08/20/2026
“Confidence is the best accessory.”
— Kimberly Charles, Founder of Charles Communications Associates; former Dress for Success San Francisco/San Jose Board Member
In honor of our 20th anniversary, we’re spotlighting Kimberly Charles, (Kimberly Noelle Charles) whose connection to Dress for Success began over a decade ago.
Kimberly first discovered Dress for Success San Francisco through her longtime friend Andrew Freeman, a founding board member and the organization’s 2022 Success Honoree. After attending her first event, the mission immediately resonated.
She went on to serve on the board from 2014 to 2016, bringing her marketing strategies and communications expertise while helping strengthen community engagement and support for the organization’s work empowering women.
One of her proudest moments was co-chairing the Success: You Wear It Well Fashion Gala with Andrew Freeman and Deborah Harrison in 2016. The event brought together leaders across business, government, and fashion, including Instagram COO Marne Levine, Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios, and Carolyn Wente, CEO of Wente Vineyards, alongside a runway show featuring designer Jake Wall.
For Kimberly, hearing directly from the women served by Dress for Success was what made the mission so powerful.
“When you get a really moving client to speak, there’s no better way to demonstrate the effect and power of this organization,” she says.
Years later, Kimberly remains a dedicated supporter of Dress for Success and its work helping women build careers, confidence, and economic mobility.
Her message still resonates:
“Access is the only barrier. Success belongs to everyone and everyone deserves it.”
