Igniting Careers. Transforming Futures.
Thank You!
Common Threads 2026 was an incredible evening — and it wouldn't have been possible without you. To our guests, sponsors, volunteers, and honorees: thank you for showing up, giving generously, and celebrating the amazing women we serve. Your support means everything to us and to every woman whose life you help change.
With gratitude,
The Dress for Success Western Massachusetts Team
Join Us for an Evening of Inspiration & Empowerment
Common Threads, our annual signature fundraising event, is a celebration of our inspiring program participants and an opportunity to learn about the life-changing work of our organization. This uplifting program returns to the Log Cabin in Holyoke this year!
Celebrate our participants during this evening and enjoy:
- A networking cocktail reception with hearty welcome station
- A fresh, engaging silent auction
- A moving program
- A fabulous three-course dinner
- Meaningful stories from brave, inspiring women!
About the Event
Registration opens at 5:30PM in the foyer outside the Grand Edna Ballroom at the Log Cabin.
At 6:15PM, we invite you to take your seats inside the Grand Edna Ballroom for an elegant dinner and a vibrant program celebrating the achievements of our program participants:
Annie Paye
Hope for Youth and Families, Holyoke Community College
Heather Otenti
Holyoke Community College
Migdaliz Camacho
Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start, Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts
T.L.
Baystate Health, Holyoke Community College
Keynote Speaker
Shannon M. Rudder
President & CEO
Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services
Shannon M. Rudder is a transformational leader with over 25 years of nonprofit experience, deeply committed to equity, belonging, and social and economic justice. Since 2013, she has been a driving force in Western Massachusetts — advancing educational equity through Teach Western Mass, championing maternal health through MotherWoman, and serving vulnerable populations as Executive Director of Providence Ministries, Inc.
In March 2023, Shannon was appointed President & CEO of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, where she leads the organization's 45-year legacy of building Dr. King's beloved community through programs in food security, family stabilization, college readiness, youth enrichment, and mental health awareness.
A Magna Cum Laude MBA graduate, 2025 Women of Color honoree, and 2024 BusinessWest Difference Maker, Shannon brings compassion, vision, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting every community she serves.
2026 Honorees
In addition to celebrating the women we serve, we will honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our mission:
Distinguished Alumna: Carmen Rivera
MA Department of Corrections, Bay Path University
Volunteer of the Year: Samantha Rudd
The Jamrog Group
Outstanding Contributor: Shawntsi Baret
SB Workforce Development Consulting, Springfield WORKS
Dress for Success Western Massachusetts relies on your generosity to provide critical programs and services for low-income women and gender non-binary people, empowering them with the tools they need to achieve economic independence.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor ($10,000)
Career Sponsor
Runway Sponsor ($5,000)
Red Carpet Sponsor ($2,500)
Wardrobe Sponsor ($1,000)
Suit Sponsor ($500)
Special Thanks to Our Production Partners
Become a Common Threads Sponsor
Download Sponsor Packet
Your generosity changes lives and strengthens our entire community.
Common Threads 2026 Event Highlights
Thank You for Your Support
Your generosity helps women and gender non-binary individuals in Western Massachusetts gain the confidence, tools, and opportunities they need to build a brighter future. Because of you, more people are stepping into their power, chasing their dreams, and creating real change in our community. We couldn't do this without you!