Investing in Women: The Heart of the Glow Gala

As a board member for Dress for Success Des Moines, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of investing in women. Every day, we see women stepping into their potential, finding confidence in their skills and taking bold steps toward economic independence. But none of this happens by chance — it takes a community willing to show up, to invest and to believe in the power of women. That’s exactly why I am excited to chair the first annual Glow Gala.

Our celebration is focused on the burst of self-confidence that occurs when a woman visits Dress for Success for the first time. When volunteer stylists work with her to find the perfect outfit for an upcoming interview, she sheds imposter syndrome, lifts her chin, stands tall and glows.

On Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, Dress for Success Des Moines will host the Glow Gala, presented by Sammons Financial Group, our premier annual event that not only raises essential funds for our programs but also brings together a community of champions who believe in the power of empowering women. We are excited to host it at the Downtown Des Moines Hilton, a venue known for its exceptional event team, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable evening for our guests.

Why the Glow Matters

At Dress for Success Des Moines, our mission is to provide women with the tools, resources and support needed to thrive in work and in life. From professional attire to resume workshops, mentorship and career coaching, our organization serves as a catalyst for success. The Glow Gala is our way of shining a light on this work and inviting the community to be part of something bigger than themselves.

The funds raised through this event directly impact the women we serve, allowing us to continue offering programs that address not just immediate employment needs but also long-term career growth and financial stability. When you invest in a woman, you’re investing in families, communities and future generations. Women reinvest 90% of their earnings back into their families and communities, meaning the ripple effect of each dollar raised is immense.

A Night of Celebration and Purpose

The Glow Gala is not your typical fundraiser. Yes, there will be incredible food and entertainment (maybe even a light-up dance floor), but at its core, it’s a celebration of resilience and empowerment. This year, our planning team made strategic decisions to ensure the night is as fun and engaging as possible. We’ve designed an evening that prioritizes celebration and connection — with a short program that gets right to the heart of our mission, followed by plenty of time for dancing and enjoyment.

Throughout the evening, we will highlight stories of women whose lives have been transformed through Dress for Success Des Moines.

Women like Nelly Zelaya, Dress for Success Ambassador (pictured below).

Born and raised in Chinandega, Nicaragua, Nelly overcame financial challenges with determination, developing a passion for finance and entrepreneurship that helped her fund her education. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Accounting and Finance, built a successful career in nonprofit leadership and pursued her dream of obtaining an MBA, which she completed in 2022. After moving to the U.S. in 2024, she found support through Dress for Success and now serves as an ambassador, committed to empowering other women just as the organization empowered her during her transition.

These stories are powerful reminders of why we do what we do — and why your support matters.

As the event chair, I can tell you that this year’s Glow Gala will be our most impactful yet. With the help of our sponsors: Sammons Financial Group, Mid-American Energy and Community State Bank, we’re pulling out all the stops to ensure guests leave inspired and deeply connected to our mission. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel the energy, the hope and the commitment of a community rallying behind women who are ready to change their lives.

 

How You Can Make a Difference

If you haven’t secured your table yet, now is the time. Each guest represents a direct investment in the success of the women we serve. Beyond attending, there are many ways to support — through sponsorships, donations and simply spreading the word about the work we do.

The Glow Gala isn’t just an event; it’s a call to action. It’s a moment to come together, celebrate progress and commit to doing more. Because when women thrive, we all thrive.

I hope to see you there, standing alongside us as we continue this vital work. Let’s shine together.

Find out more at desmoines.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/events/glow-gala.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.