Pay it 4ward: New Mexico woman recognized for helping others ‘Dress for Success’

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A New Mexico woman has dedicated her time to helping others “Dress for Success.”

KOB 4 shares the idea behind Dress for Success in this Pay It 4ward. 

“It’s really transformational because it isn’t just the clothes – it’s also how they’re treated and basically like I said, the clothes are really tailored to them,” said Marissa Nordstrom, Pay it 4ward nominator. 

Nordstrom joined the nonprofit’s advisory board last year. She said she immediately saw how Executive Director Brejette Terry-Emery pours her heart and soul into the mission to help women successfully enter or re-enter the workforce.

“Has been dedicating her whole existence to helping other people in this community so she’s very inspiring,” said Nordstrom. “Everything she does is about lifting up other people. And so the reason I nominated her was to lift her up.”

And she knows how far $400 can go.

“This has sort of been happening on a shoestring budget, and what she’s been able to pull off is really quite extraordinary,” explained Nordstrom. 

Dress for Success occupies a space in Cottonwood Mall, where stylists help clients choose free clothing for job interviews – and more when they land the position. Career coaches and mentors also help them along the way.

“For you because you give so much to the community and just this was one way that I could think of to give something back to you. And you deserve everything and thank you for all that you do for everyone in the community, you’re amazing,” said Nordstrom.

“Thank you, Marissa, I appreciate you,” said Terry-Emery. “I work really, really hard. And I don’t think I give myself credit for how hard I work – I just work.”

Because she sees how big the need for the service is in the community, especially for women struggling financially.

“I do what I do because I believe in a better city, I believe in being able to support people. The more we support them and help them to get the resources that they need, the more they can do,” said Terry-Emery.

Dress for Success is looking for volunteers to help with sorting donations and help in the Cottonwood Mall boutique.

For more information or if you want to volunteer, visit the Dress for Success website.