Why YES?

As leaves change and we transition into the cooler months, we can’t help but think back on what, at times, has felt like a whirlwind of a year. Autumn is often a time for pause and reflection and YES is taking stock of the year’s wins and the impact of our work within the community. Like so many others, in the midst of a global pandemic, the YES Board was still able to live out our mission and continue to empower and promote the growth of other women within Columbus. In 2020 alone, we were able to raise over $15,000 for Dress for Success, with projections to do the same in 2021. So what exactly inspired such a dynamic group of individuals to come together to accomplish such a feat? Well, we’re glad you asked.

Paying it Forward

Joining a professional or volunteer-based organization is often a way for people to utilize their time, skills, or whatever other resources they might have at their disposal and pour back into their community or a mission that aligns with their values. We all have obligations and goals that tend to take up most of our time whether it be our work, school, or important friendships and relationships. But there is something so uniquely satisfying about taking time to step outside of ourselves and all the different things that occupy our time and instead, focus our efforts on making someone else’s day a little brighter.

Leadership Opportunities

Maybe you’re an experienced professional with finely-honed skills and years of experience under the belt. Or, perhaps, you’re looking for some guidance and are unsure of what the next step looks like in your career journey. No matter the case, joining YES can be a great way to utilize your existing skills and experience to benefit an organization whose values you share. And if you’re still working to develop that professional experience, YES can be a great outlet to flex strengths and explore new opportunities you might not have otherwise had the chance to build upon in your day-to-day. 

Community

There’s nothing quite like that feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself. Whether that’s a cause, or group, having a sense of purpose and belonging is so empowering and inspiring not only to the work you’re doing together but can shed a whole new light on how you show up in other areas of your life as well. 

We could go on about the many reasons why we love YES, but why just take our word for it? See what our current Board Members have to say about their experience:

“I joined YES because I had a friend that was involved and she always spoke very highly of the organization and the connections she has made, all while making a difference in the community. I also knew that joining a board would be a great way for me to personally continue to develop as a leader and get to know other women in the community that we’re dedicated to giving back. I would recommend joining a board for anyone looking to find a passion outside of work! The connections and skills you will gain are invaluable!”

– Makyla Zimmerman, Vice President

“I joined YES as I had been looking for a way to get even more involved with a group that supported a mission that I was already passionate about (the mission of DFS) – so when I saw that they were opening up Board applications, I decided to apply! I have really enjoyed working as the Advocacy Chair to help further the mission of Dress for Success Columbus in the community, as well as to help grow this wonderful organization.  I have met so many great women being more involved as a board member, too, which has led to several meaningful connections not only professionally, but personally. I would encourage you to get more involved in a board such as this if you’ve been thinking about it! Your connection to the community grows, and you learn new skills that you may not learn in your day-to-day job!”

-Caitlin McTigue, Advocacy Chair

I joined YES to become more hands-on with an organization that I have admired for years and has a significant impact on the Columbus community. I have met so many dynamic and diverse women in this group and the experience has been so rewarding! I always recommend joining a board as it is a great way to use your personal and professional expertise to help grow and influence an amazing local organization.

-Brynn Burton, Programming Chair

I joined YES as a way to get more involved locally with causes important to me. I was interested in supporting DFS and was so glad to find YES as an opportunity – not only to support the mission of Dress, but also to meet other young professionals interested in giving back and making a difference. I recommend getting involved on a board or with a local organization to pay it forward, expand your network, and share/grow your skills + talents.

-Brittany Savko, Treasurer

I joined YES as a board member because I saw it as an opportunity to further the mission of an organization that already had my support in years past- DFS! Being able to take a hands-on role was exciting to me and allowed me to get to know amazing young women from across multiple professional fields. I absolutely recommend getting involved on a board or in an organization that speaks to you- not only do you get to give back, but you gain so much as well!

-Rena Shak, Member-At-Large

Interested in learning more about our Board? Be on the lookout for more information on upcoming board elections. Want to be the first to know? Sign up for our newsletter at https://yes.dfscmh.org/