Dress for Success Quad Cities has a new executive director at its helm.
Mikael Gibson is the new head of the local Dress for Success group, which is a global non-profit organization working to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, career development tools and networking opportunities.
The announcement of Ms. Gibson taking the new role for Dress for Success was revealed Wednesday morning, Dec. 17, in a Dress for Success Facebook post.
“Mikael brings more than 20 years of service to the Quad Cities, with a background as a social worker, community organizer, and fundraiser,” the post said.
She holds a master of public administration from Drake University and a bachelor of social work from Concord University.
According to the post, she “is deeply committed to transforming lives through advocacy, access to resources, and community empowerment.”
“Our objective is to create a lasting change by equipping women in the Quad Cities area with the resources and ongoing support needed to obtain and retain jobs. … We work collaboratively with many other organizations, community groups, colleges and nonprofit agencies throughout the Quad Cities to reach and empower more women each year,” according to information from the local organization.
The Facebook post adds: “A proud wife and mom of four, Mikael finds joy in family, nature walks, live theatre, music, and cheering on her favorite soccer teams. Her passion for people, connection, and purpose aligns beautifully with the mission of Dress for Success Quad Cities. We look forward to this next chapter under her leadership and the continued impact we will make together in our community.”
Before coming to Dress for Success, Ms. Gibson was director of senior services at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI). She previously worked for 10 years at Black Hawk College as a recruiting specialist, admissions advisor and outreach coordinator.
Position empty since fall
She also was supervisor of marketing and development at Friendly House in Davenport, according to her Linkedin social media account.
Ms. Gibson replaces Mauricio Diaz, who was named executive director of Dress for Success Quad Cities in May 2022. He left the job this fall. Dress for Success QC announced Mr. Diaz’s immediate departure from the executive director position on Thursday, Sept. 18. When asked by the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal at that time about the reason for his exit, Board Chair Chris Papke declined to release any additional information on behalf of the board.
Dress for Success QC is located at 423 E. 32nd St., Davenport. It is open on Mondays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Wednesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed on the weekends.
