Chief Executive Officer
Joe Ann Fletcher
With over two decades of leadership experience in nonprofit management, Joe Ann joined the team as Chief Executive Officer. She holds a master’s degree in Counseling and Staff Development and has completed all but her dissertation in her doctoral studies in Adult Education and Human Resource Development at Florida International University (FIU). Joe Ann has served on numerous nonprofit boards and in several C-level positions such as CEO of Saint Laurence Chapel Day Shelter, COO of HGH Education Foundation and as the Shelter Director for Women in Distress and Lippman Youth Center. Joe Ann enjoys volunteering and traveling in her spare time. She enjoys helping others less fortunate and is passionate about spending time helping children in Ghana. She has also served two consecutive terms as president of her local AKA Sorority Alumni Chapter and recently served two consecutive terms as President of the North Broward County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated: a national friendship and community service organization. Her Motto in life is “to serve and not to be served while making a difference in the lives of others”.
Director of Programs and Outreach Services
Elizabeth Inman
After spending most of her life on the plains and foothills of Colorado, Elizabeth traded mountains for the beach after relocating to the South Florida area in 2023. She holds her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English (Literature) and Political Science (Pre-Law/U.S. Civics and Gov.) from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs where she graduated with honors. Elizabeth has always been civically minded and passionate about being engaged in her community. She has held leadership positions with TeenPact Leadership Schools, American Heritage Girls, Daughters of the American Revolution, The Jane Austen Society of North America, and the United States Equestrian and Dressage Federations. She also served as a senior member of the Student Government Association at UCCS. Prior to working at Dress for Success, Elizabeth worked as an Operations Pastor where she helped people find their next step towards community with others. In her free time, Elizabeth loves to read, scrapbook, spend time outside, and watch college football. She is a proud cat and pony mom to Pebbles and Whisper. Elizabeth is excited to be able to serve the women of her community in this role.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Victoria Velez
Victoria is a native Floridian and recent graduate of Palm Beach State College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and graduated Cum Laude. She worked at Wellington Regional Medical Center for five years as a PBX operator in communications and emergency room admissions. She is advanced in American Sign Language and has excellent interpersonal skills. Victoria works well with clients and is computer-savvy and detail-oriented. She interned with Dress for Success Palm Beaches before becoming Director of Operations, and she chose Dress for Success because she likes working with people, empowering women, and loves fashion. She enjoys spending her spare time with her spouse, family, and friends. She is an avid reader, a proud Swiftie (Taylor Swift fan), and the dog mom of her two energetic pups, Rowan and Sunny. Her love for people and outgoing personality helps to make a difference with the many women we serve.
Volunteer Coordinator
Maria Bacas-Cook
Maria came from Cuba as a child and has made South Florida her home ever since. She managed all aspects of the family florist and bridal business for 25+ years. She is a court approved Spanish interpreter, she holds an AA degree in Criminal Justice Technology and a AS degree in Human Services from Palm Beach State College, while actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from the same institution. Maria completed her internship with us and serves as a volunteer for special events. She chose Dress for Success because she likes working with people, helping others, fashion, and empowering women. Maria enjoys serving in her church, watching sports, and spending time with family. She is excited about serving alongside the dedicated volunteers and staff members at Dress for Success Palm Beaches! She is fluent in Spanish and English.
Belle Glade Boutique and Outreach Manager
Alexandra Shatara
Born and raised in Belle Glade, Alexandra has a deep understanding of the community. She has built many strong and meaningful relationships along the way. Alexandra experience in retail & fashion spans nearly five years where she thrived as an assistant store manager, owning her leadership and customer service skills. Her passion for empowering others drew her to this role with Dress for Success, who’s mission is one she wholeheartedly supports. She looks forward to seeing the transformation it has on women in the western communities. Outside of work, Alexandra is deeply devoted to her family and values the time she spends with them. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and cheering on the Cowboys football team. She loves having the chance to explore new experiences.
Board of Directors
president
Tammera Atkins
Tammera is a retired sales and marketing executive. She has led sales teams for Anheuser-Busch Inc. and, as V.P. of Marketing at National Beverage Inc., directed marketing efforts for LaCroix. Tammera, her husband, and their furry babies live in Fort Lauderdale. Tammera has a B.S. in Economics from the University of Missouri and an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix. Tammera enjoys traveling and volunteering. She serves in various capacities with Dress for Success Palm Beaches; before becoming board chair, she was chair of the education committee and a mentor. She is now the chair of development and fundraising and serves on the marketing, education, and governance committees.
Past President
Lana Blackman
For over 20 years, Lana has used her degree in Broadcast Journalism to host, write, produce and direct commercials and training videos for the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County. Since 2014, she has also been a Legislative Liaison for the SWA. Additionally, Lana owns a consulting/video production company. Lana is passionate about serving others, and has done so in various capacities since 1990.
SECRETARY
Susan August
Susan is a Senior Trust Advisor and lead relationship manager in the Wealth Management office of Northern Trust’s North Palm Beach, Florida, specializing in overseeing personal fiduciary accounts in which the firm is the trustee or co-trustee. Susan is from Endicott, New York and lives in Palm Beach County. She enjoys boating with her family, including her husband and two sons.
treasurer
Steve Tannenbaum
Steve is an accomplished and successful business professional with over 45 years of financial and business experience driving small and mid-sized organizations to new levels of success, including IPO and strategic sales. Steve currently serves on the board of directors of The Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach and the Citizens Association of Palm Beach. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and was a Certified Public Accountant. Steve and his wife live part-time in Great Barrington, MA, and Palm Beach, FL.
Director
Pam Rada
Pam is a fifteen-year marketing veteran and is currently the Marketing Director for Wellington Regional Medical Center. Prior to becoming president of our Board, she led our Young Executives for Success (YES!) networking group. Pam is a graduate of the 2020 Leadership Palm Beach County.
director
Pamela Buchmeyer
Pam Buchmeyer is a licensed Texas attorney enjoying early retirement with her wife in Jupiter, Florida. She immensely enjoyed her career with the US Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance, working in almost all 50 states with business owners, homeowners, and renters to secure recovery funds after hurricanes, tornadoes, mudslides, and similar catastrophes. Pam has volunteered as a board member for numerous nonprofits, including the Dallas Legal Hospice, the Gay & Lesbian (Philanthropic) Fund for Dallas, and Mystery Writers of America, Florida Chapter. She is delighted to have her daughter and baby grandson living nearby in Orlando.
DIRECTOR
Shaundelyn D. Emerson
Shaundelyn D. Emerson is the Chief Program Officer at the YWCA Palm Beach County, an organization that is committed to eliminating racism while also enabling women and girls to strengthen their quality of life including family relationships, social and health well-being, professional development, financial security, and influence in the community. She received a bachelor of science in health care management from Florida A&M and a master’s in health law from Nova Southeastern. She is a Leadership Palm Beach County 2021 graduate.
director
Tammy Jackson-Moore
Tammy is the co-founder of Guardians of the Glades and is a member of several boards and committees that address the needs of her community. She holds a degree in Public Administration, with a concentration in Business Management from Barry University and brings years of professional experience in the nonprofit arena, state government, as well as municipal administration.
director
Bernadette O'Grady
Bernadette grew up in Boca Raton and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in communication. Since 1981 she has worked at WPTV in numerous capacities including program director. Her community involvement extends far into the community, serving on multiple boards across Palm Beach County.
DIRECTOR
Esther Perman
A PR practitioner for four decades, Esther is retired from the NYC agency she helped found and where she scored several career coups. She first volunteered for DFSPB as a mentor and soon joined the Board, chairing the PR Committee, volunteering weekly on our inventory team, and hatching the concept for the “Style Icon” award that’s become a centerpiece of our annual Style for Hope Fundraising Luncheon. She volunteers for her synagogue, including helping at the CROS Ministries Mobile Food Pantry, handling client intake at their Riviera Beach, Greenacres and West Palm Beach locations.
director
Nancy Rizzuto
Nancy Rizzuto is a Founding Partner and Principal of CAP STRAT, an independent fiduciary investment advisory firm. She is also founder of the CAP STRAT Women’s Forum, a community launched in 2015 with a mission to support the personal, professional, and financial success of women. Nancy serves as co-chair for Circle of Impact for Dress for Success Palm Beaches and is a member of their Business Advisory Council. She is also a member of Chief, a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County Engage, and a member of Impact the Palm Beaches. Nancy strongly believes in mentorship and mentors professional women in her free time. Nancy received her M.A. in Corporate and Political Communication from Fairfield University and her B.A. in Mass Communication from Quinnipiac University.
DIRECTOR
Erika Williams
Erika is a credit marketing manager with Office Depot and CFIA Certified in FCRA for Data Users. She is also president of the Office Depot Women of Color Associate Resource Group. Erika is a graduate of Strayer University in Richmond and holds a bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She is a proven leader who encourages, motivates, and empowers teams to excel and achieve.
DIRECTOR
Haydee Carvalho
Haydee Carvalho is a driven accomplished professional with a passion for fostering business growth and community engagement. As CEO at HMC Consulting Group, Haydee serves as an executive healthcare consultant empowering healthcare organizations and practitioners to thrive. Specializing in revenue cycle and healthcare contracting negotiations.
Aside from her professional endeavors, Haydee is an active member of the local community and believes in the power of collaboration and networking. Actively participating in various community events, committees, and has made significant contributions to local organizations. Haydee has a long-standing commitment to Dress for Success. Since joining in 2011, she has been dedicated to helping women gain confidence and skills necessary for job readiness. Haydee is an active board member with Dress for Success Palm Beaches, serves as a mentor in the Road to Success Program, and volunteers in various DFSPB initiatives.
founder and board emeritus
Diane Wilde
Diane Wilde opened the Dress for Success Palm Beaches affiliate in April of 2010. She spearheaded the growth and expansion of the organization from assisting 79 clients during the first year to over 500 in 2015.