Stiletto Sprint for Success

Dress for Success Tulsa prepares for its annual Stiletto Sprint and 5K Power Walk/Run on May 11 to help local Tulsa women.

By: Stephanie Reed | Category: Other | Issue: May 2013

Ronda Adkisson, Executive Director for Dress for Success Tulsa, and Pat Simmons, President, log practice time for the annual Stiletto Sprint.

While Dress for Success Tulsa has watched many of the 1,167 women suited last year alone cross the employment finish line, it is now time to cheer on volunteers, contributors and participants who make the programs possible. On May 11, Dress for Success Tulsa will host the Third Annual 5K Power Walk/Run and 150-Meter Stiletto Sprint in celebration of the women who have graduated from their employment services program.

The event is part of a worldwide initiative, with 35 participating cities across the globe. The two races are part of the Dress for Success initiative to support career development and encourage health and wellness initiatives, while raising awareness and funding for Dress for Success Tulsa. Both events are presented locally by Simmons Homes along with many other corporations and businesses throughout the Tulsa community.

The race begins and ends at the Blue Rose Café on Riverside. The Stiletto Sprint, for men and women, promises big laughs for those willing to compete in the 150-meter dash in a pair of stilettos, with a two-inch heel minimum. After the sprint, families and runners will gear up for the 5K Power Walk/Run. Don’t fancy yourself a runner? Feel free to come for the entertainment as Tulsans make their way across the finish line. After the race, stop in at the Blue Rose Café for food, refreshments and more festivities.

“We are proud to host an event with an element that is unique to Tulsa and the run community,” says Executive Director Ronda Adkisson. “This event has something for the entire family, and we are committed to providing our clients, patrons, and supporters a fabulous day of fun and fitness at our beautiful River Parks.”

Dress for Success Tulsa offers so much more than the name suggests; truly, the organization goes beyond the suit with two programs, The Going Places Network by Walmart and The Professional Women’s Group (PWG). Dress for Success Tulsa accepts women from over 125 community partner agencies including but not limited to government agencies, homeless shelters, educational institutions, correctional facilities and domestic violence shelters. The Going Places Network is an eight-week program that strives to prepare unemployed and under-employed women to find and secure gainful employment. Dress for Success Tulsa helps build resumes, develops job skills, hosts mock interviews and of course dresses its participants for the job. At the end of each program, the women are honored in a graduation ceremony with their fellow peers.

Once the participants secure employment, they are then eligible for the Professional Women’s Group. This group focuses predominately on job retention. They meet once a month with dinner and childcare provided to offer one another support and listen to keynote speakers, who share their expertise in areas from Career Advancement to Health and Wellness to Work/Life Balance.

“Some of these ladies have no idea what size of clothing they wear, have never worn a pair of high heels or makeup. When they see themselves for the first time, it can be an emotional experience for them and for us. There seems to be a complete transformation in them and in their confidence level. We feel fortunate to have the opportunity and help create their new beginnings,” says Pat Simmons, president.

Please join Dress for Success Tulsa in the Third Annual 5K Power Walk/Run and 150-Meter Stiletto Sprint on Saturday, May 11. Visit ww.dfstulsapowerwalk.com for more information or to register for the event.