Summit League Awards $300,000 Grant to Dress for Success San Jose
A powerful new chapter begins for Dress for Success San Jose.
We’re honored to share that Summit League has selected Dress for Success San Jose as the recipient of its May 2027 fundraiser, awarding a $300,000 grant to expand career services for women across Santa Clara County and the South Bay.
This investment will connect more women with the support they need to move into sustainable careers, including a professional wardrobe, one-on-one coaching, core skills development, and community. It will also fund the addition of a new team member in our San Jose office, strengthening our ability to serve more women in the years ahead.
“At Dress for Success San Jose, we see the demand every day — women ready to work, ready to grow, and ready to move forward,” said Erin C. Badillo, Executive Director, Dress for Success San Francisco & San Jose. “This grant will allow us to deepen our work in the South Bay and ensure more women have access to the resources and support they need to navigate career transitions and achieve long-term success. We are incredibly grateful for Summit League’s partnership and belief in this work.”
This work goes beyond workforce development and the impact is measurable. In 2025 alone, Dress for Success served more than 1,300 Bay Area women. Of those:
• 52% secured employment
• 20% doubled their income
• 68% retained their jobs
Behind these numbers are women building stability for themselves,
strengthening their families and communities, and expanding what’s possible across generations.
For nearly seven decades, Summit League has invested more than $2 million into education, health, welfare, and the arts across Santa Clara Valley. We’re deeply grateful for their leadership and commitment to community impact.
Summit League will recognize Dress for Success San Jose at its 2027 A Day in the Garden with Friends fundraiser on May 13, 2027 at the Mountain Winery. We look forward to celebrating together.
Thank you to Summit League for this investment in the future of women in our community.
While this grant is a powerful step forward, there’s more work to do. To keep expanding what’s possible for women across the South Bay, Dress for Success San Jose needs continued support from the community. Support this critical work by donating 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.