Barbara Wagner Joins Dress for Success® Worldwide Board to Empower Women
A New Chapter for Dress for Success: Barbara Wagner Joins the Board
On November 19, 2025, Dress for Success® Worldwide proudly announced the appointment of Barbara Wagner, the president of the renowned Talbots brand, to its board of directors. With her extensive experience and steadfast commitment to empowering women, Wagner is set to bring invaluable insights and leadership as the organization forges ahead with new initiatives.
Barbara Wagner: A Leader in Retail
Having carved a distinguished path in the retail industry, Barbara Wagner has held executive positions at notable brands including Duluth Trading Co, Kohl's, LOFT, and Banana Republic. Her tenure at Talbots has been marked by a successful strategy focused on balancing brand heritage with the evolving needs of modern consumers. Under her leadership, Talbots has strengthened its reputation and market presence, resonating with a broad audience.
In her new role at Dress for Success, Wagner is expected to utilize her vast expertise in retail and brand management to enhance the organization’s outreach and impact, particularly in supporting women in their professional journeys. With a commitment to driving economic mobility for women, she is determined to help advance the mission of Dress for Success: to enable women to thrive in work and life.
Strengthening Impact and Expanding Opportunities
As Dress for Success embarks on new programs aimed at enhancing its overall brand value, Wagner's insights will be crucial. The organization has long been dedicated to providing women with the tools they need for economic independence, including professional attire and career development resources. Since its founding in 1997, Dress for Success has evolved its services to offer job training, support for women entrepreneurs, and wellness initiatives, empowering over 1.3 million women across 15 countries through a robust network of 130 affiliates.
Wagner’s arrival signifies a promising future for Dress for Success. She is poised to drive forward the organization’s strategic goals, ensuring it remains a leading resource for women's workforce advancement. Reflecting on her new position, Wagner stated, "I am excited to contribute to an organization devoted to fostering new opportunities for women across the globe. Together, we can help create pathways to success."
A Community of Support
The strength of Dress for Success lies not only in its innovative programs but also in its community support network. By harnessing collaboration with national partners like Talbots, the organization amplifies its impact and increases awareness about the challenges women face in the workforce. With Wagner's leadership, there is a renewed commitment to expanding these alliances and ensuring that every woman has access to the resources necessary for achieving her professional goals.
As Dress for Success continues to champion the cause of women's empowerment, the addition of Barbara Wagner to the board marks a significant step toward realizing a world where women can thrive in all aspects of their lives. Her leadership promises to inspire change and foster an inclusive environment that encourages women to pursue their aspirations with confidence.
In conclusion, as the organization navigates the evolving landscape of workforce challenges, Wagner's appointment heralds a new era of growth, support, and opportunity for women everywhere. Dress for Success is not merely an organization; it is a movement committed to transforming the future of women in the workplace. Together, with leaders like Barbara Wagner at the helm, it is set to make profound strides in empowering women worldwide.