Vancouver Notables is the ongoing interview series where “No Fun City” shows off. More like burlesque than a talent show, Vancouver Notables wants you doing what you do best, but with sequins on your nipples. Tell us who you are, what you’re doing that’s of note and why, oh why, are you rocking that boat?  

Sad Mag cornered Dress for Success organizer Jackie Powell and asked her all sorts of questions about her work helping disadvantaged women get back on their feet.

Sad Mag: Who are you?
Jackie Powell: My name is Jackie Powell and I’m a relatively new addition to Vancouver. I moved to this fine city at the beginning of last year and fell in love with its beauty. I have been involved with community outreach programs for women and children for over 10 years now. This year I am proudly chairing the Dress for Success 5KM Power Walk that is happing on Saturday May 11th around Queen Elizabeth Park.

SM: What is Dress for Success and how did you get involved?
JP: It was an easy decision for me to get involved with DFS because they promote the economic independence of women in a sustainable way. They believe in treating the problem, not the symptoms, by setting women up with equal opportunities for employment. I think most Vancouverites know that we have a problem with the socio-economic distribution in this city and there are simply not enough programs to support the many people needing a break. Strong, self-sustaining women are key to the overall wellbeing of a city. Women typically reinvest a much higher portion of funds into their families and the community than men, and therefore speed up the process of overcoming poverty. The mission of DFS is to help disadvantaged women overcome their current hardships by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. I am a strong believer in the power of women and I think our capabilities are limitless when given an equal playing field!

SM: You’ve been with DFS for how long?
JP: I’ve been volunteering with DFS for over a year now.

SM: If you could choose a dream route (any country, any season, any difficulty level) for the DFS power walk, where would it be?
JP: Well, my dream route for the Power Walk would end up being far longer than 5KM! It would start at ground zero in downtown Vancouver at our DFS office on Hastings Street. We would head out through the streets of our city reaching out a hand to any and all disadvantaged women along the way. Our walk would continue on past city limits and span the country. By the time we crossed the finish line in the east, we would have successfully helped every woman in Canada!

SM: People often accuse Vancouver of being “No Fun City.” Do you agree or disagree? What for you makes Vancouver unique?
JP: Although I understand the “No Fun” argument, I disagree. There is no question that this city thrives in the daytime with all of its outdoor beauty, then seems to slow to an agonizing halt once the sun goes down but I believe the fun is still out there… we just don’t know where to look. Vancouver is full of art and culture but it needs to be better represented and better accepted. I feel like there is a lack of acceptance when things are done differently. We have the population to support all types of people and artists but somehow there is a push for conformity that seems to happen here. If people stepped out of their boxes or for that matter out of their neighborhoods, they would find a buzzing city out there that is comparable to the New Yorks of the world!

SM: Favourite local Vancity spot?
JP: I have so many favorites but right now I would say the Calabash Bistro tops my list. Great Caribbean food and even better dancing!

SM: Where are you as you answer these questions?
JP: I’m sitting on my work patio overlooking the harbor and Lions Gate Bridge. Not a bad view!

SM: Last album you listened to?
JP: Frank Ocean

SM: What are you most excited about right now?
JP: Right now I am most excited about the DFS Power Walk next month. We have been in full-planning mode since January, so it is exciting to see it come into fruition! Our planning committee is full of energetic and determined women that want to help and inspire others so it has been a motivating event to plan. The race will start at the Oakridge Centre Mall at 9:00AM on Saturday May 11th and will go around beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park. There will be keynote speakers, yoga, prizes, auctions, and of course, empowering women empowering women, if you know what I mean!