‘Vonte’s Career Closet’ provides free business attire for AU students

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta native Javonte Coleman is partnering with Augusta University to create Vonte’s Career Closet, an initiative that provides students with donated professional attire.

Jennifer Beiza-Flores, a business major at Augusta University, is among the thousands of students who will benefit from the program.

“First impressions are everything. It makes it so accessible for students on campus because you don’t have to go out your way to find clothing for an interview, career fair, networking events etc.,” Beiza-Flores said.

Augusta University students will soon be able to access the free professional clothing designed to help them prepare for interviews, internships and career fairs.

“What goes through my mind when preparing for something like that I would say definitely trying to look my best and this would be a great opportunity to do so,” Beiza-Flores said.

Community partnerships support student success

Sharn Vericella, director of engagement for the Hull College of Business, said partnerships like this are important for the university.

“We have valued partners in the community. We want to keep fostering those relationships and expand them as well. It’s invaluable for our students and we are transforming their lives hopefully, but also they’ll make an impact in the community and transform the community,” Vericella said.

The initiative also helps students avoid the financial burden of purchasing professional clothing. Nearly half of Augusta University students receive Pell Grants, according to Vericella.

“Almost half our students are on Pell Grants, so our students need professional clothing and not just our students, but if you look across the country, prices are going up. Professional clothing is hard to come by. This is a chance for them to have free clothing,” he said.

Beiza-Flores said the community support means a lot to students.

“It feels amazing to have such a great support system especially locally I didn’t know we had these partners behind us,” she said.

Coleman, who now lives out of state, said her corporate experience inspired the initiative. She said many people helped her with professional attire during her career, and she is now able to pay it forward.

Community members can drop off new or gently used professional clothing at three locations by Feb. 20. The donation sites are the Hull College of Business at Augusta University, Veronica’s Hair Salon and Salon Sano.

The event will take place Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the JSAC Ballroom on the Augusta University campus.

The event is free to all Augusta University students.

How to Donate

The community can donate professional clothing now at three drop-off locations:

• Hull College of Business at Augusta University – Allgood Hall N-112
• Veronica’s Hair Salon – 2820 Jordan St.
• Salon Sano – 1505 Monte Sano Ave

Whether you have professional blazers, dress pants, button-ups, skirts, or other business-appropriate clothing you’d like to pass along, donations are being accepted immediately.

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