieve economic independence. By proactively addressing these challenges through strategic planning, effective communication, and innovative approaches to diversify funding and strengthening collaboration, Suited for Success can continue to empower individuals and strengthen the community for years to come.

What’s your favorite part about your organization?

My favorite part of Suited for Success is the ability to actively participate in and personally witness an individual's internal and external transformation as they embark on their new journey in life.

If you could have lunch with any person from Overtown, past or present, who would it be and why?

The individual from Overtown that would be an honor to have lunch with would be Dana Albert Dorsey, known as D.A. Dorsey. He was a significant figure in the history of Overtown and in Miami as a whole. This meeting would be invaluable because Mr. Dorsey was the first Black millionaire in Miami. His entrepreneurial spirit and success in real estate during a time of racial discrimination is truly inspiring. Mr. Dorsey played a crucial role in the development of Overtown because he invested in real estate, built affordable housing, and developed an infrastructure that significantly improved the living conditions for many African American residents. As a successful businessman, Mr. Dorsey’s innovative approaches to business and real estate would be a fascinating discussion. Being able to understand his vision and methodologies could offer lessons in collaboration, resilience, and strategic thinking. The way Mr. Dorsey’s legacy continues to influence current generations and how his principles can be applied to future community planning and development will always be crucial for sustainable progress.

Where do you see your organization in 3 years, 5 years?

In 3 to 5 years, Suited for Success is expected to expand its reach, innovate its service delivery, strengthen partnerships, and secure sustainable funding to continue empowering individuals around Dade and Broward County.