The Power Within Debuts with Purpose and Impact

There are some events that stay with you long after they end. Last Friday, The Power Within Luncheon was one of them.

What unfolded was more than a beautifully curated afternoon at Balboa Bay Resort. It was a celebration of courage, community, and the extraordinary power of women coming together in service of something greater. From the energy in the room to the stories shared on stage, every moment reflected the heart of Working Wardrobes’ mission and the transformative power of confidence.

A Room Filled With Purpose

The inaugural Power Within Luncheon came to life in such a meaningful way, bringing together supporters, leaders, advocates, and changemakers for an afternoon rooted in inspiration and impact. The event was filled with connection, generosity, and a shared belief in the power of helping individuals overcome barriers and move forward with confidence.

We are deeply grateful to Kim Shepherd for guiding us through the day with grace and authenticity, and to Jamie Gwen for leading a giving moment that truly moved people to action in support of our mission.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Christine Ragos, Chair of the Working Wardrobes Board of Directors, for opening the event.

From Testimonial to Triumph: Erika Lopez Got the Job!

One of the most powerful moments of the afternoon came when our courageous client Erika shared her personal Working Wardrobes journey. After experiencing domestic violence, Erika moved to Orange County with her children in search of safety, stability, and a fresh start. She spent time in a shelter, eventually secured stable housing, and later faced another setback when she lost her job. It was during this chapter of rebuilding that she came to Working Wardrobes for support. Her story was a moving reminder of why this work matters. It brought to life the very reason we gathered: to support people as they rebuild, rediscover their confidence, and step into new possibilities.

During her testimonial, Erika shared that she was interviewing for a job. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate that she has since been hired as a Restorative Practices Intervention (RPI) Specialist at Project Kinship. Like many people who experience the life transforming support of Working Wardrobes, Erika chose a career that gives her the opportunity to give back. Her voice grounded the day in purpose, and her new role is a powerful reflection of the transformative impact that can happen when someone is met with dignity, encouragement, and opportunity.

Honoring Women Who Lead With Resilience

We were honored to feature our inaugural panel of powerhouse women:

• Monica A. Olmos
• Victoria Cabot
• Kara Trebs
• Lindsay Oglesby
• Jeanne Pepper

Each woman brought wisdom, honesty, and heart to the conversation. Their stories were different, but the thread connecting them was clear: resilience, purpose, and the courage to lead in ways that uplift others. Together, they embodied what The Power Within is all about.

A Fashion Show That Celebrated Confidence

One of the most memorable moments of the afternoon was the fashion show, which added energy, elegance, and a vibrant sense of celebration to the event.

This special part of the program beautifully reflected the heart of Working Wardrobes’ mission. It was a reminder that style is not just about what we wear, but about confidence, self-expression, and the power of feeling seen. Each model brought their own unique presence to the runway, making the fashion show both inspiring and full of joy.

Thank you to Janelle Metzger, Vice President, People Team at Optum, for bringing so much fun and energy to this part of the day, and to our incredible models:

Terri Wilson, Founder of Doing HR Differently and Working Wardrobes Board Member.

Michael Casey, Senior Director of Supply Chain at Edwards Lifesciences and Working Wardrobes Board Member

Tsun-Ya Mountford, Working Wardrobes Volunteer.

Christopher Byrne, Working Wardrobes Personal Stylist.

Alessandra Amato, Ms. Woman Nevada United States and Ms. Woman West Coast 2025.

Their confidence, style, and personality made the fashion show a standout moment of the luncheon.