Dress for Success Western MA honors STCC faculty, staff
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Dress for Success Western Massachusetts will honor a professor and staff member from Springfield Technical Community College at an event celebrating women and mentorship.
In a news release, Dress for Success announced it will honor Christina Atwater as Volunteer of the Year during its signature event, Common Threads, which is scheduled April 22, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The organization also will recognize STCC staff member Jenary Merced with the Distinguished Alumna Award.
Atwater, a business professor at STCC who lives in Hampden, will be honored for her leadership in implementing and developing programs such as the Margaret Fitzgerald mentor program, the volunteer strategic plan, and the diversity, inclusion and equity initiative.
“Her altruism is an inspiration to all of our participants,” said Margaret Tantillo, executive director for Dress for Success Western Massachusetts.
Christina Atwater, left, and Jenary Merced
Atwater has been involved with Dress for Success Western Massachusetts’ mentor program for about four years.
“I am proud to be a part of an organization that exists from the generosity of volunteers and donors,” Atwater said. “Dress for Success connects with so many professional women and allows us all to share our assets of knowledge, culture and motivation. The strength of an organization is evident in its toughest times and during the past year (during the COVID-19 pandemic) the organization has flexibly and consistently continued to support the women we serve.”
Merced, an admissions counselor at STCC who lives in Springfield, successfully completed Dress for Success’ programs and is now an accomplished professional and passionate community contributor.
“Jenary recently joined our board and is a role model for all women in our organization,” said Board President Jessica Dupont.
Merced said she was honored to be recognized by Dress for Success Western MA.
“I received support from Dress for Success,” Merced said. “I was an adult but I didn’t know how to dress professionally for a job interview. They helped me look and feel my best. They helped me build my confidence. It’s an honor to receive the Distinguished Alumna Award. I’m proud to serve on the Dress for Success board of directors.”
Common Threads, the signature event of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, will highlight the “My Strong Suit” campaign, which celebrates women’s unique talents and skills.
Tickets to Common Threads are $15. To learn more and find a link to register for the event, visit westernmass.dressforsuccess.org.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
About Dress for Success Western Massachusetts
Dress for Success Western Massachusetts is part of a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of women as they take control of their personal and professional lives. Programs include the Foot in the Door workforce readiness program, the Margaret Fitzgerald One-On-One Mentoring program, the Professional Women’s Group, the digital literacy program (which started as a way to help women through the pandemic) and our suiting program.
The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and tools to help women thrive in work and in life. For more information on Dress for Success, visit westernmass.dressforsuccess.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu