ASU, Dress for Success Arizona help students build confidence for their future
With guidance from Dress for Success staff and volunteers, students learn different professional skills — like how to dress and prepare for an interview — through a new partnership with ASU. Photo courtesy ASU Career Services
Walking into a job interview can be intimidating.
For many college students, the challenge extends beyond preparing answers for interview questions. It can also mean navigating professional expectations, building confidence and accessing resources that help them feel prepared to take the next step in their careers.
Through a partnership between Arizona State University and Dress for Success Arizona, students are receiving support in all of those areas.
While Dress for Success Arizona is often recognized for providing professional attire, the organization’s mission goes far beyond clothing. Through career development workshops, financial wellness education, mentoring opportunities and workforce-readiness programs, Dress for Success Arizona helps aspirants build the skills needed to pursue meaningful careers and achieve economic mobility.
For CEO Tamala McBath, creating pathways to opportunity has been a lifelong passion.
“It's always been very important to me to promote and assist and provide pathways to advancement,” McBath said.
After spending more than 30 years in health care operations, finance and leadership, McBath found herself drawn to Dress for Success because of its commitment to helping people grow in their professional journeys. Today, she leads an organization dedicated to removing barriers and connecting individuals with the necessary resources to succeed.
That mission aligns closely with ASU's commitment to educational access and student success.
McBath explained that the partnership developed organically after Dress for Success Arizona began seeing a growing number of ASU students seeking support. Students from nursing, education, law, journalism and other programs were already utilizing services before both organizations recognized the opportunity to formalize their collaboration.
Since then, the partnership has continued to expand across ASU's campuses. In 2024 alone, Dress for Success Arizona participated in 11 events connected to ASU and its partner programs, providing more than 300 interview suitings and educating hundreds of students on career readiness and professional development.
Whether students are preparing for internships, job interviews, presentations or their first professional role, the organization provides support that extends well beyond their attire.
“We never just lead with clothing,” McBath said. “It's always really about the training and the support that's needed.”
Through mobile suiting events hosted directly on campus, students can receive professional attire while also participating in workshops. Volunteers work alongside Dress for Success Arizona staff to help students feel prepared and confident as they enter the workforce.
For TRIO alum Daniel Maldonado, a nonprofit leadership and management major, the experience has been both personal and inspiring.
“Dress for Success Arizona shares this vision by helping individuals in these communities build confidence through professional attire,” Maldonado said.
TRIO alum Lizette Sereno said the organization's support also fills an important gap for those entering the workforce for the first time.
Through workshops and one-on-one guidance, she learned what employers are looking for and gained practical skills that will continue to serve her long after graduation.
“Through their support, I've learned key interview tips and developed a sense of professionalism that will help me succeed,” Sereno said.
For McBath, stories like these demonstrate the true impact of the partnership. While professional attire can help students make a strong first impression, confidence and preparation are what help them thrive.
“I am a firm believer in education and also in access,” McBath said. “Making sure students have what they need to progress and show up with confidence is important.”
As Dress for Success Arizona continues expanding its services throughout the state, the organization remains committed to supporting ASU students wherever they are in their academic and professional journeys.
Together, ASU and Dress for Success Arizona are helping students prepare for their professional careers by ensuring they have access to mentorship, career development and a community that believes in their potential.