Celebrating 35 Years of Impact with Ribbon Cutting and Rebrand Unveiling

On February 27th, 2025, Working Wardrobes proudly marked a major milestone—35 years of transforming lives through the power of employment—with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a fresh new brand identity. The event brought together community leaders, elected officials, donors, clients and board members to celebrate the organization’s lasting impact and its bold vision for the future.

Attendees heard inspiring remarks from Board Chair Janelle Metzger of Optum, who reflected on the organization’s journey and the path ahead:

“For 35 years, Working Wardrobes has been transforming lives through the power of employment, and this milestone is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and community partners. As we celebrate our legacy and look ahead to the future, we remain committed to empowering individuals with the resources, confidence, and support they need to achieve meaningful employment. This anniversary is not just about looking back—it’s about moving forward with even greater impact.”

The celebration featured the unveiling of a bold, modernized logo, symbolizing the evolution of Working Wardrobes while honoring its deep-rooted mission. A particularly special part of the afternoon was hearing former client Derek Mendez share his journey from the Marine Corp, to Working Wardrobes ChangeMaker, and finally to Budget Analyst for the Department of the Air Force. Attendees enjoyed light bites sponsored by Mendicino Farms, and were invited on guided tours of the Career Success Center, where they explored key program areas, including the Client Services area, Job Search Lab, Wardrobing, and the workshop community room. A newly installed History Wall was also revealed, showcasing the organization’s incredible journey and the thousands of lives changed over the past three decades.

Bonni Pomush, President & CEO of Working Wardrobes, expressed her gratitude and excitement for the future:

“At Working Wardrobes, we envision a future where every person transforms their potential into purpose, to create lives of lasting fulfillment and ultimately a stronger community. This moment is about more than celebrating our past—it’s about building on that strong foundation and recommitting to our mission of helping people overcome barriers to gainful employment. The need in our community remains great, and with the continued support of our donors, volunteers, and partners, we will keep expanding our impact, providing the tools, resources, and confidence people need to build brighter futures.”

As Working Wardrobes embarks on the next chapter of its journey, it remains dedicated to empowering individuals with the skills, support, and professional attire necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.

For more information, to support the mission of Working Wardrobes, or to volunteer, click here.