High Point continues to be a hub of inspiring initiatives, driven by the city’s dynamic young leaders. Following the success of Morgan Qubein’s “Bundles of Joy” for new mothers, the community now celebrates another achievement: the founding of Working Wardrobe, a nonprofit created by Marilyn Congdon Nowell and Sadie Leder Elder.
Working Wardrobe recently hosted its inaugural luncheon at the High Point Country Club, bringing attention to its mission to provide clothing to women and children, helping enrich their lives and boost their confidence. The need for such a program is significant, as a recent needs assessment revealed that 20% of High Point residents live in poverty, often struggling to afford appropriate attire for work or school.
The event was well-attended, filling the ballroom at the High Point Country Club. Sponsors included David and Helen Congdon (Marilyn’s parents), First Citizens Bank, and Crescent Ford. Additionally, 24 table hosts supported the event, including Rena Norcross.
The luncheon opened with a lively social half-hour, where guests mingled with wine in hand. Attendees noted the potential for this event to become a highly anticipated staple in the High Point community calendar.
Marilyn Nowell addressed the audience first, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the attendees’ support. She shared that founding Working Wardrobe with her partner, Sadie Elder, was a dream come true.
Sadie Elder then took the stage, offering insight into the nonprofit’s origins. She explained that she and Marilyn met through Junior League and discovered a shared passion for empowering women. They noticed a gap in services after the Woman’s Career Club at the YWCA transitioned to other programs in 2018. In response, they envisioned a modern clothing closet approach — but without a storefront. Instead, Working Wardrobe delivers clothing directly through partnerships with organizations like the YWCA, Family Service of the Piedmont, West End Ministries, C3, and the Human Trafficking Resource Center.
Sadie detailed the process: their team, accompanied by seamstress Holly Davis (who also serves as board secretary), sets up appointment days with partner organizations. Each woman receives a one-hour session during which she can choose from a wide array of outfits, suited for job interviews, court appearances, and other professional needs. At the end of each session, women leave with six complete outfits, plus accessories like shoes, handbags, and jewelry — all made possible by generous community donations.
Petula Sellars, former assistant chief of the High Point Police Department and now executive director of C3, praised Working Wardrobe’s impact. She highlighted how the organization treated women with dignity and respect, making them feel valued and empowered. Sellars echoed Maya Angelou’s sentiment: “I may forget what you said to me, but I will not forget how you made me feel.”
The luncheon also featured guest speaker Rene Englen, professor of psychology at Northwestern University and author of Beauty Sick: How the Cultural Obsession with Appearance Hurts Girls and Women. Englen spoke about the deep-rooted issues surrounding women’s appearance-related insecurities and emphasized how important initiatives like Working Wardrobe are in combating these societal pressures. She noted that from a young age, girls are taught that appearance heavily influences their social and professional success.
Following Englen’s powerful speech, attendees enjoyed a fashion show, where models showcased outfits curated from donations — a tangible display of Working Wardrobe’s mission in action.
Working Wardrobe continues to seek donations of new or gently used professional women’s attire, aiming to empower more women across the community to pursue their goals with confidence and pride.
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