Retail Veteran Joins Dress for Success to Fuel Growth & Expand Women's Empowerment

NEW YORK, NY – November 18, 2025

Strengthening Leadership for a New Era

Dress for Success Worldwide has appointed Barbara Wagner, Brand President of Talbots, to its Board of Directors, a move signaling a strategic effort to bolster the organization’s brand, expand its reach, and deepen its impact in a complex economic landscape for women. Wagner’s extensive experience in retail leadership, spanning brands like Duluth Trading Co., Kohl’s, LOFT, and Banana Republic, is expected to be invaluable as Dress for Success evolves its programs and addresses the systemic barriers hindering women's economic independence.

“We are thrilled to welcome Barbara to our board,” said a Dress for Success spokesperson. “Her proven track record in brand building and retail strategy will be a tremendous asset as we continue to empower women to achieve financial stability and professional success.”

A Long-Standing Partnership Deepens

The appointment underscores the deepening relationship between Dress for Success and Talbots, a partnership that has flourished for over a decade. Beginning in 2014, the collaboration has evolved from simple monetary donations to a comprehensive program of support, directly impacting over 200,000 women. Talbots has contributed over $9 million in funds to Dress for Success, complemented by 400,000 articles of professional clothing and generating 1.5 billion media impressions.

This synergy is not coincidental. Talbots’ core demographic aligns perfectly with Dress for Success’s mission, creating a natural fit. “There’s a shared understanding of the needs of professional women,” explains a retail industry analyst. “Talbots understands the importance of presentation and confidence in the workplace, and Dress for Success provides those crucial tools to women who need them most.” The ongoing