Ohio State’s Health Services Management and Policy Alumni Society has partnered with the Dress for Success organization for a luncheon that will be held today from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Surly Girl Saloon.
The alumni society’s luncheon is the first in a series of events aimed at providing resources to women in the Columbus area.
The alumni society, which is composed of OSU graduates with a Master of Health Administration degree, developed the idea to plan events each year that are directed at helping specific populations.
The society’s diversity committee, which is volunteer-based, has chosen local women as the first target group.
“We really wanted to focus on getting together Columbus alumnae as well as helping women in the community at the same time,” said Amy Thaci, the executive director of the alumni society.
Dress for Success, the society’s partner for the event, is a non-profit organization that provides suits, blouses, skirts, portfolios, briefcases and other business attire and accessories to women struggling to enter the work force. The international group also provides mentoring and career coaching programs that offer “professional role models and one-on-one guidance to help women shape and pursue their career goals,” she said.
“We wanted to make sure the organization that we chose was meaningful to us and to the community,” said Alicia Smith, an alumna of the program and a senior consultant at Health Management Associates. “It’s a phenomenal thing that they do.”
Thaci recognized the impact that the organization has on these women.
“Dress for Success can make women feel safe and make them feel that there’s something out there that can take care of them,” she said. “It helps them get back on their feet.”
The alumnae attending the luncheon have been asked to bring one item to donate to the organization.
“Since we are all professional women, we all have something to give,” Smith said. “It was a natural fit.”
Julie Amling, a senior consultant in business practice and involvement at Nationwide’s Children Hospital, will speak at the event. Amling, who is also an associate for Creative Memories scrap-booking, will address the topic of “Simplifying Our Lives.” With her roles as a mother and employee, Amling will use her own personal experiences to provide management tips to the alumnae.
“She is the epitome of balancing,” Thaci said.
While this year’s events will focus on helping women, the alumni society plans to work with other organizations and target new populations in the upcoming year.
For Smith, one goal remains the same with each new organization that is chosen by the society.
“Charity is consistent with what we want to do,” she said.
