Junior League of Evanston-North Shore was pleased to host 21 candidates for the Fitting Futures Job Readiness Day on Sunday, March 18, 2018. The day started with lunch at Firehouse Grill (750 Chicago Ave., Evanston) with guest speaker Khalilah Lyons, head of diversity & inclusion for Conagra Brands. As a self-proclaimed strategist and enthusiast for creating cultures that engage and celebrate the potential and brilliance of others, Lyons shared ideas and insights with the ladies on what it really takes to land a job, strengthen the skills they already have, and grow their potential.
“You have everything it takes to be a leader, no matter the role. Be ready, be brilliant, be authentic. It’s your story. Own it,” Lyons said.
Following lunch, the candidates were styled head-to-toe in work-appropriate outfits at Thrift House Junior League of Evanston-North Shore (920 Chicago Ave., Evanston). Since 2009, Thrift House has been the home of JLE-NS’s Fitting Futures, the League’s community outreach project that provides free, interview-appropriate clothing and job readiness sessions for women in need. Each woman was able to pick out several interview-appropriate outfits while JLENS members helped with styling and accessory selection. After outfits and accessories were selected, the candidates were pampered with make-up tutorials and massages. These services deliver the essentials for success, which is more than just an outfit — it is the self-confidence that she is qualified and capable to get the job she desires, as well as the tools she needs get and keep a job to break the cycle of poverty.
The Junior League of Evanston-North Shore is growing their community network and would always be open to partnering with more referral agencies, volunteers, and companies to make a positive impact in more women’s lives. Thrift House Evanston-North Shore graciously accepts gently used clothing, jewelry, accessories, and house wares. Since opening their doors in 1940, the Thrift House has been the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore’s oldest, ongoing project. Thrift House is a nonprofit, all net proceeds go directly into the community through a combination of League-sponsored volunteer projects, community grants and scholarships, and development of leadership skill of our members. Thrift House is honored to continue to support the North Shore community and projects like Fitting Futures.
