Orlando Mom Turns Job Search Win Into Volunteer Mission

A free outfit and a confidence boost changed everything for Shequila Roberts, and now she's making sure other women get the same chance.

Roberts, a single mom with two bachelor's degrees, struggled to find work despite her education. She lacked confidence and couldn't land interviews until she walked through the doors of Dress for Success Greater Orlando.

"They treated me like family, helped me find clothes, and I got a job," Roberts said. The experience transformed not just her wardrobe but her entire outlook.

Now Roberts volunteers at the same Orlando nonprofit that helped her, giving back to women facing the same struggles she once knew. She spends her time helping other single moms find professional clothes and job opportunities at no cost.

Dress for Success Greater Orlando shares its space with CareerSource, creating a one-stop support system for women entering or re-entering the workforce. The partnership has been changing lives for more than 25 years.

"We serve job seekers, and Dress for Success provides services that really help them become employed," said Gina Ronokarijo, vice president of workforce operations for CareerSource. Together, the organizations offer everything from interview preparation to professional wardrobe assistance.

The Ripple Effect

Roberts represents just one success story in a much larger movement. Every woman who walks through those doors finds more than clothes on hangers. She finds mentorship, resources, and a judgment-free community committed to her success.

"Even in 2026, women can still benefit from our services, and we are here to support them without being judged," said Joann Febus, executive director of Dress for Success. The nonprofit's mission centers on empowering women to achieve economic independence through practical support and genuine care.

For Roberts, the work feels personal because she's walked the same path as the women she now serves. She understands the frustration of having qualifications but lacking opportunity, and she knows firsthand how the right support can unlock doors that seemed permanently closed.

The partnership between Dress for Success and CareerSource proves that addressing multiple barriers at once creates lasting change for women and their families.