Women’s role in the workplace has grown over time. From being a homemaker, to working in the factories during worktime, to now running businesses and being visible in just about every industry. Esther’s Closet is an organization that support women and their path to success in the workplace. For the East Waco Community Business Spotlight, I had the opportunity to talk with Heaven Lee, the Coordinator for Esther’s Closet and hear about how Esther’s Closet support women entering the workforce or expanding their work experience in Waco.
Heaven Lee, a native of Waco, is quite familiar with how women are stepping up their game in many professions in Waco-McLennan County. Esther’s Closet is a resource boutique that provides women with outfits to suit their professional needs as they move up in their career goals as well as those entering the workforce. It was established and founded through the Centex African American Chamber of Commerce in 2016, by former president Laveda Brown. Mrs. Brown believed, “When obtaining new positions, you cannot only have the skills but must also have the look.” Heaven, who has been the coordinator for about a year, is highly motivated with working and expanding Esther’s Closet because as she says, “Women are truly the heart of the community. When you touch a woman’s life, you reach everyone around her!” In 2021, Esther’s Closet was recognized as one of the TFNB Bank Charity of Champions. To date, Esther’s Closet has served over 700 clients and has provided over 2,300 professional outfits to support women moving up in the professional work world. She also works in collaboration with many organizations such as Upskill Waco and Christian Women’s Job Corps and has received many referrals from the Texas Workforce Commission and EOAC. Esther’s Closet take donations of gently used clothing from the community. If you would like to donate or find out more information, contact Heaven Lee: heaven@centexchamber.com
Esther’s Closet is growing by leaps and bounds and is hoping to move to a bigger location in the near future. They also host an annual fundraiser event that supports the boutique and other programing. This year’s theme is, “Big Hat Brunch” on Aug 30, 11:30am-1pm, at the Waco Convention Center. There will be a photo booth, silent auction and you will hear from a panelist from some dynamic and Inspiring Women Leaders: Jamie Blanek, Joanna Gaines, and Dr Mia Moody-Ramirez. There is still time to get a ticket. Go to the following link to sign up: https://bit.ly/3ALjsJU
-Jocelyn Williams
