On a dreary and damp day in February, Nancy Lublin checked her mailbox to find an envelope from Hollywood, Fla., bearing a postmark from a place she had never heard of. Inside was a check for $5,000 from her great-grandfather’s estate, a man who had passed away years before.
As she made her way to her small New York City apartment, Lublin reflected on the life of her great-grandfather, a Polish immigrant who had worked hard to build a better life for himself and his family in America. Even his birthday was assigned to him by an immigration official, as his family could not remember the actual date of his birth.
“I felt that I didn’t earn this money; it’s not rightfully mine,” she explains, feeling that the money should go to a cause that aligned more with her great-grandfather’s legacy. “And that’s when the idea for Dress for Success came to me in a moment of inspiration, holding the check in my hand in the elevator.”
Lublin’s concept would go on to become a global organization empowering women, mirroring the opportunities her great-grandfather found in America. This idea would not only change the lives of countless women but also alter the course of Lublin’s own journey.
Dress for Success is renowned for its work in providing disadvantaged women with professional attire for job interviews. But securing a job is just the beginning for these women on their path to independence. The organization offers programs that support women in retaining their jobs, developing new skills, and advancing in their careers. One of their programs, Steps to Success, provides additional assistance during the crucial initial 30 days of employment as women transition to the workforce and face new challenges. Founded in 1997, the organization now impacts over 50,000 women annually.
As Lublin poured her energy into Dress for Success and witnessed its transformative impact, her interest in pursuing a legal career waned. She dedicated herself full-time to the charity, honing her entrepreneurial skills and determination that served her well in this role and beyond.
Over seven years, Lublin nurtured Dress for Success from a mere idea to a fully operational organization spanning more than 70 cities across four countries. Following her beliefs as a founder, she then made the difficult decision to step down. In her book, Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business, she explains that founders who linger too long can overshadow other talented individuals within the organization, discouraging their growth and advancement. Eager to see new leadership breathe fresh life into the organization, Lublin groomed a capable successor and gracefully exited.
Meanwhile, DoSomething, an organization dedicated to empowering youth to make a difference, was struggling after substantial setbacks. Down to just $75,000 in funds, the organization had laid off most of its staff and placed its assets in storage due to losing its office space. Encouraged by Teach for America founder Wendy Kopp, DoSomething sought out Lublin to lead its revitalization efforts.
Embracing a new challenge with a vastly different organization, Lublin accepted the opportunity, recognizing that the key to success would lie in adapting to change—an aspect she thrived on.
In less than six months, by closing physical offices and transitioning operations online to meet youth where they are, Lublin restored DoSomething to financial stability. Today, with offices in New York and Los Angeles, a $3.5 million budget, and $6 million in annual in-kind donations, DoSomething stands as one of the largest U.S. organizations engaging young people in causes they are passionate about. The organization aims to engage 2 million youth in 2011.
Lublin, not yet 40, has amassed an impressive portfolio beyond her leadership in nonprofits—she is a columnist, author, and sought-after speaker, set to participate in The Women’s Conference in California. Her accolades include being recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, yet her most cherished memories revolve around those whose lives have intersected with hers.
“I will always remember the first day at Dress for Success,” she shares. “When we opened our doors and dressed a dozen Russian immigrants, it was absolute chaos but filled with excitement—like a dozen women playing dress-up in their mother’s closet. And every one of them wanted a silk scarf, as that symbolized a working woman to them. You had to have a silk scarf!”
Another indelible memory for Lublin was seeking Dress for Success’s first grant. Despite her novice fundraising skills and young age of 24, she approached the New York Community Trust for a $25,000 grant. Recalling a nerve-wracking site visit where she broke down in tears due to nerves and intimidation, Lublin had doubted their chances of securing the grant. A month later, they received the check, allowing them to hire their first employee.
