Dress for Success Central Alberta (DFSCA) has proudly launched its new Career Hub, a digital platform designed to expand access to skills training, career preparation, and confidence-building tools for women across Central Alberta. The Career Hub was made possible through the generosity of the Donald Family Fund, whose multi-year commitment as naming partner provides long-term stability for this vital resource supporting women in Central Alberta.
With a total investment of $100,000, John and Heather Donald are helping ensure women can access the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to build lasting economic independence. “We believe deeply in the power of education, confidence, and community support, and we know the Career Hub will open doors for women who deserve every opportunity to thrive. We are honoured to contribute to this important work, because when you give a woman the skills and support she needs, there’s truly no stopping her,” shared Heather and John Donald.
A Response to Local Economic Need
Red Deer continues to face significant economic challenges, including one of the highest unemployment rates in Alberta at 7.4%, and 1 in 8 residents living in poverty, according to Statistics Canada and the Alberta Living Wage Network. Women, particularly single mothers, newcomers, and those re-entering the workforce, are disproportionately affected. “Women in our community are facing real barriers, from unemployment to housing instability to the need for new skills in a changing job market, ” said Erin Forbes, Executive Director of Dress for Success Central Alberta. “The Career Hub is our response. It’s a place where women can build confidence, gain practical skills, and take meaningful steps toward a stronger future.”
First Program Launches Today: Professional Presence Accelerator Program
As part of the launch, DFSCA introduced the first training initiative available through the Career Hub: the Professional Presence Accelerator Program, developed in partnership with Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP).
“This program is designed for women who are rebuilding, restarting, or reimagining their careers, ” Forbes said. “Their courage and determination are the reason we do this work. ” A Partnership with Long‑Term Vision The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DFSCA and Red Deer Polytechnic, formalizing a partnership focused on expanding educational pathways and collaborative initiatives. “Our partnership with Dress for Success Central Alberta reflects Red Deer Polytechnic’s commitment to creating clear, supported pathways from education to meaningful employment. By connecting Dress for Success clients with career-ready supports and opening accessible routes into micro-credentials, certificates and degrees we are removing barriers and accelerating opportunity,” said Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “Together, we are strengthening workforce participation, advancing women’s leadership and building a more resilient and inclusive economy for Central Alberta. ”
DFSCA and RDP are exploring future opportunities, including education pathways for DFSCA clients, joint research initiatives, shared advocacy, and collaborative funding applications.
A Milestone for Women in Central Alberta The Career Hub represents a significant step forward in DFSCA’s mission to empower women to achieve economic independence through support, development, and community connection. “This is more than a platform,” Forbes said. “It’s a promise, that women in Central Alberta will not walk their career journey alone.”
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