BECKLEY, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – A collaboration between The Dumas Psychology Collective and Robert Patterson Dunlap II & Associates, had resulted in the Beckley Success Closet- a collection of new or gently used professional clothing that will be donated to the community.
According to Dunlap, the first floor of his office at 208 Main Street in Downtown Beckley has been offered to various nonprofits in the past. When the last organization, a jujitsu studio, had to find a larger space, the first floor was open to whoever could use it.
Dunlap, councilman for Ward 3, said that Dr. Dumas had seen similar success closets when she lived outside of Beckley.
“We had the opportunity available and thought this would be successful and just a good addition to the community. I am always looking for a way to improve business prospects in my ward and make sure that women have equal footing for any role in a company.”
Dr. Dumas spearheaded the project after conducting a women in business initiative last November. While this project was extremely helpful, Dr. Dumas stated that she wanted to put something tangible in women’s hands to truly help them in the areas where they needed help.
Dunlap and Dr. Dumas explained that the success closet will outfit women, so they feel confident and secure as they interview for a new job, try to get a promotion, pitch a new business idea, etc.
Dr. Dumas and Dunlap have teamed up with various organizations throughout the community to provide other resources such as resume building and virtual interview help.
The closest has already accepted some donations but will be accepting a massive amount on Jan. 18. The Beckley Success Closet is scheduled to become available to the public at the end of the month, following an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“I think this is so important,” Dunlap said. “For years and years, we have talked about how men in the business support each other, but we just don’t have a lot of mentoring opportunities for women in the business. We want to make sure the workforce is reflective of our overall population, which includes women. I am just happy to provide a space, to provide these strong women the opportunity to get out there.”
Dr. Dumas was unavailable for comment.