Diablo Valley College’s Career and Transfer Center will host its first ever Career Closet Fashion Night on Thursday, September 29th.

Scheduled for 5:30 pm at the DVC Campus Commons, the event was organized to solicit donations and raise funds for the college’s career closet.

“We have worked hard to make this service known across campus,” said Marina Varela, senior program coordinator at the DVC Career and Transfer Center.

Varela said there is demand for the service, highlighting the current need for Career Closet for gender-neutral and plus-size clothing.

“We worked on the structure of the program all summer long,” she added.

Yeni Galvez, program coordinator at Career and Transfer Services, echoed Varela’s big goal: “Make sure students recognize the program.”

Galvez said the purpose of providing free professional clothing to students seeking employment was “all about building confidence.”

In addition, the Career Transfer Center helps students prepare for mock interviews for desired positions and provides feedback on student appearance. Varela recommended that students come to mock interviews with resumes, cover letters, and notepads to be prepared to ask questions of potential employers.

She added that DVC students who need clothing from the career closet can visit as many times as they need and can keep their clothing of choice. Students are free to choose their attire for events such as job fairs, conferences, and seminars.

However, after a second visit to the Career Closet, students should check in with senior program coordinators to see how they are progressing in job interviews, Varela said.

“Our services are open to all DVC students. We never turn our students away,” she added.

Tickets for the fundraising fashion show are available here on Eventbrite. Prices range from $30, $50, and $75 general admission tickets to VIP admission tickets that include VIP seating at the event. Ticket funds will be donated to the Career Closet. As of September 19, the fashion show has raised $530 in funding and sold 6 out of 100 tickets.

The actual show is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM after 30 minutes of drinks, appetizers and music.

Varela said Fashion Night is a great opportunity to “showcase” the variety of clothing available to students.

“This event is about bringing everyone together for inspiration and showing what is needed on campus.”