President Kyle keynotes Dress For Success Celebration

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At the Oct.14 Celebration of Success, hosted by the NRV chapter of Dress For Success, Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle presents the keynote address to more than 100 guests and supporters at the historic Rockwood Manor in Dublin.

Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle keynoted the Celebration of Success hosted by the NRV chapter of Dress For Success on Oct. 14 in Dublin, Virginia.

Dress for Success is part of a global movement for change, empowering women to obtain safer and better futures. The organization provides women referred to it with professional apparel and accessories to secure employment and furnish confidence and knowledge to define their lives and success. President Kyle joined Delegate Joseph Yost and regional political and community leaders to mark the chapter’s first year of operation.

In support of the organization’s efforts to help women achieve financial independence by addressing their social and economic needs in relation to work, home and community, more than 100 guests bid $2,500 for the silent auction’s items donated by sponsors.

“This initiative captured my interest and my heart,” said President Kyle. “It is work that helps members of the community prepare for work and to feel better in a sensitive, unobtrusive way.”

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President Penelope W. Kyle with Radford's Vice President for University Advancement Melissa Wohlstein (from left), Pulaski County Commissioner Joseph Sheffey, Del. Joseph Yost and Angie Hall, deputy district director for Del. Morgan Griffith, at the Celebration of Success, hosted by the NRV Chapter of Dress For Success

Kyle reflected on the heritage of caring she learned from her mother.

"Her example of helping those who can’t take care of themselves is happening in Dress For Success," Kyle said.

The President commended the chapter’s founding board of directors – Teresa Dickens, Lisa Puckett Hickam, Linda Shepherd, Peggy White and Pamela Parker White.

"They started with nothing but a dream," Kyle said. "They are part of a community doing what it should be doing - looking after one another. I am so proud of them."

Dress for Success provides professional clothing and counseling for clients who are referred to it by area agencies and organizations. Dress for Success continues its support with professional development programs such as the Career Center, the Going Places Network, a Professional Women’s Group and a financial literacy program.

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Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle (from left) joins the founding board members of the NRV chapter of Dress For Success, including Linda Shepherd, Peggy White, Teresa Dickens, Lisa Puckett Hickam and Pamela Packer White.

Oct 20, 2015