Slideshow report for the first annual SMART Leaders drawing contest for children, ages 5 to 13, of Dress for Success Austin clients.

1. Successful Moms are Raising Tomorrow’s Leaders What do you see when you picture success in your future?

2. A CLIENT’S STORY… Single mom of four, Dress for Success Austin client and PWG member Chinara rushed to the grocery store after a nap to purchase ingredients for dinner, unaware that her 9-year-old son had tied a cape around her neck while she was sleeping. When a customer commented on the accessory, her son beamed at his embarrassed mother and explained, “I put it on her because she’s Super Mom!” Chinara, a Nigerian refugee, was referred to Dress for Success Austin by SafePlace, where she fled with her children after enduring years of domestic abuse. Through Dress for Success and the PWG, she has developed her confidence, independence, skills and profession. How remarkable that today her son views his mom as a superhero, not a victim, demonstrating the positive influence a mother’s accomplishments havein her child’s life. How could we cultivate and raise awareness of this powerful association?

3. We received this opportunity when YSC provided $1,000 seed money with a challenge to turn a hypothetical project into a sustainable program. With additional sponsorship from local supporter Dell, we were able to set our goals for far reaching impact even higher.

4. of Dress for Success Austin clients 61% are mothers 81% are heads of household The mission of SMART Leadersis to break the cycle of generational poverty by encouraging children of Dress for Success Austin clients to identify with their mothers’ success and recognize their own unlimited potential for leadership and achievement. A drawing contest for children ages 5 to 13 of Dress for Success Austin clients, SMART Leaders promotes family dialogue and early planning for future success. The contest provides a creative format for children to express their understanding of success and to illustrate their personal goals.

9. Success-themed word search and crossword puzzle

10. Star shades

11. Friendship bracelets

12. Buttons

13. Stickers

14. Toys

15. Pencils

16. Book covers

17. Raffle ticket sales helped us recoup some of the cost of the event

20. Celebrating success! They enjoyed an early taste of stardom singing karaoke, which was hosted by a Dress for Success Austin PWG member!

21. Celebrating success! They sported painted faces – some wild, some pretty, some funny!

22. Celebrating success! And they made new friends in the petting zoo!

23. Successful Moms are Raising Tomorrow’s Leaders And now for the winners…

24. Age Group 5-7 Honorable Mention Jeremiah, age 7

25. Age Group 8-10 Honorable Mention Noel, age 8

26. Age Group 11-13 Honorable Mention Elijah, age 11

27. Age Group 5-7 GRAND PRIZE Jessica, age 7

28. Age Group 8-10 GRAND PRIZE Vennicio, age 8

29. Age Group 11-13 GRAND PRIZE Natalie, age 13

30. A big THANK YOU to the following affiliates for their input and support! Indianapolis Midwest Palm Beaches Shreveport-Bossier and Dress for Success Worldwide

31. Fostering a legacy of success for future generations