Dress for Success Toronto

What is ?

The Youth Employment Summit: Connected in the City is a free, two-day event, intentionally designed to provide women* ages 18-29 with the opportunities and skills needed to break barriers and be successful in the workplace.

This year's event will take place over two-days, kicking off virtually on Wednesday, September 4 and wrapping up in-person on Saturday, September 7. Learn more about each component below!

Day 1 — Virtual Kick-Off & Workshop
Join us online for our virtual kick-off on Wednesday, September 4 from 6 PM — 8 PM for "City Girl Talks: Thriving in Your Twenties" — an inspirational, podcast-style discussion. Setting the tone for the event, this workshop will focus on uncovering the unique challenges youth face as they navigate today's workplace and grow their career potential. This Session will feature guest speakers and the opportunity for attendees to cultivate connections and practice networking.

Day 2 — In-Person Networking Experience
On Saturday, September 7, we will come together in-person for part-two and get ! Hosted at Intuit Canada's Head-Office, this dynamic evening of networking in the heart of Downtown Toronto will focus on building community. Offering a unique experience to create connections in a fun and supportive way, guests will also be able to enjoy stunning views of the city, interactive stations, insightful discussions and much more!

But that's not all! We will be giving away incredible raffle prizes for both the days. In-person attendees will also receive a DFS Toronto swag bag valued at over $200!

Interested in learning more and attending ? Registration opens Monday, August 19! Space is limited, so be sure to visit dressforsuccesstoronto.com/YES-2024 to join our early access mailing list for this year's inspirational event.

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*DFS Toronto uses the term "women" in a gender expansive way to include any woman-identified person — cis, trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender q***r, and Two-Spirit.

Let's Get Connected!

Dress for Success Toronto is excited to announce our second annual Youth Employment Summit in partnership with RBC Future Launch is coming up!

The Youth Employment Summit is a youth-lead and youth-focused event, designed with the intention of providing women* ages 18-29 with the skills and opportunities to break barriers and be successful in the workplace.

With the theme , this year's event will focus community and collaboration as we work towards building meaningful connections, cultivating new networks and discovering how to grow towards our own, unique career potential.

The event will kick-off virtually on Wednesday, September 4 with a podcast-style workshop where will be begin by uncovering the unique needs and challenges women* ages 18-29 face as they navigate today's workplace. This session will feature guest speakers and the opportunity for attendees to practice networking.

We will continue the event in-person on Saturday September 7 where we will close off with a dynamic evening of networking in the heart of Downtown Toronto. This in-person portion will offer attendees a unique opportunity to build meaningful connections in a fun and supportive atmosphere.

Interested in learning more? Visit dressforsuccesstoronto.com/YES-2024 to be the first to receive updates and early access to registration!

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*DFS Toronto uses the term "women" in a gender expansive way to include any woman-identified person — cis, trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender q***r, and Two-Spirit.

Mastering Your Job Search: Step Into Confidence is officially complete!

MYJS is DFS Toronto's largest annual Client event. Each year, we are to be blown away by the engagement and enthusiasm of our attendees. With over 175 virtual participants and more than 150 in-person attendees, this year was no different.

Thank you to our community — our host, panelists, sponsors, partners, and of course, our Clients — for helping to make the sixth year of this year of MYJS so memorable and inspiring.

We can't wait to share what we are planning next! Stay tuned to our channels and sign-up for our community newsletter to be the first to receive updates. In the meantime, be sure to check out photos from our In-Person Networking Event in our album here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/NtAVUHrX92MLnMMB/.

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Looking to support our mission?
By donating $15 a month, you are contributing to a lasting impact in the lives of the women we support, allowing us to continue to offer our programs and events to our community for free! https://dressforsuccesstoronto.com/15Years

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The In-Person Networking Experience of Mastering Your Job Search: Step Into Confidence is happening today!

Following our incredible Virtual Kick-Off that took place on Wednesday, we will come together in-person at the Toronto Reference Library this afternoon for part-two of this year's event.

This portion of the event will begin with a live panel discussion where our diverse speakers will unpack mistakes and learnings they’ve made on their career journeys. Titled “Well, that happened…”, this vulnerable conversation will feature women leaders — Jill Dupuis, Denise Carson, Anna Lee Boschetto, Cheryl Sutherland and host Thyagi DeLanerolle — who will share how they’ve reframed career mistakes into career growth.

Following their discussion, the event will continue with interactive stations — including a selfie-station and shoe boutique — as well as a community networking experience.

But that's not all! The first 200 in-person attendees will receive a DFS Toronto swag bag valued at over $350 and be entered to win some incredible prizes!

Thank you to our Event Sponsors, Adecco, BMO, Find Your Stride, Gibson's Cleaners, and Pacific Life Re

Thank you to our In-Kind Sponsors, The Villij, PleaseNotes, Dean Davidson, Hillberg & Berk, OOt Social Health, The Period Purse, RBC, The Shoebox Project for Women, Unilever, and Wonderkind Co

And finally, thank you to our Community Hosts, Adecco, BMO, Canadian Arab Women's Association, Kassen Recruitment, The Period Purse, Philips, The Shoebox Project for Women, Scadding Court Community Centre, Toronto Public Library, Unilever, University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, Ve'ahavta, and Volunteer Toronto

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Mastering Your Job Search: Step Into Confidence begins tomorrow!

We are excited to kick-off this year's event on Wednesday, June 19 and with an engaging and inspirational virtual panel discussion, "Confident Strides & Courageous Steps".

Setting the tone for the event, the panel will bring together speakers from diverse backgrounds across job titles, sectors, and lived experiences. During this 90-minute session, our panelists — Cheryl Sutherland, Jane Griffith, Marketa Evans, Samiha Nusrat, and host Thyagi DeLanerolle — will share their personal career path. The discussion will be centered on how building confidence has played an ongoing and pivotal role in each of their journeys.

The session will end with a live draw for our virtual prizes!

Interested in attending? There's still time to register! Visit dressforsuccesstoronto.com/MYJS-2024 to secure your spot today!

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ONE WEEK AWAY! Mastering Your Job Search: Step Into Confidence begins next Wednesday!

This free, two-day event, is intentionally designed to build confidence, deepen connection, and celebrate our unique stories and different career journeys.

Beginning next Wednesday, June 19, we will be kicking-off virtually with a panel discussion. Centered on the different career paths of each speaker, this session will highlight how building confidence plays an ongoing role in each of their journeys.

On Saturday, June 22 join us in-person at the Toronto Reference Library for part-two. This uplifting interactive 3-hour event will include a panel where our diverse speakers will unpack mistakes and learnings they’ve made on their career journeys. Following their discussion, the event will continue with interactive stations — including a selfie-station and shoe boutique — as well as a community networking experience.

But that's not all! Those who attend both parts of the event will be entered to win some incredible prizes! Plus, the first 200 in-person attendees will receive a DFS Toronto swag bag valued at over $350!

Interested in attending? Spots are filling up quickly*! Visit dressforsuccesstoronto.com/MYJS-2024 to secure your spot today!

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*Once registration capacity is reached, interested participants can join our waitlist for when additional in-person spots are released.



Dress for Success | Empowering Women | Toronto Event | Job Search

In June, we celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community and are reminded of the strength, love and resilience that brings us all together.

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Pride | Pride 2024 | Community

Mastering Your Job Search: Step Into Confidence is coming up! This free, two-day event, is intentionally designed to build confidence, deepen connection, and celebrate our unique stories and different career journeys.

Following our Virtual Kick-Off on June 19, we will come together in-person at the Toronto Reference Library on Saturday, June 22 for part-two of this year's event.

This portion of the event will begin with a live panel discussion where our diverse speakers will unpack mistakes and learnings they’ve made on their career journeys. Titled “Well, that happened…”, this vulnerable conversation will feature women leaders — Jill Dupuis, Denise Carson, Anna Lee Boschetto, Cheryl Sutherland and host Thyagi DeLanerolle — who will share how they’ve reframed career mistakes into career growth.

Following their discussion, the event will continue with interactive stations — including a selfie-station and shoe boutique — as well as a community networking experience.

But that's not all! The first 200 in-person attendees will receive a DFS Toronto swag bag valued at over $350 and be entered to win some incredible prizes!

Interested in attending? Spots are filling up quickly*! Visit dressforsuccesstoronto.com/MYJS-2024 to secure your spot today!

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*Once registration capacity is reached, interested participants can join our waitlist for when additional in-person spots are released.

Mastering Your Job Search: Step Into Confidence is a free, two-day event, intentionally designed to build confidence, deepen connection, and celebrate our unique stories and different career journeys.

This year's event will kick off virtually on Wednesday, June 19 and with an engaging and inspirational panel discussion, "Confident Strides & Courageous Steps".

Setting the tone for the event, the panel will bring together speakers from diverse backgrounds across job titles, sectors, and lived experiences. During this 90-minute session, our panelists — Cheryl Sutherland, Jane Griffith, Marketa Evans, Samiha Nusrat, and host Thyagi DeLanerolle — will share their personal career path. The discussion will be centered on how building confidence has played an ongoing and pivotal role in each of their journeys.

Interested in attending? Visit dressforsuccesstoronto.com/MYJS-2024 to register today!

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Registration for is now open!

Join us this June for DFS Toronto’s Mastering Your Job Search: Step Into Confidence, with virtual and in-person programming taking place over two-days. Registrations begins TODAY for our live, virtual workshop on Wednesday, June 19 and an in-person event at the Toronto Reference Library on Saturday, June 22.

Designed to build confidence, this experience will provide attendees with the chance to learn from and speak with representatives from diverse organizations and industries across the GTHA, network with each other, and have some fun! The first 50 pre-registered participants who attend the in-person portion on Saturday, June 22 will receive two TTC tickets. All attendees will receive a swag bag valued at over $350 and be entered into a draw to win some incredible prizes.

Interested in learning more and attending? Visit dressforsuccesstoronto.com/MYJS-2024 to register!

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Have you heard? Mastering Your Job Search: Step Into Confidence is coming up next month and registration opens on May 27! ⁠
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Whether you're just starting your job search, thinking of changing jobs or careers, or simply want to make new connections, MYJS 2024 has something for everyone.

"The whole week has been a wonderful learning and eye opening process. I have been looking for work for more than a year and I have been following a set routine for my job search and resume writing. What I learned gave me new hope and new skills to continue to move forward with more confidence and faith. Thank you again." — MYJS 2023 Participant

We can't wait to share more details of what we have in store for this year's event! Stay tuned to our channels over the coming weeks for all the information.

https://dressforsuccesstoronto.com/MYJS-2024

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• Thyagi DeLanerolle, Founder & CEO

DFS Toronto is thrilled to announce our host for , Thyagi DeLanerolle!

Thyagi, the Co-Founder and CEO of OOt Social Health Inc., is not just a seasoned trailblazer in the Information & Communications Technology (ICT) and Software as a Service (SaaS) industries but also a visionary leader driven by her unique life experiences. Born in Sri Lanka and immigrating to Canada at the age of 5, Tyagi's journey allowed her to see the world through a different lens, providing her with a profound understanding of loneliness to its core and the human need for belonging.

For this year's Mastering Your Job Search event, we are excited to have Thyagi as our event host for both the virtual and in-person components.

To learn more about Thyagi and this year's event, please visit dressforsuccesstoronto.com/MYJS-2024! Registration opens Monday, May 27 at 9:00 AM!

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What is ?

Mastering Your Job Search: Step Into Confidence is a free, two-day event, intentionally designed to build confidence, deepen connection, and celebrate our unique stories and different career journeys.

This year's event will take place over two-days, kicking off virtually on Wednesday, June 19 and wrapping up in-person on Saturday, June 22. Learn more about each component below!

Day 1 — Virtual Kick-Off & Panel Discussion
Join us online for our virtual kick-off on Wednesday, June 19 from 12:00 PM — 1:30 PM for "Confident Strides & Courageous Steps" — an inspirational panel discussion. Setting the tone for the event, the panel will bring together speakers from diverse backgrounds across job titles, sectors, and lived experiences. During this 90-minute session, our panelists will share their personal career path. The discussion will be centered on how building confidence has played an ongoing and pivotal role in each of their journeys.

Day 2 — In-Person Career & Networking Experience
On Saturday, June 22 we will come together in-person at the Toronto Reference Library for part-two. This portion of the event will begin with a live panel discussion where our diverse speakers will unpack mistakes and learnings they’ve made on their career journeys. Titled “Well, that happened…”, this vulnerable conversation will feature women leaders who will share how they’ve reframed career mistakes into career growth. Following their discussion, the event will continue with interactive stations — including a selfie-station and shoe boutique — as well as a community networking experience.

But that's not all! The first 200 in-person attendees will receive a DFS Toronto swag bag valued at over $350 and be entered to win some incredible prizes!

Interested in learning more and attending ? Registration opens Monday, May 27 at 9:00 AM! Visit dressforsuccesstoronto.com/MYJS-2024 to learn more and set your registration reminder for this year's inspirational event.

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In partnership with Deloitte, Dress for Success Canada Foundation invites you to join us next Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 11:00 PM EST for a free virtual workshop titled, “Professional Services Pathways and Insights”.

Visit dressforsuccesstoronto.org/workshops/professional-services-pathways-insights to learn more and register!

and bring you the "Professional Services Pathways and Insights" Workshop on May 29th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm EDT. 🎉

Featuring an enriching conversation with three diverse panelists who will speak to:
♥️ Unique insights based on their own careers
♥️ Navigating a career in the professional services space
♥️ Overcoming career challenges and barriers

You'll also have the opportunity to enter smaller breakout rooms to network and gather advice on interviews for professional services, skill building, and navigating hiring processes in Canada/or at large organizations from employees. 📚

Deloitte provides audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax, and related services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries; serving four out of five Fortune Global 500® companies through a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries and territories bringing world-class capabilities, insights, and service to address clients’ most complex business challenges. 💚

Join us and benefit from this valuable opportunity on May 29th via Zoom! Limited spots. Register now at https://bit.ly/3UFvoqg

We are thrilled to announce that is back this year!

Mastering Your Job Search: Step Into Confidence is a free, two-day event, designed to build confidence, deepen connection, and celebrate our stories and career journeys.

This year's event will kick-off virtually on Wednesday, June 19 with a panel discussion. Centered on the different career paths of each speaker, this session will highlight how building confidence plays an ongoing role in each of their journeys.

On Saturday, June 22 join us in-person at the Toronto Reference Library for part-two. This uplifting and interactive 3-hour event, will include a panel discussion, interactive stations as well as a networking experience where you can connect with local community groups and other participants.

Interested in learning more and attending ? Registration opens Monday, May 27 at 9:00 AM! Visit https://dressforsuccesstoronto.com/MYJS-2024 to learn more and set your registration reminder for this year's incredible event.

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At DSF Toronto, we have an incredible community of Volunteers bring our mission to life. Their dedication and support empowers our Clients — giving them the confidence and encouragement needed to continue their journey and achieve their goals.

Whether working with a volunteer one-on-one through our virtual Career Centre, or in-person at our Boutique, we love hearing about the impact they are making in the lives of the women we serve.

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Our mission is made possible because of the wonderful individuals who donate their time, energy and skills to our organization. ⁠

Since 2009, Volunteers have brought the mission of Dress for Success Toronto to life. Year over year, the dedication, support and generosity of our Volunteer Community has made the work we do possible.

In 2023 alone, our dedicated team of 80+ Volunteers...
— Donated more than 6,450 hours of their time
— Helped facilitate over 1,700 sessions and Client appointments
— Supported 1,300 Clients one-on-one on their path to success

From sorting clothing donations and styling, to providing one-on-one career mentorship, our Volunteers support our Clients on their professional and personal journeys, every step of the way. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring that our Clients can access and benefit from all of the services we offer, no matter where they find themselves in their employment journeys.

Thank you, DFS Toronto Volunteers! We can't wait to see the impact they provide in 2023!

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Together, we can

At Dress for Success Toronto, we recognize the profound significance of empowering women.

Our mission is made possible because of the generosity of our community. Your support allows us to offer our services to those in need, at no cost. In honour of our , we are calling on our community to join us in providing ongoing support.

By donating $15 a month, you are contributing to a lasting impact in the lives of the women we serve.

Increase your impact and support the women of DFS Toronto by becoming a monthly donor today!

dressforsuccesstoronto.org/15-years-of-empowerment

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Apply Today for Navigating Careers with Community — A BIPOC Youth Cohort

Beginning next month, we are excited to introduce our first youth-focused group for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) women* aged 18-29 across the GTHA!

This free, hybrid cohort will feature monthly discussion-style workshops on Zoom, where participants can share their knowledge, bring their unique lived experiences and contribute to dynamic group discussions. There will also be in-person opportunities to network with other BIPOC women and working professionals.

Apply by April 9 to secure your spot in the Cohort for the first workshop! Send us a message or visit https://dressforsuccesstoronto.org/client-services/group-learning-programs/ to learn more.

Note: Applications will be accepted after April 9 on a continued basis. Please contact the Youth Program Lead or Manager, Programs via email.

*DFS Toronto uses the term “women" in a gender expansive way to include any woman-identified person — cis, trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender q***r, and Two-Spirit.

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In the words of Canadian Journalist, Lisa LaFlamme...
"For women getting into the workforce, there are enough things to worry about — what you wear shouldn't be one of them. That's where Dress for Success comes in. This extraordinary support network is women helping women. Building confidence from the inside, out.

I love the message and motivation behind Dress for Success and I know it is making a difference in the lives of so many women struggling to find a fit — not in what they wear but in where they work and how they view themselves. Self-acceptance wrapped in a great outfit is a double win!"

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At DFS Toronto, we recognize the profound significance of empowering women. With this in mind, we are calling on our community to join us.

By donating the equivalent of just one-hour of your pay on a monthly basis, you are contributing to a lasting impact in the lives of the women we serve.

Visit our website to begin donating monthly today.

Together, we can .

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Join DFS Toronto on Friday, April 5 from 12 PM — 1 PM to learn about our new BIPOC Youth Cohort: Navigating Careers with Community!

: Research indicates that BIPOC women encounter distinct challenges in both work and life, lacking safe spaces to debrief these experiences of overlapping identities with other BIPOC women.

In a 2022 report prepared for Achēv’s Advancing Equity for Immigrant and Racialized Women and Girls Project by SEASONOVA Group Inc., the study indicated that over half (56%) of the respondents in this demographic had negative experiences with the job application process and 35% indicating they had a mix of negative and positive experiences.

Through DFS Toronto's new youth-centered cohort — Navigating Careers with Community — have developed a unique opportunity to support young BIPOC women as they navigate their careers. Our goal with this cohort is to create a space to articulate and amplify the lived experiences of these women as they navigate the Canadian labor market and workplace.

On April 5, we will be hosting an FAQ-Style Information Session where we will share key details on the following components:
Registration Process
Cohort Eligibility
Scheduling
Workshop Topics
Program Structure

Interested in learning more? Visit our website to apply today!

dressforsuccesstoronto.com/BIPOC-Cohort

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— Become a Monthly Donor & Support the Women of DFS Toronto

At DFS Toronto, we recognize the profound significance of empowering women. Our campaign, , is inspired by the belief that when a woman has access to opportunities that can change her life, she becomes powerful beyond measure.

With this in mind, we are calling on our community to join us. By donating the equivalent of just one-hour of your pay on a monthly basis, you are contributing to a lasting impact in the lives of the women we serve.

Visit our website to begin donating monthly today.

Together, we can .

https://dressforsuccesstoronto.org/your-hour-her-power-2024

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Introducing Navigating Careers with Community — A BIPOC Youth Cohort

DFS Toronto is excited to introduce our first youth-focused group for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) women* aged 18-29 across the GTHA!

Beginning in April, this free, hybrid cohort will feature monthly discussion-style workshops on Zoom, where participants can share their knowledge, bring their unique lived experiences and contribute to dynamic group discussions. There will also be in-person opportunities to network with other BIPOC women and working professionals.

Registration is now open! Visit dressforsuccesstoronto.org/client-services/group-learning-programs/ to learn more and apply!

*DFS Toronto uses the term “women '' in a gender expansive way to include any woman-identified person — cis, trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender q***r, and Two-Spirit.

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15 Years of Empowerment — A Celebration of Dress for Success Toronto

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday March 13 at 1 PM for a celebration of DFS Toronto's 15th Anniversary, where we will share highlights of our journey and how you can get involved with the organization.

Since our doors first opened on March 3, 2009, our journey has been one of growth, resilience, and community. Over the past 15 years, we’ve transformed, expanded, and adapted to better serve our community.

We invite you to celebrate with us as we share our impact. Learn how you can access our unique programs and service, volunteer to support our programs, or how to become a donor / sponsor.

Interested in attending? Visit https://dressforsuccesstoronto.org/workshops/15-years-of-empowerment/ to learn more and sign-up.

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Happy !⁠
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Each year, International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 in all parts of the world. With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women's Day was held in March 1911. On this day, we honour the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while highlighting the problems they still face in day-to-day life, personally and professionally.
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IWD is earmarked to to celebrate and recognize women and their many achievements without regard to divisions — national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political — it is not country, group or organization specific. It is a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women's equality. It is a day to acknowledge and bring awareness to women’s rights, gender parity, and is call to action for accelerating women’s equality.⁠
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“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all . Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality." — IWD

This year, International Women's Day is especially memorable to DFS Toronto as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary. These last 15 years were made possible thanks to the collaboration of our incredible community.

Join us in making the next 15 years and beyond even more empowering by making a donation to our mission, and the inspiring women we serve.

Together, we can

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