Because of You, 400+ Women Gained Access to LinkedIn Premium
For many women we serve, the job search comes with real barriers: limited networks, low visibility to recruiters, and little insight into how to stand out in a competitive market. Here’s one way we’re helping address those challenges.
"Thanks to LinkedIn Premium, I’ve been able to access LinkedIn Learning courses that strengthened my skills and confidence in areas critical to my career growth. The platform has given me the tools to continuously learn and position myself for advancement."
— Marta, Project Premium participant
Through Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose’s work as a LinkedIn Global Impact Partner, Project Premium—a year-long program—opened the door to LinkedIn Premium Business and the skills to use it with confidence. In today’s competitive, AI-driven workforce, especially here in the Bay Area, digital readiness is essential.
More than 490 women across San Francisco, San Jose, and beyond gained access to LinkedIn Premium, along with hands-on learning through four in-person workshops and one virtual session. Support created space for progress. With guidance from volunteers, participants strengthened their LinkedIn profiles, built confidence using the platform’s tools, and developed more focused job search strategies.
Participants came with both urgency and drive. Nearly 70% were actively job-seeking or advancing their careers, and more than two-thirds were primary earners supporting their households. They faced real barriers: limited visibility to recruiters, difficulty expanding their networks, restricted access to hiring teams, and gaps in applying strategically and effectively.
For many of the women we serve, a monthly LinkedIn subscription cost of $60+ is out of reach while navigating unemployment or career transitions. This program removed that barrier, making it possible to access the tools, insights, and visibility expected in today’s job market.
“The most valuable part of this experience was realizing that technology can connect us, but human connections are what truly drive change.”
More than 90% of participants had some familiarity with AI, and many were ready to engage with LinkedIn’s advanced features. The most-used tools—Who’s Viewed Your Profile, Top Applicant Jobs, and InMail—helped participants better understand their reach, refine their approach, and connect directly with recruiters.
Participants shared that this access made a meaningful difference:
"Thanks to having LinkedIn Premium, I scheduled an intro chat with a school alum who works at a company I applied to because I added a note to my connection request!”
— Betsy, Project Premium participant
"Since using LinkedIn Premium, I've honestly felt a lot more connected and motivated throughout my job search. Being able to see who's viewing my profile made me realize people were actually paying attention, which gave me a real boost. The InMail feature let me reach out directly to people I never would have had access to before, and the job insights helped me apply smarter — not just harder. Having that expanded network and those extra tools made the whole process feel less like shouting into the void and more like having real conversations with the right people."
— Marta
Help us expand access to career tools and connections that are already changing lives. Make a gift today.
Dress for Success San Francisco and San Jose is a leading resource for advancing women in the workplace. Our purpose is to empower women to achieve economic mobility by providing a network of support, workplace attire, and development tools for success.