Puma Empowerment Center
The Puma Empowerment Center powered by Dress for Success Phoenix and the Puma Food Pantry offers an array of resources, serving men and women throughout the community by providing food security, as well as professional attire, coaching, workshops on job procurement, resume writing, interview skills training, and more. The partnership is the first of its kind for PVCC, Dress for Success Phoenix, and the Maricopa County Community College District.
The mission of the Puma Empowerment Center is to provide meaningful ways to support students to help them keep their focus and energy on education. The resources provided by the Puma Empowerment Center help address the day-to-day challenges like food, preparing for interviews and looking the part for an interview.
About Dress for Success Phoenix
Dress for Success Phoenix has assisted over 22,000 individuals throughout the metro-Phoenix area since opening its doors in 2009. The mission empowers Dress for Success Phoenix’s clients to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success Phoenix is an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization and Dress for Success Worldwide affiliate. Funds are raised locally and have a direct impact in our local communities.
About Puma Food Pantry
PVCC’s Puma Pantry was created in 2017 and helps students overcome food insecurity in order to focus on their educational goals. Students have access to non-perishable food items and basic needs such as toiletries, hygiene products and cleaning supplies. In Spring 2022, PVCC created the Little Free Pantry around campus, where students could grab a quick snack more discreetly.
Resources - Dress For Success Phoenix
Professional Styling
Dress for Success Phoenix’s styling program will help you look and feel your best while giving you the confidence you need to successfully seek new career opportunities. We invite our students and community members to work with one of our personal stylists to select professional, work-appropriate outfits for your upcoming interviews. Once you have been offered a job, you are invited to return to Dress for Success Phoenix to choose a week’s worth of professional clothing to give you the ultimate head start!
Client styling is available every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.
To make an appointment, please call our studio at (602) 787-6846.
Dress for Success Phoenix Career Resource Studio
At Dress for Success Phoenix’s career resource studio at PVCC’s Puma Empowerment Center, you will gain access to the resources, support and education you need to excel in on your journey toward a thriving career. You will be paired with staff members to create resumes and cover letters, conduct mock interviews and take advantage of our professional skills training courses.
To schedule an appointment for career resources, please call us at (602) 787-6846.
We are working towards implementing an online form. But for now we will have individuals call directly to schedule.
Support Puma Empowerment Center
Clothing Donations
We are seeking professional attire that is fashionable and current for the business environment.
Clothing donations will be accepted by Dress for Success Phoenix at the Puma Empowerment Center on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.
No appointment is necessary to donate on these dates.
We are seeking current and fashionable items, including:
Women's Professional Business Attire
Blouses
Dress Pants
Skirts
Blazers
Closed-toe shoes (pumps & flats)
Handbags
Jewelry
Make-Up
Men's Business Professional Attire
Dress Shirts
Pants
Blazers
Neckties
Shoes
Monetary Donations
Your generous financial support will provide equipment, enhancements, and additional needs to the Puma Empowerment Center, such as clothing, food, supplies, and other student basic needs to help our students succeed in school and in the workforce.
Donations also accepted via check.
Make checks payable to: Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation
Mail to: MCCCD Foundation, 2419 West 14th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Please write PVCC Puma Empowerment Fund 4612-1 on the memo line
Contact Us
Location - Paradise Valley Community College 18401 N. 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85032 (L Building)
Phone number - 602-787-6846
Hours of Operation
Dress for Success Phoenix (Puma Empowerment Center location)
Tuesday and Thursday
11:00am - 3:00pm
lizz@dressforsuccessphoenix.org
Puma Food Pantry
Monday & Wednesday
11:00am - 2:00pm
mike.ho@paradisevalley.edu