Connect to Greatness, Inc. “Boss Project” Getting Boost from Dress for Success Partnership
Five new nonprofit community service organizations are about to emerge in Palm Beach County, each conceived by a Black working mom who, together with their middle-school-aged sons, are participants in Connect to Greatness (C2G). C2G was founded five years ago to empower and inspire African American/Black boys, primarily in the 6th through 12th grades, to become leaders and change-makers via 30-weeks’ worth of character-building coaching sessions.
But rather than just sitting and waiting for their sons while attending the sessions, the moms were benefitting from a C2G mentoring program of their own, and this is where the seeds of The BOSS Project were sown, germinating more fully as C2G founder and director Cassondra Corbin-Thaddies secured funding from PNC Bank. She also arranged for Kaizen Management Solutions to provide guidance for the women as they navigate the governmental waters necessary to establish their 501(c)3 organizations. What’s more, she nailed down a partnership with Dress for Success Palm Beaches, which is chiming in beginning on February 13 with a four-part series of virtual presentations that will further prepare the women for their new business roles. The collaboration culminates with each woman receiving a head-to-toe wardrobe worthy of her new position of leadership.
The five BOSS Project entrepreneurs are Stephanie Bland, Jeree Evans, Regina Horne, Teneka King and Charman Postel. Bland’s concept is for Queen’s Corner, an initiative she began while participating in C2G that boasts the spiritual nourishment and empowerment of women, helping them become self-aware, find their true authentic selves, and live optimistically. Evans is establishing Married Survivors, dedicated to helping married couples cope with their challenges, turnaround their relationships and remain together. She wants to share from her own experience, having been with her husband 15 years, married and on the verge of divorce five years ago. Horne, who has worked for the Palm Beach County School District for the past 11 years, is launching P.E.A.R.L.S. of Palm Beach. The acronym describes the end goal for her mentoring program for girls 10-16: powerfully equipped & anointed to reach lives spiritually. King’s nonprofit, Forget Me Not, is focused on homeless young women, helping them to obtain information, products and resources necessary for proper hygiene and healthcare. Postel is creating B.O.L.D. – Building Opportunities for Leaders Daily – providing college and career ready support for high school students who have future ambitions for self-sufficiency.
For its part, Dress for Success is tailoring its basic job readiness program to address anticipated needs as the BOSS Project women embark upon growing their own enterprises. One session will cover personal branding and how to capitalize on the value of LinkedIn; another will offer advice on drafting “sales” materials such as their own bios and descriptions of their services and programs. They’ll also have a training session on public speaking. And, in addition to the power-dressing attire, Dress for Success has hired a photographer to provide each with a professional headshot.
“It’s fitting to have Dress for Success on board for The BOSS Project and we are grateful that they are extending their services to our budding entrepreneurs,” said Corbin-Thaddies. She anticipates the new nonprofits will be up and running within the next six months.
For more information contact c2ginc561@gmail.com or phone 561-502-0504.
