News to Suit Youa newsletter from dress for success houstonWinter 2019

Dear Friends,

As 2019 comes to an end, I think back on what an amazing year it’s been. We have served more than 3,700 women year to date, impacting more than 3,000 children and our community overall. We have continued to grow beyond the suit, offering more than 20 programs to the women of Dress for Success Houston.

Together, we are changing lives. I am proud to share that after three years in our Professional Women’s Group (PWG) – our ongoing career education and networking program – women are not only getting raises and receiving promotions, 85% can regularly afford meals for themselves and their families and 90% are more satisfied with life. By offering a holistic approach to personal and

professional development through our programs, we address the needs of the women we serve.

When a woman comes to PWG meetings, she learns she is now part of a community. Initially, she only comes for the classes; however, she leaves with a network of support and exposure to another peer group. We continue to break down barriers to ensure the women we have the privilege of serving know they are no longer alone in their journeys.

Recently, 24 PWG members graduated from the 13-week Financial Literacy program. Hearing them speak about their experience reconfirmed that DFSH is a part of transformative change in their lives. You will learn more about this program on page four.

It is a privilege to work with my team, the more than 400 volunteers and our generous supporters as we lift up the thousands of Houston-area women who walk through our doors every year.

Since 1998, we have empowered more than 44,000 women, impacted 60,000 children and since launching our Veterans Program in 2014, we have had the honor of serving more than 1,300 women veterans. This has all been possible thanks to the individuals, foundations and corporations beginning on page six - we are extremely grateful!

Wishing you a blessed holiday season!

With heartfelt thanks,

lauren levicki courville president

18TH ANNUAL CORPORATE GUILD EVENT RAISES $135,000 ON NOVEMBER 14

THANK YOU TO CHOPARD FOR DONATING THE STUNNING HAPPY DIAMONDS SET

HONORING

Women VeteransCHAIRS

Kim & Ted Hartz Melissa & Dan Sugulas

THANKS TO OUR CHEFS: Ryan Bouillet, A Fare Extraordinaire; Brandi Key, Alice Blue; Monica Richards and Claudia Richards, Arnaldo Richards’ Picos; Kelsey Hawkins, Arte Pizzeria; Vanderlei Bernardi, Avenida Brazil; Daniel Berg, B.B. Italia; Laura Taylor, Bisou; Jorge Torres, Coppa Osteria; Vanessa Lee and Melani Lindsey, FLOUR-ish; Sandra Herrera & Emily Rosenberg, The Four Seasons Hotel Houston; Troy Guard, Guard & Grace; Brandon Silva, Heights Bier Garten; Sue Nowamooz, Hungry’s; Ellen Chen & Mario Del Pero, Mendocino Farms; Thomas Laczynski, Ouzo Bay; Mary Cuclis & Anita Jaisinghani, Pondicheri; Dominick Lee, Poitin Houston; Dustin Teague, Relish; Jasmine Chida, SweetCup Gelato; Neal Cox, Tribute at The Houstonian Hotel; Stephanie Hoban, Verdine; and Alyssa Dole, Wooster’s Garden

$541,000 RAISED TO SUPPORT DFSH PROGRAMS

450 GUESTS ATTENDED TO CELEBRATE

21 YEARS OF EMPOWERING HOUSTON'S WOMEN

55%of women employed

21 YEARS

ve t erans s ervedsince 2014

of addressing the needs of underserved women and creating systemic change in their lives, their families and our community. thanks to all the individuals, foundations and corporations which allow us to empower the women of dfsh without government or united way funding.

PWGProfessional Women’s Group

Since 2014, DFSH has had the honor of serving more than 1,300 women veterans. We offer 22 workshops covering topics such as: transitioning from military to civilian life, career coaching, home buying, financial literacy, navigating Veterans Affairs and mental health. The goal is to continue to provide a network of support for our women veterans, to ensure they are successful in their journeys and help negate feelings of isolation.

558 CURRENT MEMBERS

Once a woman from the DFSH suiting program lands a job, she is invited to join the Professional Women’s Group (PWG), the educational component of DFSH that focuses on job retention, career development and advancement. PWG provides a network of support offering women the resources and information necessary to become truly self-sufficient so they may support themselves and their families.

1,300

Bora Paula Laurie Inga

Healthcare Industry Government IndustryArmy Veteran Accounting IndustrySocial Services Industry

Army Veteran

16,600women have been

impacted by

3,700YTD IN 2019,

units of service

YTD IN 2019,

y td in 2019,

435 volunteers donated

11,153 hoursonly 11% of charities nationally evaluated have received at least five consecutive 4-star evaluations

2 3

AUCTION CHAIRSSusie Cunningham, Kelli Kickerillo & Monica Richards

5

20+ Programs | Growing Beyond the Suit• First Impressions Interview

Readiness sponsored by Chevron • Job Search Teams & Skills• Resume Reviews • Mock Interviews • LinkedIn Courses • Veterans Program sponsored by

Palais Royal and The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation

• Professional Women’s Group sponsored by Halliburton and Vivian L. Smith Foundation

• Financial Literacy sponsored by Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation

• Legal Literacy

• Entrepreneurial Programs facilitated by Accenture

• One Year, One Job• Dare to Dream sponsored by PwC• Women2Women Mentoring

sponsored by The Hamill Foundation• Scholarships sponsored by Altman-

Goldstein Foundation• Speak for Success• Health & Wellness sponsored by

Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation• Success Pages Book Club• Computer Classes • Community Partnerships including

Houston Symphony, TUTS, Houston Astros• Child Watch

a ft er three y e ars of par t i c i pat i ng i n

d fsh programs

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

REGULARLY AFFORD MEALS

90%

RECEIVES PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

SATISFIED WITH LIFE

15%

IMPROVED JOB SKILLS

84%

RECEIVED A PROMOTION

50%

85%

d emograph i c s o f women en t er i ng d fsh programs

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

EXPERIENCED DOMESTIC ABUSE

25%

MOTHERS 53%

RECEIVE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

34%

IDENTIFY AS HOMELESS

44%

SINGLE 85%

11%SERVED IN THE

MILITARY

—

Community Partnershipstuts public worksThis year, DFSH was one of four non-profits included in Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS)inaugural Public Works Houston program, expanding our already successful partnership.

Eleven PWG members participated in this five month intensive program focusing on story-telling, improv skills, vocal techniques and more. To showcase their new skills, the women participated in a community production of Seussical at Miller Outdoor Theater, July 16 to 21. Thank you to everyone who joined us to Fill the Hill and celebrate their hard work. One participant says of her experience, “I learned things about myself personally and professionally. I never thought I could perform on a stage, and I did! I am more comfortable with the unknown and assured in my capabilities to pursue my goals. I am a better employee, mother and all-around a stronger person after my experience.”

houston symphonyOur partnership with the Houston Symphony entered its fourth year in 2019. The Community Embedded Musicians program utilizes music to teach professional development skills such as communication, resilience and perception. In addition, the symphony provides tickets to several shows throughout the year, enabling PWG members to experience a performance at Jones Hall. This enriching opportunity promotes exposure, accessibility and community-building. We are grateful for this partnership and its many benefits to the women we serve!

Financial LiteracyFor over 13 years, our Financial Literacy series has allowed PWG members to take control of their finances and achieve their goals such as paying off debt or buying a first home. This year, 24 graduates celebrated their successful completion of the course with an inspiring and

heartwarming dinner sponsored by Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation. One graduate says, “Financial independence and wealth-building are top priorities for me, the tools provided by the workshops will help me achieve my long-term goal of buying a home. In the past, I made my decisions based more on convenience because accessibility was my priority. Now, I am researching banks based on how they can help me meet my financial goals. This way of looking at my financial health is a game changer for me.”

The Professional Women’s GroupPWG 558 current members

Veterans Program sponsored by Palais Royal 1,300 women veterans served since 2014

ongoing personal & professional development

4

On November 6, we hosted our annual Veterans Program Career Fair where 14 of Houston’s top companies met with 28 women veterans. This invaluable opportunity allowed the women to sit face-to-face with a potential employer, hear about open positions, learn how their skills apply, and gauge their interest in working for that company. During the event, an Army National Guard veteran landed an interview with an account manager at Allied Universal Security. She was hired on the spot to work as a security professional

in a prestigious downtown office building! As one women veteran in attendance shared, “This was such an amazing experience! I feel much more confident. Before today I was feeling defeated, almost hopeless. Thank you so much!”

200 WOMEN OVER 13 YEARS

Thank You to Our Donors

foundationsAdecco Group FoundationAlbert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable FoundationAllison M. Brandt FoundationAyco Charitable FoundationCFP FoundationEschman Family FundExxon Mobil FoundationGeorge and Mary Josephine Hamman FoundationThe Hamill Foundation The Holthouse Foundation for KidsHouston Bar AssociationHouston Junior ForumJan and Tom Simmons FundThe Jerry C. Dearing Family FoundationThe Junior League of Houston, Inc.Kappa Kappa Gamma Charitable Foundation of HoustonThe Linda & Jerry Strickland Family FoundationPatty-Moss Gift FundMotiva Enterprises FundNAPE Expo Charities FundRoger and Holly Anderson FundShell Oil Company FoundationStanford and Joan Alexander FoundationSteinfeld-Winthrop Family FundSusan K. Bruch Family FundTapeats FundVivian L. Smith FoundationWhalley Family Foundation

corporationsAbbVieAccentureAmegy BankAramco Services CompanyAudimation Services, IncBaker Botts L.L.P.Bank of TexasBB&TBenefit Bottega Veneta, Inc.BP AmericaBVA GroupCadence BankCamden Property TrustThe Carlyle GroupThe Center for the Healing Arts and SciencesCenterpoint EnergyChevronChicago TitleChristian Brothers Automotive Corporation Clark Condon AssociatesComcastComerica BankCommunity Bank of Texas

Crestwood Equity Partners LPE.A.G. Services, Inc.Episcopal High SchoolEra Group Inc.Ethos Consulting LCFairmount SantrolFirst American Title CompanyFirst Horizon BankFirst ReserveFoley & Lardner LLPFrost InsuranceGenslerGrace Presbyterian ChurchGreenberg TraurigH-E-BHalliburtonHiring SourceHouston MethodistThe Houstonian Hotel, Club & SpaHSBC BankHungry's Cafe and BistroIns and OutsIntegrate AgencyJenkins & Kamin, LLPJP Morgan ChaseKing & SpaldingKJG RealtyMacquarieMacy'sMarathon Oil CorporationMartha Turner Sotheby'sMidwayNext Level Urgent CarePDRPorter Hedges LLPPwCReed Smith LLPReliant, an NRG CompanyRIDA Development CorporationRvet Operating LLCSanctuary Spa LLCSAPSchlumbergerSeyfarth Shaw LLPSimpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPSirius Solutions, LLLPStage StoresSueba USA CorporationSunTrust BankTC Energy TalbotsTexas Aromatics, LPTexas Black Iron Inc.TootsiesTransoceanTriple Double Advisors LLCULTA Ultimate SoftwareUnileverVinson & Elkins L.L.P.

Weingarten Realty InvestorsWestwood Wealth ManagmentWilliams Gas PipelineWinsteadWoodforest National Bank

corporate guildAmegy BankBaker Botts L.L.P.BB&TBMC SoftwareBVA Group Cadence BankCarlson Wagonlit TravelThe Carlyle GroupThe Center for Healing Arts & SciencesCenterPoint EnergyChallenger, Gray & Christmas ChevronChicago Title Chopard USA LtdChristian Brothers Automotive CorporationComerica BankCompass RealtyCrestwood Midstream Partners LPEthos Consulting GroupFirst American Title First Horizon BankFour Seasons Hotel HoustonGenslerGray Reed & McGraw LLPGreenberg TraurigGreenwood King PropertiesHiring SourceHouston ChronicleThe Houstonian Club & SpaInscription CapitalIntegrate AgencyJenkins & Kamin, LLPJPMorgan ChaseJudson DesignKing & SpaldingLauren Brownfield, DDS, MSLeadstyleMacquarie Marathon Oil CorporationMartha Turner Sotheby'sMidway Norton Rose FulbrightPDRPNCPwCReed Smith Reliant, an NRG Company Right ManagementSAPSchlumbergerSilver Chase DesignSirius Solutions, LLLP

Stewart TitleSullivan GroupTexas AromaticsTransoceanUltimate SoftwareUnited AirlinesVinson & Elkins, LLPWestwood TrustWinsteadWoodforest National Bank

advisory councilMarla BarnardTheresa BazanKate BirenbaumPamela H. BlakelyKaren BloomfieldTali BlumrosenGenora BoykinsKristy BradshawJennifer BriscoeLindsey BrownMaria BryantMonisa ClineMary Ellen CoombeSylvie CrumWendy DabovalAllie DanzigerVivian DarlingKate Dearing FowlerMimi Del GrandeCheri FamaSukey FenoglioCathy Fitzpatrick ClearyBerthica FitzsimonsDiedra FontaineEllie FranciscoRohini GakharJennifer GattoMia GradneyLauren GrossbardJulie HardinLindsay HolsteadJanis JaroszPam JesseLaura JohnsonShauna Johnson ClarkRe KenebrewKelli KickerilloMarie Louise KinderStephen LeJeunePhyllis MandolaAlissa MaplesKirby McCoolMonica McNeillRachel McNeill Niloufar MolaviJerri MooreTrish MorilleFlo Crady NewtonLauren Page

Cinda PalaciosMary PattonAmanda PolichRebekah ReavesBonnie ReitzMonica RichardsRebecca RobertsRoseann RogersCandice SchillerLeanne SchneiderRobin and Tom SegestaConnie Simmons TaylorArthur L. SmithKristin SmithWillie StanfieldSusie and Steve StrellerMelissa SugulasClare Sullivan JacksonPhyllis ThomasonJoyce TuckerKay WatsonLinda WebbLinda WebsterJanne WilliamsCrystal Wright, M.D.Shira Yoshor

individuals $250 and moreDorit and Marty AaronJulie and Drew AlexanderOrlando AlvaradoEileen AntonElizabeth and Howard AyersSusan and James BakerDr. Bonnie BaldwinMarla and Rick BarnardPamela and Hayne BlakelyNelia and Charles BlantonAdrienne BlockDr. Andrew Bolano and Mrs. Devon O'Leary BolanoKristy and Chris BradshawLauren BrezgerEloise and Stephen BriceBarbara BrooksLauren Brownfield, DDS, MSMaria and Terry BryantMichael CaseyAnn and Clarence CazalotKate and Brett ClairJanice ClarkCathy and Joe ClearyMonisa ClineLisa and Rick ColeSue and Chris ConwayMary Ellen CoombeBarbara CourshonFlo Crady NewtonSummer and Jason CraigNora and Dennis CreechSylvie and Gary Crum

Elaine and Mario CuervoDiane and Jim D'AgostinoWendy and Dan DabovalAllie and Eric DanzigerVivian and Charles DarlingEllen DavisSuzan DeisonMelissa and Paul DobrowskiJesse DominguezAudrey DroughtKasey and Mark DunnElizabeth and Gary EndlerColleen EstesCarrie and Nick FersenShaun FinnieBerthica FitzsimonsLeslie FlynneEllen and Tommy FordEllie and Michael FranciscoRohini and Sanjay GakharJennifer Gatto and Wayne RisoliBeverly GirbachLaura and Scott GrayGreater Area Pearland Chapter of the LinksMeg Greenwood RifeLauren and Paul GrossbardAmy and Mark HammerHeath HajekCourtney and Zac HarmonKim and Ted HartzArt and Phyllis HowellNatalie and Jim HussionDonna and Dub JettRobert JewellAnn and Johnny JohnsonBlanca JollyTracey KearnySusan and Tom KeefeKelli Kickerillo and Todd ForesterMarie Louise and David KinderCherie KingshillAdele and Fred KneippJanet KristanKarissa KrollGeorgiana and Robert LaddChristine LafolletteTiffany LaroseKaren and Seth LernerNancy LevickiLorraine and Mike LewisJoe LocksMaria and Graham LowreyAlissa and Kevin MaplesKarra and Brian MarinoDonna and David MarshallLucia MartinezJanette MarxTiffany MauldinKristine MayhallMichael McFarlaneFlorence McGeeMonica McNeillJulie and Tim McWhirter

Trini MendenhallNiloufar and Amir MolaviTrish and Rock MorilleDiana MosengeWilliam NehmanJennifer NelsonKeith and Sandy OdenRamona OrtizLauren and Will PageDipali PatelJennifer PerqueShveta Pillai Amanda and Jeff PolichPaula and Irving PozmantierRebekah and Gary ReavesTracie Renfroe and Amber AlonsoTrevor RiceSharon RichBecky and Dick RobertsEmily RobinsonRoseann RogersRegina Rogers Monica and Mike RothLuciné SahagianMary Jane and Bud ScherrElizabeth SchwarzeSydney and Jeff ShellebargerAngela and Steven ShermanMargie and Stephen SpeierSuzanne SpottsMatthew StanchinaRosa and Willie StanfieldBill StewartMelissa and Daniel SugulasGaylene TaylorConnie and Kylyn TaylorPhyllis and Ron ThomasonTravis TorrenceRichard TraviaJoyce and Louis TuckerRachael VolzKelly and Bill Von GontenThebe WarrenEileen and Thomas WashburnKay and Max WatsonLinda WebbLinda and Steve WebsterDebra WitgesCarol and Clint WoodCrystal and Randall WrightMeaghan YorroFrench Anne Young

in-kind13 CelsiusA Fare ExtraordinaireAC Hotel Downtown HoustonThe Aesthtic Center for Plastic SurgeryAfterShokzAkrisAlamo Drafthouse CinemaAlice BlueAlley TheatreAlpha GraphicsAmazon

American Shooting CentersAntica OsteriaAntone's Night ClubARMANDOSArnaldo Richards' PicosArte Pizzeria AthletaThe Atrium Yoga StudioAustin EastcidersAvenida BrazilAxelrad Beer GardenAxis & Alibi B.B. ItaliaBaccarat Hotel New YorkJenny and Rick BaileyThe Bar Method Houston- MontroseBarry's BootcampBCNBeanfield Bean ChipsBellemoreBenjy'sBernhardt WineryBisouBlack Eyed Distilling Co. Pamela and Hayne BlakelyBlake's BistroBollo Woodfired PizzaBoost Pilates HoustonBrown-FormanThe Burger JointDarolyn Butler, Cypress Trails Equestrian CenterCamden LivingCourtney and Richard CampoCarla Valencia de MartinezCarrabba'sIlona Carson, ABC13Chapman & KirbyChappelletChevronChewyChopardChuy's Fine Tex-MexCitadel CateringThe ClassicClos Du Val WineryCointreauLisa and Rick ColeCOOLA SuncareCoppa Osteria CQY DenimThe Cynthia Woods Mitchell PavilionDa MarcoDeborah Colton GalleryDeep Eddy VodkaDeer Lake LodgeDon JulioDonna ColeDrunk Elephante. baldiEat My PralinesEggHaus GourmetElizabeth AnthonyEllen'sEquinoxEquinox Hotel NYCEscalante's Fine Tex-Mex

& TequilaEtroEureka Heights Brewing Co.Angela FabbriFairmont AustinFairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Fame PartyFinley's Barber ShopFleet Feet HoustonFlour-ishFour Seasons Hotel AustinFour Seasons Hotel ChicagoFour Seasons Hotel HoustonFour Seasons Punta MitaFrankly My Dear BoutiqueThe French LaundryFrosch TravelG R A Z EGolf Club of HoustonGrace's Mia Gradney, KHOU11Green Fork & StrawsThe Greenhouse Day SpaGrey GooseGU EnergyGuard & GraceThe Hay MerchantHeights Bier GartenHelen Greek Food & WineHermès HoustonHerraduraHigh Brew CoffeeHotel AlessandraHotel Granduca HoustonHouse of Blues HoustonHouse of BobbiHouston Axe ThrowingHouston BalletHouston Center for PhotographyHouston ChronicleHouston DashHouston DynamoHouston Livestock Show & RodeoHouston Museum of Natural ScienceHouston Polo ClubHouston RocketsHouston Texans FoundationHouston ZooHoustonia MagazineHoustonian ClubHungry's CaféHunter Bell New YorkHypericeIbizaIndiGO Auto GroupInternational SmokeJack & Ginger'sJamesonJentry Kelley CosmeticsJoieJudson DesignJuiceWellKarbach BreweryKatz Coffee

Kendra ScottKing's BierhausKitchKorbelLandmark TheatresLasco Enterprises, LLCLela RoseLemel DesignsLettuce Entertain YouLilly Pulitzer Highland VillageLMNhospitalityLola DinerLone Survivor FoundationMacaron By PatisseMai's Nail PerfectionMargeaux BrasserieMaya Rivers Private Fitness TrainingMCJROTCMendocino Farms Messina Hof Winery & ResortMethod PilatesMia's TableMidwayMignonne GaviganMiraval AustinMiss CarouselModern AcupunctureMomentum Indoor Climbing Silver StreetMongoose versus Cobra Monkey's TailMontage HotelMonteverde Restaurant & PastificoMuseum of Fine Arts HoustonMyEventIsTheBombNASANeiman Marcus HoustonNekter Juice BarJillian NelNothing Bundt CakesOlesya Webb PilatesOOFOS Recovery FootwearOuzo Bay The Owl BarPageboyPalomaPicnics in the CityPointer OutfittersPoitin Bar & Kitchen HoustonPomp and CircumstancePondicheri Postino Pro-tec AthleticsPure Barre River OaksPure Barre West UQ ClothierRe/forme lagree FitnessRed Bone AlleyReliant, an NRG CompanyRelishMonica RichardsRiver Oaks DonutsThe RoasteryRover Oaks Pet ResortRPM Italian

Ruggles BlackRunning WarehouseRYDE - Premium Indoor CyclingSaint Arnold Brewing CompanySaint BernardSam Houston Race ParkSan Felipe Specialty FoodsThe San Luis ResortSanctuary SpaThe Secret GroupSephoraSerendipity WinesShake ShackChris ShepherdThe Shimmer BarSilver Chase DesignSipsmithSlingzSlowpokes Coffee - Beer -WineSly Cat StudiosSmirnoff VodkaSoulCycleSouthern Glazer’s Wine & SpiritsSpindleTap BrewerySprayHouState Fair of TexasSteak 48Stella & DotThe Studio FORMStudio Movie GrillSuperica RestaurantSusieCakesSweet Rockin' RollsSweetCupSwiftwickSydney EvanTantrums, LLC.Thorlo, Inc.Kirsten and Brian ThorpTony'sTootsiesTotal Wine & MoreTreaty Oak Distilling Co. Tribute at The Houstonian HotelTXRX LabsUchi/UchikoUnited AirlinesUrban Float HoustonUSIVerdineVeronica BeardVibrantVinceVinson & Elkins, LLPVolstead Lounge at Hotel VegasWarehouse LiveWhistlePigWooster's GardenWyndham Reef Resort Grand CaymanYauatchaYellow Rose DistillingYoga AthletexYoga Pod - West HoustonCourtney Zavala, KPRC2

We also appreciate all donations that came in after November 20, 2019.

legacy giving society founding membersPamela H. and Hayne S. BlakelyKearston BlockTali and Eric BlumrosenJennifer BriscoeKatherine Chomout

Monisa ClineMary Ellen CoombeLauren Levicki Courville and Kyle CourvilleJanis and Paul Jarosz

Nancy LevickiEllen M. LevinKimberly McCormickJerri and Jim MooreLinda Padon

Rebekah and Gary Reaves

Rebecca and Dick Roberts

Nikki Rosenberg

French Anne and Chris Young

6 7

MARCH 2 020

BE A PART OF

SEND ONE SUIT

MONTH TO HOST A SUIT DRIVE OR

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES,

CONTACT SARA MOORE

SARA@DFSHOUSTON.ORG

OR 713.337.0879

Non-profit organizationU.S. Postage

PAIDHouston, TXProfit#12576

3310 Eastside Street | Houston, Texas 77098 tel 713.957.3779 | fax 713.957.3774dfshouston.org

board of directors

Eric A. Blumrosen Chris Bradshaw Kristi W. Chickering Morris R. Clark Susie Cunningham Kasey DunnKim Hartz

Courtney HopsonCarla Kneipp Nancy LevickiKristi McCarthyBen Patton Gary Reaves

president

Lauren Levicki Courville

Agency Needs 1,000 Professional Handbags and Business Portfolios

Success Story Donaji S.Doctor of Public Health Army Reserve Veteran Director of Training at University of Houston

After battling a rare health condition, Donaji was driven to provide health education to disadvantaged communities which led her to enroll in a master's program. However, her pursuance of

higher education was paused when Donaji proudly stepped up to serve her country. Following her eight years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve, Donaji returned to her passion and applied to the Texas A&M School of Public Health’s doctoral program. Donaji attributes DFSH as helping her stay on track and complete her educational goals. Our Veterans Program allowed Donaji to meet other women veterans and create her own network of support when coping with stress and maintaining stability in the workforce. Donaji recently defended her dissertation and earned her Doctor of Public Health!