Collaborative program inspires girls to express their unique personality and style

Girls in the 12-to-14-year-old Bold summer camp learned ways to dress professionally and to their own personal style in the program, Dress for Success. Lorene Burkhart, former Touchstone honoree and friend of the organization, led the program, which included a series of presentations from additional Girls Inc. friends. Sheri Watts discussed proper attire and behavior when interviewing for a job or scholarship. The girls also picked up hairstyling and make-up advice from La Veda Howell and make-up artist, Sparkle.

As a finale, on the last day of the program the girls participated in a fashion show sponsored by the Northwest Pavilion JCPenney. The girls modeled professional and casual attire that demonstrated their own unique personality and style. Alpha Blackburn, former Touchstone honoree, emceed the show and Girls Inc. alumna, Nikki Sutton, advised the girls on the runway. After the fashion show, Isabella, age 13, said, “Clothes don’t make you who you are but they are still important when it comes to being professional.” Isabella and two other girl participants modeled their professional look on WISH-TV's morning show, Indy Style.

Thank you to Lorene Burkhart and the women who helped make this program a success! Special thanks to Dave Collins and Leigh Campbell of our JCPenney partner store at Northwest Pavilion and the fabulous women of JCPenney, the behind the scenes crew at the fashion show.