PAST EVENTS
OPEN HOUSE
On October 1, 2025, we welcomed our community to learn more about Making Changes Association and our incredible programs — Dress for Success Calgary, My Best Friend’s Closet, Women in Technology, the GREAT Program, and Basic Digital Skills. A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us, explored our space, and met the wonderful team behind each program and project. It was a pleasure to connect, share, and celebrate the work we do together.
In Her Words
On September 24, 2025, we hosted a compelling and dynamic conversation featuring powerhouse women from diverse industries, who shared their personal journeys and experiences. The evening brought together inspiring stories and valuable insights, with a lively Q&A session that covered everything from the expected to the unexpected, leaving the audience motivated and engaged.
WINE SURVIVOR 2025
From 306 participants and 51 spirited teams to one unforgettable finale on June 19th — Wine Survivor 2025 was filled with energy, excitement, and tremendous support for Making Changes Association. Congratulations to our top six teams who uncorked big wins, and to our “Biggest Loser,” the very first team eliminated. This year’s impact was amplified thanks to the generous matching support from Birdies, helping us raise even more for the women and programs we serve.
Thank you to everyone who played, poured, and championed our mission — your enthusiasm turned this fundraiser into a true celebration of community.
Cowboys Fashion Night
On May 30th, Cowboys Nightclub transformed into a vibrant space of connection, purpose, and generosity. In just 2.5 hours, this unforgettable evening raised over $4,000 in support of Dress for Success Calgary — thanks to the energy of local boutiques, the generosity of prize partners, and the incredible Calgary community. From the runway to the raffle tables, every moment reflected the power of fashion as a force for good. A massive thank-you to the amazing local boutiques who brought their style and energy to the runway: HG Vintage, CoutuKitsch, Holt Renfrew, Alberta Boot, and Heist. You helped make the night shine. And to our generous prize partners — PARK/Sidewalk Citizen, Alberta Ballet, and X92.9 — thank you for helping us celebrate in style.
POWERFUL YOU! 2025
On May 1, 2025, over 250 community members joined us at The Fairmont Palliser for an inspiring afternoon of connection and action at the 3rd annual Powerful You!
With the theme “Making Changes to Accelerate Action,” our panelists — Shahzia Noorally (ENMAX), Sarah Kramer (TD Bank Group), Sona Khosla (Benevity), and Shari Graydon (Informed Opinions) — led powerful conversations on leadership, inclusion, and equity. Take a look at some of our favorite moments below — and thank you for being part of the change.
A Night of Recognition & Empowerment
We celebrated Ayden Athwal, Teri-Ann Begin, Sarah Chiu, Jerilynn Daniels, Reanna Dorscher, Ingrid Martinez, and Donna Yamniuk for their incredible impact on Making Changes Association and Dress for Success Calgary earned them the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Their dedication to change, kindness, and empowerment continues to inspire our community!
celebrateD 40+ years of ELS
After 40 years, Employment & Life Skills at Making Changes Association came to an end due to funding changes. On March 13th, we celebrated its impact and those who made it possible—thank you for being part of this journey!
international women’s day with making changes
During International Women’s Day, Making Changes hosted an impactful event to #AccelerateAction at The CORE. We collected 250 purses and received generous financial contributions, all thanks to our amazing community and partners. We also partnered with Ollia Macarons, they’re donating $2 from every IWD Macaron Box Set sold to Dress for Success Calgary to help empower women with career confidence and opportunities. Additionally, we worked with Annex Ale Project, where we brewed our own "Blu-Barb" Ale (Blueberry & Rhubarb) for the Beer Battle, furthering our commitment to supporting women’s initiatives. Together, we made a meaningful difference
taste of confidence 2024
At our first ever “Taste of Confidence” dinner event on November 21, 2024, we hosted incredible community members for a memorable dining experience. Sponsored by BDO Canada and powered by Taste the City, each guest enjoyed a unique tasting menu inspired by local Calgary chefs. We dined at The District at Beltline and were entertained by our host Carly of Carly’s Angels! This fundraising event was an exciting new adventure for us and we look forward to future years.
powerful you! 2024
IWD LUNCH & LEARN
SPEAKER SERIES
On May 2, 2024, our second annual fundraiser luncheon was held at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel. The luncheon included a three-course lunch with fellow female leaders for a candid conversation. Keynote Mandy Balak lead an invigorating session, "Rethink, Reset, Recalibrate: Leveraging Your Experiences for Strengths".
Every Wednesday in March 2024, we learned from inspired women as they spoke on a variety of topics focused on helping women from all stages of life, and at various stages in their careers, to feel empowered, relevant, and knowing they belong.
CASINO ROYALE 2023
On Friday, November 3, 2023, Casino Royale event was held at the Hangar Flight Museum. The event offered an unforgettable fun-filled night with casino games, fun snacks, raffles, music, and a silent auction.
POWERFUL YOU! 2023
On May 30, 2023, the first of our annual fundraiser luncheon was held at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel. The event included a panel discussion with eminent female leaders and role models.
POWERFUL YOU!
MASQURADE Gala 2022
On November 10, 2022, a masquerade-themed event and fashion show featuring local retailers and looks from Dress for Success Calgary and My Best Friend’s Closet.
YYC CHIC GALA EVENTs 2018, 2019 & 2020
In 2018 and 2019, YYC Chic fashion show and fundraisers were held at The Hudson. While YYC Chic 2020 was held as an online event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.