Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Todd.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kim. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
One of my least favorite questions during job interviews has been: “where do you see yourself in 5 years?” I could never answer that question because my career path was not predetermined. There are some who are very driven and set out on a career path that is very specific, like being a doctor or a lawyer. In my case, I wanted to be an actress. In order to support this endeavor, I needed a job. Waitressing was out of the question. I tried it for one week and found that I was just too clumsy to carry large trays of food and drink without either tripping or spilling drinks all over the customers (or myself). So, while still pursuing my acting dream, I became a temp.
One of my first jobs was to cover as a receptionist at a non-profit for a woman who was on maternity leave. I enjoyed being a part of a company that was helping others, and I was eventually hired and moved into the development department to learn how to be a fundraiser. Since then, I have worked at a hospital in Boston, a seminary in San Francisco, a theatre in San Francisco, a school for children with autism, and now at Dress for Success Boston as Executive Director. So I am not in the movies or on television, but the training I received is still being used when I am interviewed on camera and when I do public speaking for the organization. When my kids get older, I may start up in community theatre again, but for now I am happy doing work that helps women gain control of their lives!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a slightly bumpy road, but nothing too dangerous. I worked hard in the beginning and paid my dues in entry-level positions to get to where I am now. I did data entry, lots of administrative work, and learned a lot throughout the process. I was always open to taking on new opportunities and liked taking risks, so would enjoy taking on something that I was not exactly sure how to do. Being young and looking young was an obstacle at times because I often felt that people didn’t take me seriously. I managed people who were older than me, and it was not always easy. Now I think it is fun when people underestimate me. I see it as more of a challenge than an obstacle.
Dress for Success Boston – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Dress for Success Boston is part of a worldwide organization that serves women who are trying to enter or re-enter the workforce. Our ultimate goal is to help women break the cycle of poverty. We do this by providing professional attire for job interviews, resume assistance, and interviewing skills for women who are job seeking. Once a woman becomes employed, she is welcomed as a member of our Professional Women’s Group and is invited to monthly meetings with topics that support them in the working world. Topics include: managing your finances, business etiquette, work/life balance, and health. The magic and beauty of our organization are that all who are involved bring out the best in each other.
We are truly all about women supporting women, and every person who walks through our doors is treated with the utmost respect and dignity. This organization changes lives. I am not just talking about the women we serve. I feel like I have changed as a person because of the amazing women I have met while being a part of this organization. We inspire each other!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Every time I see a woman look in the mirror with her new outfit on, I am proud. She is standing taller, she is smiling and ready to take this next step. I will never tire of seeing this transformation that happens at our boutique several times a day, every day.
Contact Info:
- Address: 989 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston MA 02215
- Website: boston.dressforsuccess.org
- Phone: 617-779-2177
- Email: boston@dressforsuccess.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dressforsuccessboston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressforSuccessBoston
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dfsboston
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dress-for-success-boston
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