On Collaboration and The Power of Partnership: A Conversation on Coming Together to Amplify Impact
As our spring start date is approaching, we are excited to share more about our ongoing collaboration with Dress for Success Seattle (DFSS).
In Spring and Fall 2025, we will bring Leadership Foundations to DFSS with a certificate program for a select group of their clients. Throughout the planning process, we have closely collaborated with Malia Razzaia, Executive Director at DFSS, to build a program that focuses on what women in the Seattle area most need for their career advancement.
The Leadership Foundations program at Harborbridge is designed to empower participants by enhancing essential leadership skills such as effective communication, team productivity, engagement, and confidence. This program equips participants with skills that are immediately applicable, enhancing their contributions today and advancing their career paths.
Recently, I had the pleasure of discussing our collaboration with Malia. Enjoy an inside look at how this collaboration came to be and what sets it apart.
Katie: Thank you for joining me today, Malia! Can you start by sharing with us a bit about Dress for Success Seattle?
Malia: Thank you, Katie. At Dress for Success Seattle, our mission is to empower women and the non-binary community, focusing on economic independence and professional advancement. Dress for Success began in New York in 1997 and has grown into a global organization with 135 affiliates in over 20 countries, all aligned towards empowering women towards economic independence.
And while globally we all work towards that milestone, having affiliates allows us to do it with this hyper local focus that allows change to truly happen at a grassroots level. There is flexibility and freedom within each affiliate to provide the services that make sense for the women and culture of the region that they happen to be in. What we have learned is that in Seattle, in addition to the needs for our clothing programs and career support services that Dress For Success is known for, there are also significant needs in the arenas of digital literacy and financial education as well.
When we look at the core of what those original programs looked like back in ‘97 and then to the programs we offer today – those original ideals haven't changed. Ultimately at the end of the day, we are supporting women as they invest in themselves, as they claim their own power, to find the path that brings them success and joy.
And what’s especially exciting about this collaboration with Harborbridge: it’s our first time offering a certificate program, which is huge for us and our clients.
K: How does the partnership with Harborbridge enhance your mission?
M: This program is the first time launching a certificate program, and I think there’s so much potential, especially in Seattle. What we’re doing will provide real tools and credentials that women can leverage in their current roles or use to secure new positions. With this partnership with Harborbridge, we’re able to provide structured learning and networking opportunities that will empower our clients long after they complete the initial programs.
K: I love that. For us at Harborbridge, we believe in expanding opportunities and accessibility for coaching and training, and it’s exciting for us to partner with Dress for Success Seattle and create an opportunity that removes barriers to professional development.
M: Absolutely. We appreciate how Harborbridge has been a true partner in this whole process. From the start, you’ve had this wonderful collaborative mindset. I so appreciate your and Anna's willingness to come into the conversation, to ask the questions and listen, and to give the time to figure out how to authentically serve our client community. That patience and dedication draws me to working with any organization and especially Harborbridge.
K: I’m so glad to hear that. Could you share what resonated with Dress for Success Seattle about partnering with Harborbridge?
M: I had attended one of your workshops and was intrigued when I learned that Harborbridge is a woman-owned business, and the more I learned the more I realized how much you had to offer. Your robust curriculum, the wide range and selection of workshops, it seemed tailored to what our clients need. What really impressed me was your holistic approach to supporting growth.
K: What do you hope others will take away from this collaboration between DFSS and Harborbridge?
M: What I really hope others take away from this collaboration, whether they’re donors, supporters, or other organizations, is threefold.
Firstly, I hope there’s a continued growth in understanding the work that Dress for Success does—it’s much more than just about outfitting women for the workforce; it’s about providing a holistic opportunity for them to grow professionally, economically, and personally in a supportive environment.
Secondly, I hope this partnership serves as a model, almost like a case study, for what can be accomplished when organizations truly collaborate. Together with you and Harborbridge, we’ve tailored this program to meet the evolving needs of our community, reflecting our learnings and growth nearly three decades after DFSS’ founding. This kind of adaptable, responsive approach is what I think can really make an impact.
And lastly, I hope that this collaboration demonstrates mutual value—not just benefiting our organization and the women we directly serve, but also the broader community. This is about making a bigger impact by working together, showcasing how collaboration can redefine how we support and uplift each other. Essentially, if we can show that our collaborative efforts lead to real, tangible benefits for everyone involved, then I believe we’ve truly succeeded. I’m excited about the potential here and am hopeful for what we can achieve together.
Thank you Malia and Dress for Success Seattle for being a wonderful partner!