Who We Are

Dress for Success Western Massachusetts is a proud member of an ever-expanding network of affiliates - over 140 in 24 countries - who work together with referral agencies, volunteers, and corporate partners around the world to make the greatest possible impact on women’s lives.

Established in 2000, DFSWM is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit responsible for its own fundraising, programming, and organizational structure. Originally housed in one room of a community center, we moved to donated space in Springfield's Eastfield Mall until it was demolished in 2023. From there, we moved into our organizational home located at 45 Lyman Street where we serve as the anchor organization for the newly established O'Dell Women's Center.

Since 2018, we have grown from one part-time staff member to one full-time and four part-time team members, as well as four contractors. Notably, several of these team members are program graduates and members of our Professional Women's Group, a testament to our deep commitment to the success of our programs and participants.

Our Team

Jess

Jess Roncarati-Howe, Executive Director

What motivates you?
Making a positive impact on my community.

Diane

Diane Jacobs, Community Engagement Manager

What are you most proud of?
My three caring and compassionate daughters and their accomplishments.

Takisha

Takisha Mims, Impact Manager

What motivates you?
Knowing that I'm doing something positive for the betterment of myself and others.

Beatrice

Beatrice Baro-Franco, Administrative Coordinator

What are you most proud of?
My drive in life and hunger to achieve goals that seem out of my reach.

Cory

Cory Waring, Program Manager

Best part of your job?
Standing beside women as they discover and own the best version of themselves.

Monica

Monica Borgatti, Development & Communications Consultant

What motivates you?
Helping people, making the world a better place for all our daughters.

Kim

Kim Watson, Mentorship Program Outreach Consultant

Best part of your job:
Meeting our mentees and pairing them with the right mentors to bring out each other's best qualities.

Kate

Kate Campion, Digital Media and Website Consultant

What are you most proud of?
With every hurdle that comes my way, I find a way to pivot and move forward towards my goals.

Shawntsi

Shawntsi Baret, Foot in the Door Instructor

What inspires you?
The women I have the opportunity to instruct and interact with in this work.

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Our Board of Directors

Our Advisory Board

  • Carol Campbell President/CEO, Chicopee Industrial Contractors
  • Jane Albert Retired Senior Vice President and Chief Consumer Officer, Baystate Health
  • Erica True Head of Strategic Planning & Claims, MassMutual
  • Katherine Prewitt Owner, The Valentine Mansion/President and President/CEO, Ascend Property Management
  • Amy Selvia-Smith Owner, New England Promotional Marketing
  • Dawn CreightonCommunity Outreach Officer, Liberty Bank