Susan Zajfen has spent the past five years helping clients at Working Wardrobes do something powerful: see themselves differently. As a Personal Stylist, she brings more than just an eye for clothing—she brings care, intention, and a deep belief in what confidence can do for someone’s future.
For Susan, every appointment is personal. She approaches each client with the goal of creating a moment that feels unique and meaningful. “It is an honor,” she shares, “to provide every client who walks through our doors a special opportunity to be dressed in our amazing clothing so they may feel good about themselves for their future.” That belief—that how you feel in your clothing can shape how you show up in the world—is what drew her to Working Wardrobes in the first place.
Her path to volunteering wasn’t a typical one. Susan spent her career in medical education, traveling the world and training physicians. But even in a field far removed from fashion, she recognized something universal: when people feel good about themselves, it changes everything. When she began thinking about how she wanted to spend her time in retirement, she knew she wanted to be part of something that fostered that feeling. After researching Working Wardrobes, the choice became clear.
What has kept her coming back week after week is the transformation she
witnesses firsthand. “Seeing clients light up when they put on clothing that fits them—it’s incredibly gratifying,” she says. “The smiles on their faces and the confidence they feel… that’s what it’s all about.” Over time, those moments have added up, creating not just impact for clients, but a sense of community for Susan as well. She’s built lasting friendships with fellow volunteers, and her time at Working Wardrobes has become, in her words, “the highlight of my life.”
Among the many moments that have stayed with her, one stands out. Susan recalls serving a grandmother and her granddaughter who had lost their home in the Palisades fires. Despite everything they had been through, they showed up with grace, humor, and gratitude. “They were gracious, funny, and amazing to serve,” she reflects. It’s a reminder of the resilience of the people Working Wardrobes serves—and the importance of meeting them with dignity, compassion, and support.
Susan believes deeply in the organization’s role in the community. She points to its strong reputation and the meaningful work happening every day to help people move forward. For her, the impact is clear: Working Wardrobes is not just providing clothing, it’s helping people rebuild confidence and take the next step toward stability and purpose.
And while many know Susan as a dedicated stylist and volunteer, her story includes a few unexpected chapters. She began her career as a midwife in East London, later becoming a head nurse in Montreal, and eventually working at UC Irvine before transitioning into the medical industry. Over the course of 22 years, she traveled the world training physicians on surgical eye products. That global perspective—and her lifelong commitment to helping others—continues to shape the way she shows up for clients today.
Looking ahead, Susan is excited about what’s next for Working Wardrobes. She hopes to see the organization continue expanding its reach and evolving to meet the needs of a changing world, ensuring that even more individuals have access to the support and confidence they need to succeed.
Volunteers like Susan are at the heart of this work. Through her time, compassion, and dedication, she’s helping clients not just get dressed—but step into opportunity with confidence.